A unique range for Julien’s chickens & sheep

Julien Van Keerberghen, a farmer located in Piétrebais who has several activities. From a young age, he took care of chickens on the family farm. In recent years, he has ventured into free-range poultry farming, a business dedicated to the direct sale of poultry meat. Among the different varieties of birds he raises are laying hens (Brown, White, Black, Andalusian Blue, Sussex, and Cuckoo).

As Julien is quite dynamic, he became passionate about bees during his studies. He thus practices beekeeping and produces honey. Finally, he also plans to raise sheep that will graze at the foot of his future orchard.

Objective 2025: 30 trees for a standard-stem orchard

In 2025, he plans to build rotating enclosures for his free-range laying hens and protect them from the sun with a standard-stem apple orchard. Additionally, sheep will graze at the foot of the fruit trees to maintain the grass cover.

This orchard will not only provide shade for the well-being of his animals, but will also contribute to biodiversity and the beautification of the landscape. Fruit trees play a beneficial role for pollinators and certain birds.

And of course, the cider! The selected varieties of apple trees will eventually allow for the production of cider. Another commitment by Julien to short supply chains!

What more could we ask for our landscape?

A project carried out in partnership with the Gal Culturalité.

Planting under avian flu conditions

Despite the constraints related to avian flu, the project was able to move forward and the planting was successfully carried out on last November 27th.

It should be noted that in this context, the planter had to obtain a derogation from AFSCA to carry out the work. Julien himself must control his movements to comply with containment measures.

The fruit trees were carefully chosen and planted to ensure their establishment and contribute to structuring the chickens’ ranges!