Baza danych projektów PROW

This farm modernisation project aimed to improve the viability of agricultural employment in a remote mountain village and involved the construction of a new cow shed to improve animal-welfare standards for a suckler herd of beef cattle.

The profitability of beef production is low and the Agrofyto Farm enterprise needed to expand and diversify into the production of suckler calves to remain viable in the mountainous district of Vsetin. Reconstruction and expansion of an existing cowshed to free-housing increases the potential for greater turnover and profit from the farm. This expansion complements an earlier investment in milk production facilities for dairy cows.

The main objective of the project focused on developing the farm’s potential for greater turnover and profit, plus securing employment in the remote rural area. EAFRD support was provided under measure 121 (modernisation of agricultural holdings) with the specific objective of reconstructing and converting the existing cow shed into a higher-capacity, free-standing barn suitable for setting-up a suckler calf production system.

Main project activities with EAFRD support were: a) business development planning; b) preparation and submission of the application for funding using contracted advisory services; c) demolishing the existing shed and removal of rubble; d) preparation for construction of the new barn (ground works and procurement of materials), and; e) construction and fitting-out of the new barn. The largest part of the costs (over 80%) were associated with construction.

The tangible benefits achieved by the investment in modernisation of the building were: i) expansion of capacity to 148 standing places for beef suckler cows (increase of 30) and 133 places for suckler calves; ii) a decline in the cow death rate by 2% (3 cows) per year equivalent to an annual saving of €1 730; iii) increased production income of €17,300 per year from cattle sales; iv) achievement of animal welfare standards, and; v) securing jobs for 19 employees.

Higher welfare standards can provide competitive advantages for livestock producers. Compliance with EU standards allows access to a wider market place and also offers opportunities to attract possible premium prices from consumers willing to pay for branded welfare-friendly products. Having a clear business plan is essential for expansion of any enterprise and this plan should take account of all internal and external factors.

Zlin region, Vsetin district, Czech Republic

Zlinsky kraj

Czech Republic

338 000

104 600

34 900

198 500

https://www.agrofyto.cz

Lumila Mužikovská

agrofyto@centrum.cz

+420 603 278 735

Czech