Today about seven men were waiting when we arrived at the Machinery Service Center. Some seemed shy about coming together in the small room with a low rectangular table in the center and a few small chairs. I few small stools were added in order for everybody to sit. We discussed the crops of the area and the hopes for the MSC (this one started two months ago). The farmers stated their worst problem is lack of machinery. Farms are between one and four hectares producing corn, soybeans, vegetables and hazel nuts. . The owner of the center was not in attendance.
The questions began to come forth about no-till. This MSC is just getting started so may be able to seriously consider a no-till planter. There was quite a bit of interest especially after answering that I produce crops on 80 hectors by myself without hired help.
A question about herbacides detrimental to the land revealed the resistance and concern about the safety of their use. I explained how important it is to apply the proper amount and following the labels. I then recommended that pesticide application would best be handled by the Machinery Service Center where applicators are trained for proper handling and the management trained in best products for particular weeds and other pest problems.
After more than an hour discussion the farmers started apologizing for asking so many questions and taking my time. I said where could I get some water buffalo cheese that they had been telling me about, and that led to a nearby picnic place by a gushing spring with cheese, wine, delicious bread, fresh grapes and coffee. The buffalo cheese is incredibly delicious.
Discussions started regarding “Would Americans buy this cheese”. I said, Americans would pay a huge price for this. Discussions about selling on the internet ignited excitement in the whole group. One farmer’s daughter is studying Information Technology on scholarship in Prague. They intend to ask her to contact me and work with CNFA to explore this possibility.
A couple of the private farmers showed us around an investor owned farm of several hundred hectares where they hold jobs. We viewed large blocks of recently planted kiwis and others of several year old hazel nuts. This land produced tea during Soviet times, but with the soviet embargo there is no market for tea. A chocolate candy company has bought up several thousand hectares in the area and established hazel nut plantations.
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