The barn is occupied during the summer season, depending on grass growth.
It is used to group the cows together for milking and to protect them at night, in stormy weather or during hot spells.
In the last century, there were 9 (to be verified) farms on the Nyon plateau. Each housed 8 to 12 small cows, and each farmer made his own cheese.
When the grass ran out, the cows returned to the wintering farm in the valley.
The farmer’s accommodation was located directly next to the cowshed.
There was also a fodder storage area above the barn.
Everything was organised so that each farmer could make his own cheese on site, which was then transported back down to the valley (usually on sledges or mules).
The development of ski lifts for winter sports activities often meant that these farms could be electrified.
