Local breeds

This Auvergne breed is currently the subject of a conservation program for its heritage value, but also for its genetic diversity. These cows are part of a food chain that would be altered by their disappearance. They are strongly linked to the volcanic territory of the Chaine des Puys and the Massif du Sancy through their privileged interactions with the ecosystems of this environment.

Producing Fourme d'Ambert with whole raw milk from Ferrandaises again attests to the link between these cheeses and their regional territory.

The dairy origins of Auvergne sheep have disappeared, La Ferme des Verveines has chosen, in the interest of safeguarding and preserving biodiversity, to work with Manech tête noire sheep. These sheep are the most adapted to our forage self-sufficiency system based on grazed grass and hay.

The Manech Tête Noire is a sheep breed originating from the steep mountain territories of the Basque Country. This breed is recognized for its pastoral qualities, food simplicity, as well as for the high quality of its milk and meat. These sheep add full value to the diversity of the grazed flora, which gives a unique richness of aroma to the crottin and blue cheese.

Mixed grazing combining more than one species of ruminant on the same pasture is a relatively old practice. Massif Central goats traditionally populated the Massif Central, but the current decline in the breed is a cause for concern.

The goats work alongside the sheep as part of the farm's agro-ecological dynamic.

The herds are led under the watchful eye of Brigand our Auvergne Shepherd dog. In 2010 this “country dog” with its acute intelligence was considered extinct. A safeguarding project was initiated in 2014.

This breed represents the last vestiges of endemic working dogs.