Genuine Stories : stories of breeders and companies
Genuine Stories: authentic tales from agricultural lands
In the vast panorama of agriculture and breeding, the stories of those who carry forward their ideas with passion and dedication are authentic pearls. Even the small mouthpiece of an idea can generate significant impact, shaping the direction of the industry.
We will discover two unique stories emerging from agricultural lands, tales of farmers who, with their vision and practices, are helping to shape a sustainable and inspiring future. These are not just stories of corporate success, but also of commitment to sustainability, innovation and respect for nature.
Azienda Agricola Padovano Sorrentino: biosecurity, circular economy and sustainability
The Padovano Sorrentino agricultural company, located in the Agropontino area, in the Municipality of Sermoneta, stands out in the agronomist world for the concrete answers provided to the crucial issues of biosecurity, circular economy and sustainability, with an innovative approach in the management of nutrition, structures and manure of cattle.
The plain, part of the reclamation of the Agro Pontino, has a high agricultural vocation thanks to the fertile soil, the abundant water resources and the favorable climate offered by the combination of sea and mountains. Until the 1970s, agriculture and livestock, especially cattle, dominated as the main economic activities.
Today there is a renewed interest in agriculture, with a diversification that ranges from the cultivation of vegetables to orchards up to the breeding of dairy buffaloes, which have almost completely replaced those of cattle.
The Azienda Agricola Padovano Sorrentino fits into this context, a true jewel of the area. Dairy buffaloes are raised with an innovative approach which concerns the position of the newborn calves, the height and shape of the stables to allow greater ventilation and the increase in space dedicated to the cattle (about 16 m2 per head) to allow greater walking, having benefits on the growth and lactation of calves.
But not only that, they also worked hard in feeding the cattle (with autumn winter crops and alfalfa), almost completely eliminating a parasite (coccidiosis) and increasing the growth of the calves, improving the fertilization plans.
In addition to the breeding aspects, they have implemented a true circular economy on the farm, creating a biogas plant (which produces around 300 kW per hour and hot water then used on the farm) powered entirely with the manure produced on the farm by the cattle which are also used as fertilizer for gears used for feeding.
In short, a true example of sustainability.
Boselli Enrico and Antonio company: innovative management of calves
The topic of early cow-calf separation is emerging as an issue of growing public interest, as consumers struggle to understand the purely technical reasons behind certain practices. In a market where buyer preferences have a significant impact, an open dialogue is essential to find alternatives that meet the needs of producers and the desires of consumers.
In the context of this discussion, the "Boselli Enrico e Antonio" agricultural company in the province of Lodi is a case in point. This company has approximately 100 hectares of land and 100 milking dairy cows and is focused on sustainability, with agricultural practices that embrace minimal processing, the use of digestate for fertilization and diversified crops.
On the livestock side, the company has recently undergone a significant transformation. In 2019, a complete reorganization began which led to the installation of two milking robots in 2020. One of the owners highlights the importance of large spaces, the use of technologies such as milking robots and cooling systems, and the attention to sustainability in all company practices.
When it comes to reproductive and calf management, the company has taken an innovative approach. After a couple of days with their mothers, the calves are transferred to another pen with a cow at the end of her career or a cow to be dried. This allows the calves to learn to feed themselves before being transferred to an automatic feeding system.
This innovative choice raises questions about health management: such as the importance of environmental hygiene, keeping the litter box dry and clean with the aid of ventilation. Despite the recent introduction of this practice, no significant health problems have emerged.
The Boselli Enrico e Antonio company is an example of how innovation can combine with traditional agricultural practices to create a sustainable and productive environment. Their experience demonstrates that, with adequate attention and the correct approach, it is possible to adopt innovative practices without compromising animal welfare and sanitary safety.