The Valanjou story Near Clyde Alberta, Henri and Odette Lusson purchased their first purebred Charolais bull in 1964. In September of 1967, an opportunity arose and Valanjou Charolais was estab lished through the purchase of 32 purebred females from a dispersal sale. Phillipe was born 3 months after the new herd arrived, so he was quite literally born into the breed. In 1970 Henri imported 5 females and 1 bull “Gascon” from France who then became a foun dation sire for the Lusson family. Many animals today still trace back to that bloodline. Valanjou Charolais has supplied many bulls to Clyde and the greater Alberta area over the years.

In the early 90’s Philippe became the head of Valanjou Charolais and since then continues to carry on the Full French and French influenced genetics of the great white breed. One of the most memorable moments of Valanjou Charolais was when ANJOU PUREPOWER 184Y held the title for the “Highest Selling Bull Calf” at the Alberta Select sale in 2011. He was sold at $21,000. He went on to have a huge impact on the Charmark Charolais herd.

Philippe has a son, Mateo, as well as two daughters Emilie (far right) and Dante (far left). While Philippe travelled around to many Charolais cattle events he never had to worry about the ranch due to help from his kids and Rae. Growing up, the kids were involved in 4-H and saw great success. During the last decade, Philippe’s niece took home “Carcass Champion” four years in a row with full French and French influenced steers.

Today, Phillippe is still persistently breeding French and French influenced pure-bred Charolais cattle. “All through the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, all the way through, we always used full French bulls, even on our purebred cows, After 50 years they all look full French.” -Philippe