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The XXIIème CHAPITRE of the Confrérie du Bœuf Gascon
took place at the fête du Bœuf Gascon de Carnaval on 16th February 2013 at the Village de Marques in NAILLOUX (31).
The Confrérie du bœuf gascon, dear to Grand Maistre François Toulis: the « Vicomte » Jean-Claude Skréla sponsors Fabien Pelous, wearing the red beret of the applicant. Mme Sassano, butcher and Conseillère Régionale, will do the same with M.Maynadier, renowned Label Rouge butcher of Lézignan (11).
Recent events have raised awareness amongst the most undiscriminating consumer; the fête du bœuf gascon de carnaval, Saturday, 16the February, at the Village de Marques, convinced them – if this was required – of the need to promote direct selling of beef from the farms in the area.
Organised by the «owners» of Club XV and La Cocagne, Fabien Pelous and Sébastien Pouil, the day began with an auction of fifteen beautiful pieces of bœuf gascon Label Rouge giving a net income of 2,905 € which was given to the association «Un maillot pour la vie» which helps hospitalized children to meet their sporting heroes.
«These, like the others, must not give up» said the president of the association, before telling how some may have visited the Olympics last summer in London.
At the heart of the event, there was, of course, the native son, Fabien Pelous, juggling his business with his heart: the association of which he is patron, sport at a high level and his high quality restaurant. «I am pleased to share everything dear to my heart» he said.
There was one who could steal the spotlight, Danton, a magnificent Gascon bœuf from Ariege, 5 years old and almost a tonne in weight, slaughtered for a good cause at Pamiers, raised at Saverdun by his friend and old team-mate, Gérard Masse.
Induction and local products
Through him, the ancient custom of the bœuf gascon de carnaval was restored and the confrérie of the same name took the opportunity to induct, in the afternoon, three famous applicants including the siteholder.
Beyond the very pleasant decorum of the ceremony on this spring Saturday, it was in place to honour the superb rustic Gascon Breed and also to admit the president de la chambre d'agriculture of Haute-Garonne: Yvon Parayre. Its traceability, known and recognized, justifies the choice of local high quality. «On ne peut pas faire plus court de l'éleveur à la table», affirmed Fabien Pelous.
And concluded with a joke: «He and I are proof that local products are of high quality…. »
Source : La Dépêche du Midi, 18/02/2013
Photo : Groupe Gascon
HEIFER PEPINIERES: AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW!
Monsieur Francis Marquié, Caignac breeder, in Haute-Garonne, created a Pépinière this year with the acquisition of 13 Gascon heifers from excellent herds.
He found these animals, on a low cost diet, had a good growth, (500kg on average at 24 months), and were managed easily. Now, these heifers will be AI’d after synchronisation and will be sold in the spring: guaranteed health status and in-calf.
The experience seems to have pleased this breeder who has another batch of calves, acquired in autumn 2012, to ensure a rotation. Like Mr Marquié, other breeders have joined the project since: Heifer Pépinières.
We assure them of our support for their enterprises both with advice and with marketing.
If, like these breeders, this project interests you, do not hesitate to contact us at Groupe Gascon (Philippe Marcel, 06 74 57 02 28). Indeed, contacts exist for in-calf heifers. We will do our best to guide you through this process.
BREVES
The Gascon continues its tour of Europe.
On 6th February, 8 pairs walked on the Swiss snow. We congratulate the Swiss breeder who continues to appreciate our breed and the Jacquemin family who exported these animals.
Show preparation of animals: a copy of the DVD « Soulignet method» is available to each Regional Gascon Group to encourage its breeders to prepare their animals for shows and presentations, but also to show them safe ways of working at handling times, especially weaning.
Obituaries
- Roland JAMMES of Bourg d’Oueil (31) lost his wife, Simone on 23rd January 2013 at the age of 56 years. All our condolences to this great mountain family.
- Henri Respaud, died 23rd Febraury 2013 at Mas d’Azil. Never happier than when amongst his fattening bœufs, morning, noon and night…. but Gérard and Patrick, his son and grandson, continue the tradition of « Gail ». May he rest in peace.
- Alain Malafosse, former Director of UNCEIA, died after a long illness in his 67th year on 17th February 2013. He was part of the generation who rebuilt the French genetic organisation after the Loi sur l’Elevage de 1966.
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or bulling, from the best Gascon breeders, reared in the pépinière from one year old, summering on semi-estive. Maximum health status: IBR - qualification A, BVD free, Johnes tested…
