On 25–27 August 2023, the 22nd Farewell to the Holidays in Rudawka Rymanowska took place, as part of which the Regional Exhibition of Native Breeds was organized.
Twenty-one exhibitors participated in this year’s Exhibition, presenting the following breeds, varieties and strains of livestock (a total of 52 animals and 10 flocks of poultry, as well as a demonstration beehive with Carniolan bees):
- cattle (four breeders presented 8 animals and 4 breeds): Polish Red, Polish Red-and-White, Polish Black-and-White, and White-backed;
- horses (five breeders presented 6 animals and 5 breeds): Polish Konik, Hucul, Małopolski, Silesian and cold-blooded mares of the Sokólski type and a Małopolski stallion;
- sheep (six breeders presented 19 animals and 6 breeds): Wrzosówka, Świniarka, Podhale Zackel, Polish Pogórza, Polish Black-headed and Olkuska sheep;
- goats: (five breeders presented 17 goats and 3 breeds): Karpacka, Sandomierska, Kazimierzowska;
- hens (two breeders presented 8 flocks): 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), Polish Crested (CP-11 and CP-22);
- geese (two breeders presented 2 flocks): Biłgoraj (Bi), Zatorska (Zd-1),
- Popielno White rabbits (one breeder presented 2 animals);
- Dobra line Carniolan bees (one breeder presented 1 display).
On the first day, there was a demonstration of native breed animals, hosted by Prof. Józefa Krawczyk, Ph.D. She introduced the audience to the role and importance of animals of native breeds. Breeders presented cattle, horses, sheep and goats in the ring and other species at stands, i.e. poultry and fur animals. Experts (coordinators and employees of the National Research Institute of Animal Production) discussed the history and characteristics of the individual breeds, presented the breeders participating in the show, and provided information on financial support for native animal breeds. The show attracted a large audience.
For the first time, the “Most Beautiful Animals at the Regional Exhibition of Native Breeds” were selected. The selection was made by a Commission composed of Prof. Józefa Krawczyk, Ph.D., Aldona Kawęcka, Ph.D., Prof. of NRIAP, Anna Majewska, Ph.D. Eng., Iwona Tomczyk-Wrona, Ph.D. Eng. Six animals were distinguished from the following species:
- Horses – ADEL 616 006 630 156 518 owned by Bogdan Śliż
- Cattle – FIOLKA PL 0055 1648 7109 owned by Experimental Station of the NRIAP Chorzelów sp. z o.o.
- Sheep – PL 1000 2188 1210 owned by Artur Franczak
- Goats – PL 2000 0195 3088 owned by Tomasz Godlewski
- Laying hens – CP-22 owned by University of Agriculture in Kraków
- Geese – Biłgoraj goose owned by Zbigniew Kołodziej’s “Majątek Rutka”
Statues for the prize-winners and certificates of participation in the exhibition were presented on Sunday by the Deputy Director of the National Animal Breeding Centre – Monika Kajak, a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – Magdalena Mietlicka-Zakrzewska, Deputy Director of the National Research Institute of Animal Production – Prof. Sylwester Świątkiewicz, Ph.D., Prof. Józefa Krawczyk, Ph.D., and Aldona Kawęcka, Ph.D., Prof. of NRIAP. In addition, one special prize (cup) founded by the President of the National Union of Polish Red Cattle Breeders, Piotr Smaga, was presented. The winner was Jan Janik – breeder of Polish Red cattle.
Information and promotional materials were distributed at the NRIAP stand. Breeders and visitors received the Catalogue of Native Breeds, as well as leaflets and brochures on animals of native breeds.
On Sunday, an “Art competition for children” was held, which involved drawing native breed animals of their choice. Fifty children took part in the competition and prizes were awarded in three age categories: 3–5 years, 6–8 years and 9–12 years. Three outstanding entries were awarded in each group. The remaining children received consolation prizes. Visitors were entertained by performances by musical groups, numerous tastings and the so-called “Hucul Trail”. Companies operating in the agri-food sector also presented their extensive range of products and services.
