CATIE, Colono Agropecuario, and AllTech train milk producers

• The event called "Cattle Challenges" brought together local producers interested in learning about CATIE's production system.

In a day dedicated to learning and continuous improvement of dairy production, CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) held a training event on its commercial farm. This initiative, organized in collaboration with Colono Agropecuario and AllTech, featured prominent technicians and dairy producers from the region.

Alejandro Molina, manager of CATIE's commercial farm, highlighted the importance of this event: "It is an activity where several technicians from Colono and AllTech provided training, but also local dairy producers were interested in learning about CATIE's production system, especially under unfavorable climatic conditions that they also face," he commented.

The event took place on Wednesday, May 23, starting at 2 PM, allowing local producers to observe and learn about the practices implemented at CATIE in the dairy facilities and surrounding areas.

CATIE’s Director General, Dr. Luis Pocasangre, welcomed the technicians and producers visiting the commercial farm, emphasizing the importance of these exchange opportunities.

"We are very happy with this collaboration. CATIE is an open-door institution, especially when it comes to promoting and improving the work done by national producers. The knowledge generated in practice here on our farm is meant to be shared and to showcase the latest in sustainable livestock farming," he said.

Collaborative Work

Jorge Solano Kawas, representative of the Colono group, highlighted the long and fruitful relationship between his group and CATIE. "The Colono group has a very good relationship, not only commercial but also in terms of information and experience exchange with CATIE. Today's activity, 'Cattle Challenges,' focuses on showcasing the production system, from small animals to cows in production, and identifying improvement opportunities. The collaboration with AllTech, which provides environmentally friendly nutritional additives, makes this partnership very valuable."

Gerardo Villalta, a livestock producer from Cartago with 45 years of experience, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the event: "In Costa Rica, those of us involved in the agricultural and livestock sector know that any activity organized by CATIE will have qualified personnel and serious professionals. The learning is not just for today, but always. I am very interested in coming to learn new things and we always have the best disposition," he said.

The "Cattle Challenges" event proved to be a valuable platform for knowledge and experience exchange, reinforcing the commitment of CATIE and its allies to sustainable development and continuous improvement in dairy production. With these initiatives, CATIE reaffirms its position as a reference in agricultural research and education in the region.