At Žabčice, the demonstration farm focuses on:

The University Agriculture Enterprise in Žabčice of Mendel University in Brno was granted the status of a demonstration farm in 2017. This project was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic under the subsidy program “Demonstration Farms” (call 9.F.m). The goal of demonstration farms is to showcase sustainable agricultural practices, soil protection, and efficient farming methods in practice.

  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Effective protection against diseases, pests, and weeds, with an emphasis on minimizing the negative impacts of pesticides on health and the environment.
  • Sustainable Farming Soil care, maintaining soil fertility, and applying modern agrotechnical practices.
  • Research and Education Presenting research project results and involving Mendel University students in practical training.

Key Activities and Focus Areas

  1. Crop Production: Cultivation of crops in compliance with Integrated Pest Management principles on 2,527 hectares of agricultural and forest land. Main crops include wheat, corn, barley, and others.
  2. Livestock Production: Breeding 700 head of cattle (Holstein) for dairy production, 15 beef cattle breeds, and 40 sheep (Charollais, Suffolk).
  3. Modernization of Technologies: Continuous modernization of livestock and technological facilities with a focus on animal welfare.
  4. Demonstration Events: Organizing seminars, field days, and other educational activities, such as Mendel Agro, Mendel Sun, Mendel INFO or Mendel Farm, aimed at transferring research findings into practice.

Ministry of Agriculture Call

The “Demonstration Farms” program, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture (MZe), focuses on:

  • Knowledge Transfer: Showcasing innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Improving Practices: Supporting farmers in adopting modern technologies and methods.
  • Soil and Biodiversity Protection: Emphasizing sustainable farming and the conservation of natural resources.

More information about the call and program conditions can be found on the official Ministry website: Demonstration Farms – MZe.

Summary

The demonstration farm Žabčice is a key project of Mendel University that connects research, education, and practice. It serves as a model example of sustainable agriculture and modern technologies, supporting the transfer of scientific knowledge into real-world agricultural environments.