Dissemination activities of the soil quality study in agricultural high schools

Study visits of students from agricultural high school to Agrocarmolact Farm
Impressions of participants

 

In March 2023, there were 5 study visits of students from agricultural high schools from Cluj, Alba, Bistrita-Nasaud and Mures counties, to Agrocarmolact Farm from Sieu Odorhei in Bistrita-Nasaud County, considered as a good practice example.

During the visits, the students had at their disposal a note pad to write down their impressions, and were encouraged to write their main impressions.

The first visit was organized for students of 11th and 12th grade, belonging to Traian Savulescu Agricultural Highschool, from Targu-Mures. Amongst the main impressions of the students, we note:

  • The farm includes multiple specific activities from the agricultural sector, from the production of feed to raising cattle and producing finite products.
  • The calves rearing sector is very well designed, so you can see everything that happens with them since their first day of being born.

Silage production is very professional, its quality being influenced by soil quality.

The second visit was organised on March 15th 2023, in the same location, which received the students from Bistrita Tecnological Agricultural Highschool, from 9th and 11th grade which studied in the profiles of Ecological Technician and environment quality (high school), worker in agrotourism and horticulturist (professional school).

The students have made the same course prepared by the hosts – presenting of the farm, of the calving area and temporary spaces for the calves, large stables, land prepared for feed with the explanation of the specific work done on it, production and storage of feed areas. The visit concluded with the milking room in order to better understand the production process from feed to production and product gave for consumption or processing.

The students have mentioned the following impressions:

  • The farm is very modern and some of its areas can inspire future farmers, however it is a very long process.
  • We really liked the presentation on the production of feed mix, the farm’s staff was very open in showing the full process
  • It was something new to understand the importance of each step of work on soil in producing a good quality silage.

The 3rd visit was organised for students of Ioan Bojor School from Reghin, students in profiles of Agrotourism technician and food industry technician.

The students have noticed the following inside the farm:

  • The farm has a series of impressive amenities from tractors to specific machines, to stables and feed storage units. The land on which the farm produces its feed is well taken care of and there is a very clear control on the works done on it.
  • The stable is very airy and spacious and the automatization reduced significantly the need of workforce.
  • I have appreciated Mr. Zdrenghia Vasile’s presentation and his patience to answer our questions.

The 4th visit was organised for students of Stefan Manciulea Technological Highschool from Blaj. The school sent 20 participants, students, and teachers. Amongst their impressions we note:

  • The farm is a good example of organising and care for the soil and animals. The owner’s involvement is visible through the exemplary mobilisation of the staff.
  • The cows are healthy and well fed. The milk production performance is above average.
  • Feed production and soil management are important through their influence on the final product.
  • The machines used are of the latest technology, although there still are some older ones which have been adapted.

The 5th and final visit was from Emil Negrutiu College from Turda, which included Agrocarmolact Farm and Beclean Herd. The students were interested by this new destination, because most of them were students of veterinary medicine profile.

Their impressions on the visit were collected during lunch talks, and are as follows:

  • Agrocarmolact Farm is an example of performance in zootechnical sector, however for small farmers it is difficult to uphold this degree of requirement in soil management, feed production, milk quality and animal welfare.
  • I did not know that animal feed can have such an influence on the quality and quantity of milk. I enjoyed the presentation regarding feed.
  • We were very glad to have visited the Beclean Herd. It was special.

These impressions were collected by the project manager, present at the visits organised at the farm, they were gathered and centralized into an article.

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