French farmers have taken drastic action against travellers occupying their property by systematically spraying liquid manure across their fields in Hautes-Vosges, eastern France, after allegedly receiving no assistance from law enforcement to remove what they described as an unlawful encampment.
The landowners deployed multiple agricultural vehicles in a coordinated operation to distribute the foul-smelling mixture of excrement and water across the area where the travellers had settled. Video footage captured the dramatic confrontation as half a dozen tractors encircled stationary pale-coloured caravans, discharging torrents of sludge across the site.
The farmers expressed frustration at what they perceived as abandonment by authorities who had allegedly failed to address their complaints about the unauthorised settlement on their land. Their decision to employ farm equipment for spreading manure represented what they described as a last resort after other channels had proved ineffective.
During the confrontation, residents of the encampment scrambled desperately to intervene as the farmers methodically distributed the manure. The travellers could be seen pursuing the tractors in attempts to prevent the spraying of waste material, with the situation escalating as community members tried unsuccessfully to shield their temporary dwellings from the onslaught.
One individual took extraordinary measures by leaping onto a moving tractor and pounding on the operator’s cabin window in an attempt to stop the spraying. The minute-long recording documented the farmers’ determination to reclaim their property through this unconventional method, with tractors working in coordination to ensure comprehensive coverage of their farm.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by farmers when confronting unauthorised encampments without support from law enforcement. Local media reports indicated the farmers decided to take matters into their own hands after “not receiving any help from the police” to “get rid of an illegal gypsy camp.
The sprayed liquid, identified as pig manure, creates an odour so strong and long-lasting that the air becomes unbreathable for several days, according to observers familiar with agricultural practices. This characteristic makes the tactic particularly effective at rendering an area temporarily uninhabitable.
The confrontation bears striking resemblance to events in Devon last year when British farmer Jack Bellamy employed identical tactics against a trespasser on his property. The 29-year-old beef and sheep farmer from Tavistock discovered an unauthorised camper at 6am and responded by unleashing a 15-second barrage of slurry from his tractor.
“I’ll tell you what chap, have a bit of this,” Bellamy declared whilst dousing the tent and bicycle with excrement. The third-generation farmer later explained his frustration to media outlets, stating: “They come up from the towns and think they can do what they want.”
Bellamy noted that two legitimate campsites existed merely half a mile from his field, suggesting the trespasser “just didn’t want to pay”. He added: “They’ve got no knowledge of the countryside at all. They wouldn’t like it if I went camping in their garden.”
The Devon incident, which was captured on video, showed the camper desperately trying to zip up his tent before diving behind it as a wall of excrement showered down. Bellamy reported that when his father returned to check later, the tent had vanished, leaving only a white patch where the slurry hadn’t reached.
French farmers have a history of using manure as a protest tool. In January 2024, protesting farmers blocked roads across France and sprayed liquid manure at government buildings to press for loosened regulations and protection from cheap imports. The tactic has become something of a signature move for agricultural protests in the country.
The Hautes-Vosges incident has generated mixed reactions on social media. Some commenters expressed support for the farmers’ actions, with one declaring it the “feelgood video of the day” and another noting “Respect!” for the agricultural workers. However, others raised concerns about the confrontational nature of the response.
The issue of unauthorised encampments on agricultural land remains a contentious topic across Europe. In England and Wales, wild camping is illegal and considered a civil offence, with exceptions only in some parts of Dartmoor. Landowners must typically request trespassers to leave before taking any action, and responses must be proportionate.
The French incident highlights the ongoing tensions between property rights and the needs of travelling communities. While farmers argue they need to protect their land and livestock from unauthorised occupation, critics suggest such extreme measures risk escalating conflicts unnecessarily.
As one observer noted, the smell of pig manure is particularly potent and persistent, making the affected area effectively uninhabitable for extended periods. This characteristic has made manure spraying an increasingly popular, if controversial, method for farmers seeking to reclaim their land from unauthorised occupants.
The Hautes-Vosges farmers’ action represents the latest example of agricultural workers taking enforcement into their own hands when they feel official channels have failed them. Whether such tactics will become more widespread remains to be seen, but the incident certainly illustrates the frustrations felt by rural landowners across Europe.
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