A visit to the demonstration farm in Czarna Górna as part of sub-measure 1.2.
“Support for demonstration projects and information activities” of the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 on Modern technologies for breeding and raising beef cattle.
The demonstrations are being carried out as part of sub-measure 1.2 “Support for demonstration projects and information activities” of the 2014–2020 Rural Development Programme for Modern technologies for breeding and raising beef cattle, financed by the “Cooperation” measure run by the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture.
The aim of the project is to set up demonstration farms for the breeding and raising of beef cattle and to introduce and disseminate modern tools and solutions to support the keeping and use of animals.
“Innovative solutions in beef cattle breeding in the Bieszczady region” is the topic of a precise presentation, providing another example of good practice in this field. The visit took place on 17 May 2023 on a farm which specializes in breeding Limousin beef cattle, located in the small village of Czarna Górna, a few kilometres from Ustrzyki Dolne (Podkarpackie Voivodeship). The farm belongs to Jacek Majcher and is managed by an experienced zootechnician, Andrzej Hrabal. The breeding herd comprises more than 300 cattle of the breed, with all animals coming from domestic herds affiliated with the Polish Association of Beef Cattle Breeders and Producers, which ensures the purity of the breed. There are 82 hectares of grassland on the farm and 2 hectares of land are leased from the National Support Centre for Agriculture. From May to November, cows and their calves are grazed in the Bieszczady mountain pastures. The animals travel more than 5 kilometres along dirt roads and forest tracks to reach the Bieszczady foothills.
The on-farm demonstration includes spring/summer grazing and pasture preparation for the grazing season, and autumn grazing and herd preparation for the winter season. Three farmer visits are planned during the demonstration.
During the first visit, participants were introduced to the owners of the farm and had the opportunity to see all the farm equipment. Fifteen beef cattle breeders from the Bieszczady County took part. The topic of the demonstration and its innovative nature were discussed in detail, and participants had the opportunity to visit the cowsheds, feed store, pastures and garage with machinery. The main focus was on the conditions for keeping and breeding cattle in harsh mountain conditions, prevention and treatment, and various methods of planned reproduction to maximize the profitability of beef production. Pasturing, feeding and ensuring animal welfare were also discussed.
Participants listened to presentations on “Breeding work on a beef cattle farm” and “Cattle reproduction and reproductive management”, given by farm supervisor Marek Owsiany and additionally by scientific supervisor Bartosz Szymik, Ph.D. Eng. The audience was introduced to the various breeds of beef cattle bred in Poland and their characteristics predisposing them to various forms of use and fattening. They also discussed topics related to reproduction management and the use of techniques supporting reproduction of beef cattle in herds. Bartosz Szymik Ph.D. Eng also presented the equipment and systems planned for purchase as part of the “Demonstrations” project.