Description
Rosati’s farm is a family farm located in center of Italy. The major income of the farm comes from sheep milk production. The farm has about 100 ha of which 11 ha permanent grassland and 4 ha of temporary grassland characterized by clay soil. The lack of good quality forage especially during the autumns winter seasons forced the farmer to search for innovation to sustain the milk yield. The solution adopted was the substitution of temporary grassland area with permanent grassland based on Sulla coronaria perennial legume very well suited to the farm pedo-climatical characteristics. The switch to permanent grassland has been completed in two years.
Reason for the innovation
- Solving problem (the need to change)
- Focusing on higher production
- Reduce labor and expenses
Farm description
Environment
- Main soil types: clay
- Climate: Warm Mediterranean climate
- Average Altitude: 450 m a.s.l.
- Slope: 15%
Grassland management
- Grazing: yes, combined with cut use
- Grazing management: rotational stoking
- Length grazing period: 8 month
- Number of cuts: 3
- Forage conservation type: hay
- Fertilisation rate: 100 kg of N/ha
Structure
- Annual Work Unit: 2450 hours
- Agricultural Area: 60 ha UAA
- Arable land 39 ha
- Permanent crop 10 ha
- Permanent grassland area 11 ha
- Temporary grassland area 4 ha
- Rangelands area 2 ha
Animal performance
- Breed type: Sarda sheep
- Total livestock unit: 45
- Milk production: 240 l/year/head
Why it is working
Optimal grassland management based on Sulla coronaria, suited for clay soil.
