The National Exhibition of Native Breeds, held in Rudawka Rymanowska from 28 to 30 August 2026, brought together 24 exhibitors, two of whom presented two animal species each. The event gathered breeders of native farm animal breeds and provided an opportunity to showcase their achievements, exchange experiences and raise awareness of the importance of conserving animal genetic resources.
Native Breeds at the Exhibition
The exhibitors presented the following animal breeds, varieties and lines:
- Cattle (8 animals): Polish Red (2), Polish Red-and-White (2), Polish Black-and-White (2) and White-backed (2).
- Horses (8 animals): six mares representing the Polish Konik, Hucul, Silesian and Wielkopolska breeds, as well as cold-blooded horses of the Sokólski and Sztumski types, and two stallions of the Małopolska and Wielkopolska breeds.
- Sheep (20 animals): Wrzosówka, Olkuska, Świniarka, Podhale Zackel, Polish Pogórza and Black-headed sheep – two ewes and one ram of each breed.
- Goats (21 animals): Carpathian goats (15), Sandomierska goats (3) and Kazimierzowska goats (3).
- Rabbits: Popielno White rabbits (2).
- Bees: Carniolan honey bees (one demonstration hive).
A total of 59 animals and a demonstration hive of Carniolan honey bees were presented during the Exhibition.
Judging of Carpathian Goats and Ceremonial Animal Presentation
On the second day of the Exhibition, Carpathian goats were judged by a committee consisting of Professor Jędrzej Krupiński, Professor Sylwester Świątkiewicz and Dr hab. Aldona Kawęcka, Professor at the National Research Institute of Animal Production. The committee evaluated the animals on display and selected the Exhibition Champion and Reserve Champion.
The title of Exhibition Champion was awarded to goat No. PL209000399194, bred by Mr Grzegorz Sieńko. The title of Reserve Champion went to goat No. PL200002527158 from the Experimental Station of the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Odrzechowa.
The judging was followed by a ceremonial presentation of native breed animals, hosted by Dr Eng. Agnieszka Chełmińska.
The Exhibition was officially opened by Dr Eng. Tomasz Jacek, Director of the National Research Institute of Animal Production, who welcomed the breeders, invited guests and all participants attending the event.
Cattle, horses, sheep and goats were presented in the show ring, while fur-bearing animals and bees were displayed at specially prepared exhibition stands.
The Institute’s coordinators responsible for the conservation of genetic resources of individual animal species introduced the history, characteristics and importance of the breeds on display and presented the breeders participating in the Exhibition.
The show attracted considerable public interest and a large audience. It also provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of conserving native farm animal breeds and to highlight the work of breeders committed to preserving valuable animal genetic resources.
During the presentation, Mr Jacek Chmielewski from the Department of Direct Payments at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development addressed the audience, explaining issues related to financial support for native breeds under the Common Agricultural Policy.
National Research Institute of Animal Production – Knowledge, Advice and Meetings with Breeders
During the Exhibition, the Institute’s stand was visited by Marcin Tomaszewski, Director of the Department of Knowledge Transfer and Social Affairs at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The Institute’s coordinators of animal genetic resources conservation programmes were available at the stand to provide visitors with information about individual native breeds, the principles of their conservation and opportunities to obtain financial support under farm animal genetic resources conservation programmes.
The Institute’s stand also served as a meeting place for breeders, providing opportunities to exchange experiences and discuss current challenges and future prospects for the breeding of native animal breeds.
Best-Prepared Animals at the Exhibition
During the event, a committee consisting of Dr hab. Aldona Kawęcka, Professor at the Institute, Dr Eng. Jacek Sikora, Dr Eng. Anna Majewska, Dr Eng. Grażyna Polak and MSc Eng. Lucyna Bobak selected the best-prepared animals for the Exhibition in each species category.
| No. | Species | Breed / Line / Sex | Breeder (Owner) | Catalogue No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goats | Sandomierska goat, PL 200002248794 | Paweł Wilkus | 79 |
| 2 | Sheep | Podhale Zackel ram, PL100033225774 | Marcin Misiura | 46 |
| 3 | Cattle | White-backed cow, JOLA PL005372144857 | Wojciech Pawłowski | 5 |
| 4 | Horses | Sztumski-type cold-blooded mare, GWIEZDNA 616010570112920 | Bartłomiej Bajorek | 23 |
Statuettes and certificates for the Exhibition Champion and Reserve Champion, awards for the best-prepared animals, and certificates of participation for native breed breeders were presented on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
The awards were presented by Dr Eng. Tomasz Jacek, Director of the National Research Institute of Animal Production, Dr Eng. Władysław Brejta, President of ZD IZ PIB Odrzechowa Sp. z o.o., and Jacek Chmielewski from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Awards for Young Breeders
On the second day of the Exhibition, an awards ceremony was also held for young breeders.
The awards, funded by the National Research Institute of Animal Production, were presented by Dr Eng. Tomasz Jacek, Director of the Institute.
Meetings with Breeders and Accompanying Events
The Exhibition was accompanied by promotional stands offering products obtained from native animal breeds, including cow’s and goat’s cheeses, as well as soaps and shampoos made with milk from Sztumski-type mares.
On Saturday evening, a meeting was held between native breed breeders, the Director of the National Research Institute of Animal Production, and the coordinators and staff involved in organising the Exhibition.
The meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, providing an opportunity for direct discussions, the exchange of experiences and joint consideration of issues relating to the breeding and conservation of native farm animal breeds.
It also created a welcoming environment for sharing opinions and getting to know one another, helping to strengthen relations between breeders and representatives of the Institute.
The traditional “Breeders’ Evening”, organised by the Experimental Station in Odrzechowa, was also held, and visitors were able to enjoy a fireworks display.
Children’s Art Competition and Biodiversity Education
On Saturday, 29 August, the traditional Children’s Art Competition was held, inviting children to draw native breeds of farm animals.
A total of 56 children aged up to 14 participated in the competition.
A judging committee consisting of Professor Dorota Kowalska, Dr hab. Aldona Kawęcka, Professor at the Institute, Professor Sylwester Świątkiewicz and Dr Eng. Marta Pasternak-Chorosz awarded prizes in four age categories: 3–5, 6–8, 9–11 and 12–14 years.
Three entries were awarded prizes in each age category. In addition, all participating children received consolation prizes.
The prizes were presented by Dr Eng. Tomasz Jacek, Director of the National Research Institute of Animal Production, and Professor Dorota Kowalska.
While the committee was evaluating the entries, selected staff members from the Department of Farm Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Horse Breeding conducted a biodiversity lesson for the children attending the event.
The participants had an opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the differences between animal species and breeds and to understand why the conservation of biological diversity is so important.
Visitors were also entertained by performances from musical groups, numerous food tastings and the so-called “Hucul Trail”.
Companies operating in the agricultural and food sector also presented a wide range of products.
Conservation of Native Breeds – A Shared Responsibility
The National Exhibition of Native Breeds in Rudawka Rymanowska was an important event promoting Polish native farm animal breeds and the achievements of their breeders.
The participation of the National Research Institute of Animal Production contributed to raising awareness of the value of native animal genetic resources, the importance of their conservation and the role of breeders in preserving the biological diversity of farm animals.
