The workshop was organized by Mendel University in Brno, on behalf of the FAO, and was hosted by Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences in the Czech Republic from 3rd to 6th November 2024.

The overall objective of the workshop was to enhance collaborative efforts to improve advisory services for optimizing ruminant production, applying a mix of traditional knowledge and modern technology, and exchanging sustainable practices, policies, innovations, and lessons learned among stakeholders. The workshop also explored the tailoring of solutions that addressed local challenges and opportunities, offering a commitment to sustainable practices that enhanced both productivity and resilience in the ruminant farming sector.

The target audience of the workshop included advisory practitioners and officers, researchers/scientists, livestock farmers’ associations, and their representatives directly involved in ruminant production from selected countries of Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Nominated participants were from the Ministry or from relevant research institutions and other organizations. The workshop was conducted only in English; therefore, sufficient knowledge and use of the English language was a condition for participation.

PHOTOGALERY

Delegate perspectives on:

The recent FAO/MENDELU workshop on “The Role of Advisory Services in Ruminant Production” emerged as a pivotal opportunity for participants to broaden their understanding of agricultural practices while fostering collaboration among countries. Attendees from nations including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, The Republic of Srpska and Georgia gathered to explore innovative measures and effective strategies that could enhance advisory services to develop livestock production in their respective regions. Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in discussions about the barriers faced in advisory services, recognizing the necessity for a holistic, multi-faceted approach. Agricultural transformation over the past decade has intensified, with smaller farms facing challenges that threaten their viability as larger operations dominate the market. The conversations emphasized the importance of not solely focusing on technical solutions but also integrating social, rural development, and environmental considerations into advisory services. Including various experts from different countries provided a platform to share best practices and experiences. One participant shared insight on the “OptiMilk” web-based application, developed in cooperation with Bosnia’s largest farmers’ association, which optimizes small farmers’ dairy rations. This experience showcased innovative technological solutions aimed at improving livestock productivity. Workshop sessions highlighted the need for developing tailored extension services, particularly in the context of livestock, to ensure that farmers receive the necessary support during and after the implementation of new practices. Noteworthy site visits included a milk sampling centre and a fully robotic dairy farm. This visit provided profound insights into advanced dairy management techniques, laying bare the benefits and challenges of robotic farming. These experiences were invaluable, as they demonstrated operational successes that could inspire changes back home. The complexities of current challenges such as climate change and socio-economic factors were recurrent themes. Participants acknowledged the necessity of focusing on the agricultural sector’s competitiveness while also addressing health-related topics and biosecurity measures. Knowledge exchange among experts, alongside academic insights from institutions like Mendel University in Brno, facilitated a deeper understanding of how to confront these issues collaboratively. Ultimately, this workshop was not only a platform for acquiring knowledge and sharing experiences but also a step toward fostering a stronger network of experts. By leveraging shared insights and best practices, the participants aim to implement actionable changes that would benefit livestock advisory services and production capacities within their countries. The hope remains that these discussions lead to tangible outcomes and sustained improvements in the ruminant production sector across Europe and Central Asia. The Czechia Ministry of Agriculture declared its commitment to long-term international cooperation, recognizing the value of exchanging information and strategies to tackle common agricultural development challenges.

The workshop presented a compelling opportunity for participants to explore various models of animal production from different countries, especially in the wake of significant historical changes following the “Soviet era”. Many nations represented at the workshop share a common past, where their animal production sectors have faced substantial destruction over the years. The focus now is on rehabilitation and the effective use of extension services to revitalize these critical sectors. Attendees are eager to glean insights from each other’s presentations on the advancements made over the last ten to fifteen years, to understand the successes and lessons learned in regional animal production. Discussions are lively, filled with pressing questions and concerns regarding developing advisory services—an urgent need in many countries. One of the primary topics addressed is the threat posed by animal diseases, particularly transboundary diseases such as African swine fever and avian influenza, alongside zoonotic diseases affecting both animal and human health. The workshop emphasizes the importance of robust biosecurity measures on farms and equipping farmers with the knowledge to prevent disease introductions. This proactive approach is essential for mitigating the impacts of these diseases on livestock health and productivity. In addition to these challenges, participants confronted new issues emerging from climate change, geopolitical conflicts including the ongoing war in Ukraine, and economic disruptions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and regional droughts. These factors significantly influence market prices and agricultural sustainability. Recognizing the complexity of these intertwined challenges, attendees agreed on the necessity of a collaborative perspective that combines diverse resources and knowledge for effective problem-solving. It became clear that there is no “silver bullet” solution; instead, a careful and nuanced strategy is required. Participants emphasized the need for a balanced approach that utilizes financial and human resources wisely, ensuring that dependencies do not reach critical levels.

