Debates, workshops, and the heritage of native breeds
On 13–15 June 2025, the National Research Institute of Animal Production had the pleasure of participating in the National Field Days 2025 – the largest agricultural event in the country, which was organized for the first time in Bratoszewice in the Łódzkie Voivodeship. It was a unique opportunity to present the Institute’s activities for the conservation of native breeds, the promotion of breeding traditions, and the implementation of modern solutions in sustainable agriculture. Numerous attractions, workshops, presentations, and debates attracted a wide range of visitors – farmers, producers, as well as families with children.
Debate on the future of dairy farming with the participation of the Institute’s Director
An important part of the programme was a debate with the participation of the Institute’s Director, Tomasz Jacek, Ph.D. Eng., devoted to the future of dairy farming. Experts discussed innovations in dairy cattle breeding, technologies to increase milk production efficiency, and ways to ensure animal welfare in the context of climate change and growing consumer expectations. They considered the challenges and opportunities facing the dairy sector in the coming years, as well as the role of native breeds in ensuring sustainable development.
Field Days 2025 – the tastes and smells of tradition
The Ecology Zone hosted workshops on butter and cheese making, led by Andrzej Lassak, a certified producer of cheeses bearing the prestigious “Rasa Rodzima” (Native Breed) quality mark awarded by the National Research Institute of Animal Production. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the process of producing cheese from the milk of Polish Red-and-White cows, valued for their excellent taste and contribution to biodiversity conservation. The producer was also present at his stand in the Ecology Zone, where visitors could taste his products and talk about the secrets of traditional cheese making.
Natural soaps made from mare’s milk – workshops with Katarzyna Marcińczak
The workshops led by Katarzyna Marcińczak, a breeder of Sztumski horses and a producer of natural cosmetics, were very popular. Participants learned how to make natural soaps based on mare’s milk, learning about the properties of this unique raw material and the production process from scratch. Katarzyna Marcińczak’s products, like Mr Lassak’s cheese products, are certified as “Rasa Rodzima”.
National Research Institute of Animal Production stand – education, tastings, and biodiversity
In the Science and Consultancy Zone, the National Research Institute of Animal Production prepared a stand that attracted a lot of interest. Visitors could taste cheeses and other dairy products made from milk from native breeds, see live ducklings and goslings – an attraction particularly popular with children – and talk to the Institute’s experts about breeding, the conservation of genetic resources, and the importance of native livestock breeds. It was an excellent opportunity to gain direct access to knowledge, experience, and practice in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry.
We would like to thank everyone who visited our stand and took part in the workshops organized by the National Research Institute of Animal Production during the National Field Days 2025 in Bratoszewice. We are glad that we were able to jointly promote the heritage of Polish breeding, environmental education, and traditional food production methods.
