“Innovative Young Farmer 2021” participates in the LIFE WOLFALPS EU project

This autumn, we are working hard to establish cooperation with different farms. In this context, we have also entered into a cooperation with breeder Gregor Slavec from Knežak. The Slavec organic farm breeds indigenous and traditional Slovenian breeds of animals: from the Cikasta cattle, the Drežnik goat, the Bovec sheep and the Styrian hen. Not forgetting the Cranjska sivka bee.

The farm is located in an area where wolves, bears and, more recently, jackals are regularly present. Therefore, the safety of grazing animals is becoming an increasingly important and pressing issue. The farm has therefore decided to revive the use of herding dogs.

Gregor will breed the Maremma-Abruges Shepherd Dogs as part of the project. He knows the breed well, as he has used it for herd guarding purposes and has good experience in doing so. For this purpose, the “Maremma” Sila arrived on the farm some time ago. She was named by the children because, although she is a friendly dog who loves to be around children, it is when she makes her deep voice that we realise her true mission. Soon, the female will be joined by a male, with whom she will form a breeding pair for future generations of pedigree herding dogs.

In October, Gregor received an important award – he was named Innovative Young Farmer 2021, a recognition of the hard work of diligent hands on the Slavec farm. And in early December, another great news came to Slavec Farm – the farm won the prestigious European Young Farmers Award for the best project for improving rural areas, for which we congratulate Gregor and his family!