Participants at the workshop engaged in stimulating discussions and presentations, delving into various topics with increasing depth and specificity., exploring critical issues related to ruminant production and agriculture. As the sessions unfolded, attendees expressed enthusiasm for using the knowledge gained to inform future practices in their home countries, underscoring the desire for ongoing collaboration among colleagues. The visit to a fully robotized farm, allowed participants to experience an innovative concept relatively unfamiliar to many participants. Conversations with the farmer highlighted critical components of animal health and biosecurity, stressing the importance of proactive measures in preventing transboundary diseases and minimizing economic repercussions. Participants recognized the pressing issues confronting the agricultural sector, particularly the plight of smaller farms increasingly overshadowed by larger entities. This transformation raises significant concerns about rural depopulation and the sustainability of farming communities. The ongoing challenges of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, economic disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and drought conditions in Eastern and Central Europe further complicate the agricultural landscape. In response to these multifaceted issues, participants advocated for a collaborative approach that integrates diverse resources and insights to devise effective solutions. They acknowledged the absence of a one-size-fits-all remedy, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies and solutions that responsibly utilize available financial and human resources. This workshop marked a vital opportunity for collective understanding and action, encouraging participants to harness shared experiences while pooling knowledge to tackle the complex problems within the ruminant production sector. Central to discussions was the commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation, essential for creating sustainable practices that benefit the agricultural community and rural society. The emphasis on shared experiences is seen as a pathway to fostering lasting change in the ruminant production industry. Participants reflected on the possibility of structuring their organizations around farmer ownership, positioning farmers as key stakeholders in institutions that provide vital services. Collaborating under the umbrella of a governmental body, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, would enable coordinated negotiations regarding service offerings to farmers. In summary, the workshop served as an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, with participants eager to implement the insights gained into future projects. By fostering a strong network of partnerships and shared strategies, they aim to create resilient agricultural practices that address the pressing challenges facing the ruminant production industry.

FAO-MENDELU´24Download

Sunday 3/11

  • Arrivals, registration, welcome cocktail at the hotel Cosmopolitan at 18:00 (6 pm), Address: COSMOPOLITAN BOBYCENTRUM ****, Sportovní 2a, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic

Monday 4/11

  • 9:00 – 9:30 Registration, Coffee
  • 9:30 – 12:30 Morning meetings at the London Hall in hotel Cosmopolitan according to Workshop plan
    • Introductory opening, FAO representative presentation, Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Honorable Guests
    • 10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break
    • Regional representatives (delegates) presentations (10 minutes per country)
  • 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
  • 13:30 – 17:00 Afternoon excursions to the milk analysis laboratories (Milk Recording by ICAR), Robotic dairy farm + biogas station
  • 18:00 Social dinner in hotel Cosmopolitan

Tuesday 5/11

  • 8:00 – 8:30 Coffee
  • 8:30 – 12:30 Morning meetings at the London Hall in hotel Cosmopolitan
    • Primary topic 1 (Mr. Iurie Brumarel), Focus topic 1 (Mr. Jailobek Orozov) and Focus topic 2 (Grujica Vico)
    • 10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break
    • Primary topic 2 (Mr. Josef Kučera), Focus topic 1 (Mr. Lasha Avaliani)
  • 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
  • 13:30 – 17:30 Afternoon excursion to Czech Fleckvieh Breeders’ Association and the bull A.I. station (CHD Impuls)
  • 18:00 Dinner at the STAROBRNO brewery restaurant at the Mendel Square

Wednesday 6/11

  • 7:50 transfer from the hotel to the Mendel University in Brno, 880 m (20 minutes by walk)
  • 8:00 – 8:30 Coffee
  • 8:30 – 13:00 Morning meetings at Mendel University in Brno, Building M, room M2.12
    • Primary topic 3 (Mr. Francois Lategan), Focus topic 1 (Mr. Željko Vaško) and Focus topic 2 (Mr. Miroslav Uroševič)
    • 10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break
    • Primary topic 4 (Mr. Milan Markovič), Focus topic 1 (Mr. Tibor Szucs) and Focus topic 2 (Mr. Kakhaber Koniashvili)
  • 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
  • 14:00 – 14:30 Conference review and closing remarks (Mr. Tibor Szucs FAO REU)
  • 14:30 – 15:30 Reporting and conclusions
  • 15:30 – 16:30 Excoursion to the facilities of Faculty of AgriSciences (Fisheries, Feed labs, Food Tech, Brewery …)
  • 16:30 CEREMONY HALL (Aula) of the Mendel University in Brno (Building A, 3rd floor), Ceremonial announcement of the conference MendelNet´24 – international Ph.D. conference
  • 18:00 The opportunity to join the social evening (dinner) of the MendelNet´24
  • The possibility of returning to the home destination in the evening.

Thursday 7/11

  • Departures according to personal travel plans

Matrix of topics

Theme nr.Primary topicnameFocused topicsname
11. Understanding the Ruminant Industry in Developing Countries. Question: Key challenges faced by ruminant farmers in this region. How can tailored advisory services address these challenges effectively? (PT1) (30min)IB1.1 Farmer needs Assessment and Capability Mapping. (15 min).  
      
