Stronger than epidemics, transport restrictions, and bureaucracy, Sardinia's livestock farming system once again played a leading role at Agriumbria, the major national showcase for the livestock sector, now in its 57th edition, with over 450 exhibitors and nearly 100,000 visitors. The fair was held, as always, in Bastia Umbra, in the province of Perugia.

Excellence – In the cattle sector, the symbolic result of this edition is the overall "Best in Show" title won by "Raffaelò," a highly prized animal from Iolanda Simona's Marrone Murrighile farm in Olbia, in the Limousine competition. This achievement, according to a press release from the Sardinia Region Breeders' Association, represents a historic milestone for the entire island sector. The sheep sector also shines, with the Casula farm in Oschiri taking first place overall for "Best Breeder Pre-Group of Animals Presented," dominating the competition with animals of the highest quality. Second place overall went to Renato Pitzalis of the Vecchia Maniera farm in Nuragus (winner of the first-time lamb category). The Casula farm's success was further strengthened by further placings: first place in the rams over 24 months category and two second places in the categories of second-labor ewes in progress and rams from 12 to 24 months. To complete an already extraordinary picture, in the cattle sector, the title of junior champion of the Charolaise breed was also won by the brothers Antonio and Gianluca Murgia of the Agrentu company of Oristano ".

An ongoing commitment – "These results are a source of great pride for all of Sardinia," emphasizes Luciano Useli Bacchitta, president of AARSardegna , "because they certify the value of work built up over the years. It is not an isolated success, but the culmination of a growth path that today allows us to present ourselves at the highest levels and achieve historic results with animals born and raised in our land," he adds. "We are talking about the culmination of a journey that over the years has seen Sardinia grow steadily in the main national competitions, until today reaching a recognized level of excellence." "The record participation and the results achieved at AgriUmbria speak of a vibrant, dynamic sector capable of expressing excellence even in the most difficult times," adds Marco Marrone, director of the association . "The fact that this milestone comes at a challenging time for the sector, amid health emergencies, rising costs, and structural challenges, makes the result even more significant. It symbolizes the strength and resilience of an entire supply chain in the face of these enormous efforts. Institutions must stand by the sector, which requires clear, timely, and effective support."

"The added value" – Asso.Na.Pa. President Battista Cualbu : "We are very proud of the results achieved at this edition of Agriumbria, the fruit of intense organizational work that has allowed us to fully showcase the National Sardinian Sheep Competition. We are talking about the main national dairy sheep breed, which produces highly valuable products such as Agnello di Sardegna PGI, Fiore Sardo PDO, Pecorino Romano PDO, and Pecorino Sardo PDO." "The success of the event," adds Cualbu, "is primarily due to our breeders, who with commitment and sacrifice continue to believe in genetic selection and the growth of the sector. Thanks go to the Director, the Board of Directors, the breed experts, and the entire Asso.Na.Pa. staff for the great work they do every day with and for our breeders. Last but not least, I would like to thank Nico Belloni for the professionalism he demonstrated in organizing the event."

Michele Filigheddu, regional representative of ANACLI, also highlighted the significance on a national level: "These results bring prestige not only to the farmers, but to the entire Sardinian system. They come at the end of a challenging period, during which the companies have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to persevere and continue to improve," he said. "It also motivates us to look forward with even greater determination. This achievement is the result of the daily work of the farmers, who have never stopped investing in quality, and today we are achieving results that are a source of great pride for all of Sardinia."

Cattle and Sheep Awards – "The Limousine competition, with the overall champion title, represents the pinnacle of participation, which saw numerous Sardinian farms stand out in various categories, confirming a widespread and consistent level of quality," the Aars press release continues. "Specifically, first place in the male category went to Viviana Falchi's 3G farm, which also took third place in the female category, and first place in the male category went to Michele Calia of Lula. Marrone Murrighile farm once again performed well, taking first place in the bull category in addition to the overall title, while Francesco Geromino of Palau achieved an important second place in the cows with calves category. Two other top-class farms, led by Francesco Carta of Bortigiadas and Marco Asara of Olbia, also achieved important results." Participation in the Charolais breed was also particularly significant: out of nine Sardinian animals competing, five took first place in their respective categories, demonstrating the quality achieved by the island's genetic selection. Among the standouts were Michele Filigheddu , with a first, second, and third place, as well as other farms that achieved multiple category victories. Important results also went to Gabriele Paolo Palitta 's farm, Tomaso Pulina with a first place in his category, and Luca Fele , who confirmed his position at the top of the cow category.

Sardinia also confirms its long-standing leadership in the sheep sector , with results that go beyond overall titles and demonstrate widespread quality among farms. "In addition to the success of the Casula farm and the second place overall for Vecchia Maniera , there are other notable placings in various categories. In the first-calving ewes with ongoing lactation category, Vecchia Maniera from Nuragus took first place, while the Monte Istulargiu farm from Valledoria achieved third place. In the second-calving ewes with ongoing lactation category , Giuseppe Matta from Nurri stood out with third place, while among rams aged 12 to 24 months , Stefano and Piermario Sanciu from Berchidda achieved another important third place. Finally, in the rams over 24 months category, Sardinia once again confirmed its presence on the podium with third place for the Sant'Andrea Frius farm ."

(Unioneonline)

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