Photo: © Farm Čretnik. Source: https://www.facebook.com/kmetijacretnik
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Slovenia, Farm Čretnik faced its fair share of challenges—a dilapidated barn, limited pasture space, and outdated farming practices. Determined to overcome these hurdles while prioritizing animal welfare and environmental sustainability, the farm embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation.
The heart of the renovation lay in modernizing the barn design. With a keen focus on maximizing natural light, ventilation, and greenery, the barn underwent a stunning makeover. But the changes didn’t stop there. Farm Čretnik embraced High Welfare Flooring (HWF), a cutting-edge flooring system engineered for efficient drainage and mimicking natural pasture conditions. This innovative solution not only promotes animal welfare but also boosts overall productivity.
Taking efficiency to new heights, the farm integrated robotic milking machines and cleaning robots, seamlessly compatible with the HWF. These robotic technologies not only ease the workload on farmers but also enhance operational efficiency, allowing for more time to focus on other critical tasks.
But perhaps what sets Farm Čretnik apart is its unwavering commitment to collaboration and innovation. Through partnerships with the Bio-technical University and a leading Dutch company specializing in livestock housing systems, the farm tailored technology adoption to suit its unique needs.
The results speak for themselves. Increased milk production, extended animal lifespans, and reduced manual labor demands are just a few of the tangible benefits reaped from this bold transformation. Moreover, the farm’s environmental responsiveness and emission reduction efforts align seamlessly with changing consumer preferences, paving the way for higher quality products and potential environmental benefits.
As Farm Čretnik continues to lead the charge in sustainable farming practices, its story serves as a beacon of inspiration for farmers worldwide. Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, the possibilities for a brighter, more resilient agricultural future are endless.
The full text of the good practice is available to read and download in PDF format from the AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning platform, section “Good practices”. You just need to search for it by name using the search box.
You will find additional 45 good practices, initiatives and use cases in the AgriSkills Reference Catalogue titled “AgriSkills Guidebook on Digitalization in Agriculture”.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Project number: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000034651
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