1.2  Scaling Up Successful Interventions (15 min)       		JO

GV
22. Strategic Development of Advisory Services. Question: How to develop a framework for advisory services that align with local farmers’ and stakeholders’ specific needs and behavior?  (PT2) (30min)JK2.1 Building Collaborative Networks and Partnerships (15min)LA
3Moderated interactive workshop session:
3. Implementation of Best Practices in Advisory Services. Question: What communication strategies and technologies can be employed to optimize advisory services? (PT4) (30min)		Moderator
FL		3.1 Farm Economic Analysis and Literacy communication (15 min). 

3.2 Climate Resilience and Sustainable Practices
(15 min).		ŽV

MU
44. Policy Development for Sustainable Advisory Services. Question: Supportive current policies? How to advocate for policy changes that support sustainable advisory practices? (PT3) (30min)MM4.1 Monitoring and Evaluation of Advisory Programs (15 min)

4.2 Management communication strategies and technologies to enhance the effectiveness of advisory services. (15 min)		TSz

KK

The current advisory services for small and large ruminants are inconsistent and fragmented in Europe and Central Asia. These services, which are essential for the health and productivity of livestock, often face challenges like uneven knowledge sharing, poor coordination among service providers, inadequate policies, and a lack of common best practices. As a result, many farmers, especially in rural and remote areas, do not have access to the quality support they need to manage their livestock effectively.

Details on the logistics are consulted with each participant. Mendel University in Brno will take care of the catering, travel costs, accommodation, and any incidental expenses. Return economy air a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) will be provided. Participants will be picked up at the airport and transported to the workshop venue (and vice versa). Brno is one of the best-served cities in terms of public transport. It is located on a direct train line from Vienna (Vienna Schwechat Airport) to Brno. In the city: every time you get on tram, bus or trolleybus, you just need to present a credit or debit card (called also Beep and Go) – the price of 1 hour’s ride is CZK 25 (€1). The timetable is available on-line at the IDOS or/and application on iOS, Google Play.

Address of the venue: hotel COSMOPOLITAN BOBYCENTRUM ****, Sportovní 2a, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic

  • Daniel Falta, Associated Professor at Mendel University in Brno (MENDELU), Director of the workshop (on behalf of Service Provider – FAO)
  • Francois Lategan, Assistent Professor at MENDELU, Expert guarantor with 30 years of experience in Advisory Services and Extensions
  • Lenka Zapletalová, Workshop secretary, MENDELU
  • Tibor Szucs, Livestock Production Specialist, FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia
  • Michal Kulík, Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
  • Bosnia and Hercegovina
    • Mr. Željko VAŠKO, Mr. Grujica VICO
  • Georgia
    • Ms. Gvantsa BEZHANISHVILI, Mr. Lasha AVALIANI, Mr. Kakhaber KONIASHVILI
  • Republic of Moldova
    • Ms. Efimia POPUSOI, Mr. Iurie BRUMAREL
  • Uzbekistan
    • Mr. Oybek MUKHAMMADIYEV, Mr. Mirzokhid YULDASHEV
  • Kyrgyzstan
    • Mr. Jailobek OROZOV
  • Montenegro
    • Mr. Milan MARKOVIĆ, Mr. Miodrag DOŠLJAK, Ms. Hristina ŠEKULARAC
  • Serbia
    • Ms. Ana NIKOLIĆ, Mr. Miroslav UROŠEVIĆ
  • FAO
    • Ms. Angela SANTA, Mr. Eran RAIZMAN
  • Ms. Pavlína ADAM, Assoc. Prof., Ph.D., Vice-rector of the Mendel University in Brno
  • Mr. Mojmír VACEK, Assoc. Prof., CSc., Product manager in company FARMTEC dealing with stable technologies and cattle breeding management, Associated professor at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (Moderator, PT2, PT4)
  • Mr. Josef KUČERA, Assoc. Prof., Dr., Executive vice chairman of the board of the Czech Moravian Breeders’ Corporation (www.cmsch.cz) and Chairman of the board of the Guarantee Agricultural and Forestry Fund (www.pgrlf.cz) (Speaker, PT2)
  • Mr. Radek FILIPČÍK, Assoc. Prof., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of AgriSciences MENDELU
  • Mr. David LIPOVSKÝ, Ing. – Head of laboratories and department of breeding work at Czech Moravian Breeders’ Corporation, Milk labs – pick-up schedule and case logistics; Milk Recording (under ICAR) – Access to data, field consultancy (www.cmsch.cz) (Monday Excoursion)
  • Ms. Linda SZEMLOVÁ Ing. – the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, “robotic dairy farm” – Zemědělská společnost Devět křížů, a.s., (Monday Excoursion)
  • Mr. Pavel KRÁL, Ing. – Director of Czech Fleckvieh Breeders’ Association (www.cestr.cz) (Tuesday Excoursion)
  • Mr. Michal BASOVNÍK, Ing. – Deputy chairman of the board at Breeding Cooperative Impuls (www.chdimpuls.cz) – a company with experience with Czech Development Agency projects. (Tuesday Excoursion)