The USAMV Cluj-Napoca announces the launch of a unique competition with substantial prizes, aimed at Romanian farmers who integrate pasture-based animal husbandry (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, etc.).

The competition takes place within the framework of the Grazing 4 Agroecology (G4AE) Project, where USAMV Cluj-Napoca represents Romania, in partnership with UBM Feed Romania, a feed factory in Sânpaul commune (Mureș county).

The nationwide competition launched by USAMV Cluj-Napoca focuses on achievements of farmers who raise animals through pasture-based methods in several important directions:

• Improving animal health through pasture practices;
• Reducing inputs required for animal feeding based on grazing;
• Minimizing pollution;
• Increasing diversity within farms or conserving biodiversity through pasture use.

The competition is open to farmers who use pasture grass to a significant extent in feeding animals, and registration will be done through a form: Competition Form.

Participants will submit, between February and September 2024, photographs or a video clip of up to 5 minutes, showcasing:

• The main benefits gained from using pasture (cost reduction, pollution reduction, improved animal welfare, etc.).

In October 2024, the winners will be announced. All animal breeders in Romania can participate, and the offered prizes are:

• A trip to Ireland (including transportation and accommodation) to attend the G4AE meeting in March 2025, plus farm visits – 1st prize;
• UBM Feed, worth 3,000 lei, and 1,000 lei respectively – 2nd and 3rd prizes.

Winners will also receive a Teagasc certificate – Ireland's leading consultancy provider – and the opportunity to promote their farm in the G4AE network.

Young farmers under 40 will have a separate prize section. Registration for this section will take place from February to April 2024, and in May, the three winners will be announced. They will enjoy a trip to the Netherlands (with transportation and accommodation provided) to attend the G4AE young farmers' meeting in the summer of 2024.

For all the details about the competition, visit the USAMV Cluj-Napoca / G4AE pages: USAMV Cluj-Napoca and Grazing 4 Agroecology.