Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Jun 27, 2022
In Marston, near Lac-Mégantic, Marie Bourassa and Sylvain Denoual, owners of the agrotourism farm Deça Deci are happy to share with you all their great knowledge and passion for animals.
The farm has been in existence since 2013, but it was in 2018 that Marie and Sylvain decided to develop their concept of organizing guided tours and share Marie’s extensive expertise and great passion for her animals. Today, to the guided tours of the farm with Marie, they’ve added workshops for schools and day camps as well as storytelling evenings in the barn.
A visit to the Deça Deci farm is an opportunity to learn more about a variety of animal species. “We’ve developed a multi-breed farm model, because the animals complement each other, both in their needs and how their contribution,” explains Marie. “The horses, sheep and pigs each bring something different to the land and can be placed on new parcels each season. Everything is done in accordance following this natural cycle,” Sylvain adds.
Sheep, pigs, alpacas, miniature horses, rabbits, bees, chickens and poultry, there are more than 300 animals living on the farm. Among these, do you know what an angora rabbits look like? These furry little creatures are bred for their coats, which can be harvested and spun into one of the warmest high-quality wool. But let’s be honest, they’re also truly adorable!
One thing is certain, Marie and Sylvain’s values transcend everything relating to the farm, whether it concerns their respect for the animals, for the land, as well as for the environment. “The priority is given to the animals. We want to offer them the best possible conditions and care, to give them a life that reflects their true nature,” says Marie. In a similar way, the environment is at the heart of the farm operations, among other things thanks to their multi-breed approach, which allows the sustainability of both the soil and the planet.
Indeed, you can sense this difference in the products they offer here. Some of the animals are raised for their meat, which is then processed or sold by the cut. All the work they put into their animals’ welfare is apparent: “We sell our meat and products at a little higher price than what people are used to paying, but our customers are satisfied,” emphasizes Marie. “You can really notice the difference in the care given to the animals through the taste and quality of the meat.”
The Deça Deci, agrotourism farm is above all a project developed on a truly human scale. In fact, you can immediately sense this when you arrive on the farm. Marie and Sylvain are eager to share their knowledge, to see people’s curiosity being aroused and to establish a connection with their visitors through the animals.
Having lived in the Eastern Townships for quite some time, it was only logical for Marie and Sylvain to establish their farm here when they decided to launch their project. “We appreciate the great vitality of the region while still being able to maintain its rural spirit,” says Marie. “Because people here are open to culinary initiatives and artisanal productions, we really feel we fit in.”
You’ll discover a place brimming with vitality, beauty and warmth at the Deça Deci agrotourism farm, where you’ll definitely be touched by Marie and Sylvain’s passion and dynamism.
This is truly the perfect outing to plan this summer that will certainly please the entire family.
A piece of Alfred le fermier from La Station’s cheese factory, along with some Mariemelade from Jardin des Grenouilles Charmantes.
Terroir Artisans
Marie-Chantal Houde — Co-Owner of Fromagerie Nouvelle France
Terroir Artisans
Guillaume Leroux – Co-Owner of Val Caudalies
Terroir Artisans
Marthe Tremblay – Founder and Coordinator of La Mante du Carré
