Italian Agricultural Lessons
09/01/2012
30 Wales YFC members travelled to Italy as part of the Wales YFC Rural Affairs Study Tour in October which was supported by CCF (Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers) and HCC (Hybu Cig Cymru) in conjunction with the Carmarthenshire Federation of YFC.
Members spent four days in the Lombardy region of Italy with an action packed programme of events, where they explored diversification and niche markets in Italian Agriculture.
The trip included a visit to Ferme Castleverde, where cow nutrition and genetics were of high importance and the group also went to see a bull beef system, a trip to a buffalo farm and a bovine and buffalo AI centre.
Members also learnt how a vineyard marketed its self and attend the Cremona International Fair 2011. The fair consisted of several shows, which included; ‘International Dairy Cattle Show’, ‘ItalPig Show’ the Italian Pig breeding show and ‘Expo Casearia’ an exhibition dedicated to new and innovative technology. They also visited ‘Salone Salute Animale’ an Animal Health Show, and a Limousine Show.
Dewi Hughes, HCC’s Project Executive, said, “By visiting different regions, farmers can see what methods and innovations other farmers use to overcome local issues. The knowledge they gain from these trips can them be applied and adapted to their own farms.”
Iwan Thomas, a member of the Wales YFC Rural Affairs Committee stated, "We must show our gratitude to HCC and CCF for their support which allows us the opportunity to broaden our horizons and educate ourselves in the agricultural practices outside the UK. The chance to compare these to those at home helps us keep UK agriculture at the fore of global agriculture both in good practice and efficiency. We must also remember the importance of the opportunity to travel as a group, giving opportunity to a broad range of members to learn.”
