On 23–25 August 2024, the “23rd Farewell to the Holidays in Rudawka Rymanowska” took place, which included the National Exhibition of Native Breeds, the Regional Hucul Horse Championship, and the National Exhibition of Simmental Cattle.

Twenty-three exhibitors participated in this year’s National Exhibition of Native Breeds, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development together with the National Research Institute of Animal Production, presenting the following breeds, varieties and strains of animals (three exhibitors presented several animal species):

• cattle (8 head): Polish Red, Polish Red-and-White, Polish Black-and-White, and White-backed;
• horses (7 head): mares of the Polish Konik, Hucul, Małopolska, Silesian and cold-blooded Sokólski and Sztumski breeds, and a stallion of the Małopolska breed;
• sheep (18 head): Wrzosówka, Świniarka, Podhale Zackel, Polish Pogórza Sheep, Black-headed and Olkuska – two ewes and one ram from each breed;
• Carpathian goats (6 head), Sandomierska goats (3 head) and Kazimierzowska goats (3 head);
• hens (6 strains): Green-legged Partridge (Z-11), Yellow-legged Partridge (Ż-33), Leghorn (G-99), Sussex (S-66), Rhode Island Red (R-11), Rhode Island White (A-33);
• Geese (6 strains): Kuban (Ku), Podkarpacka (Pd), Garbonosa (Ga), Lubelska (Lu), Pomeranian (Po), Rypińska (Ry) and Zatorska ZD-1 geese; additionally, the White Kołuda^® goose was presented;
• Ducks (4 strains): domestic Pekin P-33, Danish Pekin P-8, K-2 and KhO-1 mini-duck;
• Popielno White rabbits (2 head);
• Carniolan bees (1 demonstration hive).

A total of 47 animals and 16 flocks of poultry were on display, as well as a demonstration hive with Carniolan bees.

During the exhibition, a livestock show of native breeds was held, hosted by Prof. Józefa Krawczyk, Ph.D. Breeders presented cattle, horses, sheep and goats in the ring, and other species at the stands, i.e. poultry, fur animals and bees. Coordinators from the National Research Institute of Animal Production introduced the history and characteristics of the individual breeds and presented the participating breeders. The show was extremely interesting and attracted a large audience. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Czesław Siekierski, Ph.D., was in the audience.

Throughout the exhibition, coordinators were on duty, providing information on specific breeds and opportunities for financial support for native animal breeds.

On Saturday, a commission composed of Prof. Józefa Krawczyk, Ph.D. Aldona Kawęcka, Ph.D., Prof. of the NRIAP, Anna Majewska, Ph.D., Magdalena Dziad M.Sc., Iwona Tomczyk-Wrona, Ph.D., Lucyna Bobak M.Sc. selected the best-prepared animals for exhibition within the species:

Statues for breeders for the best-prepared animals for the exhibition and participation diplomas were handed out on Sunday by the Director of the National Research Institute of Animal Production – Tomasz Jacek, Ph.D., the Plenipotentiary for the Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources – Prof. Józefa Krawczyk, Ph.D., and representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – Magdalena Mietlicka-Zakrzewska, Ph.D. and Jacek Chmielewski.

At the Institute’s stand, banners promoting the event were displayed and information and promotional materials prepared by the Institute’s employees were distributed: leaflets and brochures describing animals of native breeds. A Catalogue of Native Breeds was distributed to breeders and visitors. The presence at the exhibition of a large audience and distinguished guests was an excellent opportunity to promote and disseminate the projects implemented by the National Research Institute of Animal Production – the results of the work of operational groups created as part of the Cooperation measure, as well as ongoing demonstration projects in the field of organic farming and in the field of production and use of domestic sources of plant protein for feed purposes.

An “Art competition for children” was held, as is tradition, which involved drawing farm animals of native breeds. Sixty children aged up to 12 years took part in the competition. Prizes were awarded in four age categories: four works were awarded in the group of children under five years old, and three works each in the other more numerous age groups. In addition, all children received consolation prizes. The awards were presented by the Deputy Director of the National Research Institute of Animal Production – Prof. Sylwester Świątkiewicz, Ph.D., and Prof. Józefa Krawczyk, Ph.D.

Visitors were entertained by live bands, numerous tastings and the so-called “Hucul Trail”. Companies operating in the agri-food sector presented their extensive range of products and services.

In the evening, there was a “Breeder’s Evening” and a fireworks display.

A colourful and cheerful accent, concluding the concurrent National Exhibition of Simmental Cattle, was a display of calves presented by the youngest breeders, organized by the Małopolska Biotechnical Centre in Krasne. The children’s commitment and love of animals was rewarded with numerous gifts. Gifts funded by the National Research Institute of Animal Production were presented by the Director – Tomasz Jacek, Ph.D.

The Institute also funded three prizes for the participants of the Regional Hucul Horse Championships:
– for the best junior mare in the Hucul type,
– for the best senior mare in the Hucul type,
– for the best stallion in the Hucul type.