In 1987, some animals of rare breeds ('Gascon' pigs, 'Landaise' chickens and a 'Lourdaise' calf) came to this farm near the little village of Puynormand between the Dordogne and the Gironde. The farm was soon to become dedicated to the rearing and study of such animals and would assume the name of «FERME CONSERVATOIRE DE LEYSSART» ('Ferme Conservatoire').

The herds and flocks would grew and diversy : nearly all types of domestic breeds would be represented. The farm does its utmost to rehabilitate these forgotten breeds through its participation in numerous exhibitions (e.g. the 'Salon de l'Agriculture d'Aquitaine', local fairs and festivals and the 'Salon de l'Agriculture de Paris' in 1992) and by playing an active role in the various regional and national conservation programmes.

Some ten years later, the difficulties in looking after so many different animals have brought us to a crossroads - a time for reassessment. We need to review everything we have done so far and look for ways which could extend and develop, even complete, some parts of the project, while at the same time perhaps leading us in new directions.