SUREPASTOR Pilot Farm Spotlight: “Il Pecorino” by Luigi Farina – A Tradition of Excellence in Maremma
8 Apr 2025
Fonteblanda, Tuscany – April 2025
Located in the heart of the Maremma region of Tuscany, Azienda Il Pecorino is a family-run livestock farm with a rich heritage. For three generations, the Farina family has been dedicated to sheep farming, initially in Sardinia before relocating to Tuscany in the 1960s. The farm continues to honor its roots while embracing sustainable, organic farming practices to produce high-quality dairy products.
Sustainable Practices and Organic Certification
Azienda Il Pecorino has been an organic farm since 1985, officially receiving its ICEA certification in 2001. The farm’s commitment to organic practices ensures that its products meet the highest standards of sustainability, with a focus on environmentally-friendly and animal-welfare-conscious methods.
Farm Operations: Herd and Pasture Management
The farm is home to 1,000 Sarda sheep and around 250 Lacaune sheep, all of which are raised on pasture year-round. The animals are milked twice a day using an automatic milking system equipped with electrodes that measure the electric conductivity of the milk. This helps monitor milk quality and ensure the production of premium dairy products. Additionally, each sheep is identified with an RFID sensor inserted into the rumen, providing precise traceability.
The farm spans approximately 50 hectares, with 11 fenced parcels for rotational grazing. Each parcel is around 4-5 hectares and is sown with a mix of oat and Alexandrian clover, promoting healthy pastureland. Fertilization is managed through a combination of manure application, animal droppings, and crop rotations, all contributing to the farm’s holistic and sustainable approach.
The farm also grows alfalfa, which is harvested green in the summer and fed to the sheep in the stable. Additionally, hay-silage is produced to ensure the animals have access to quality feed throughout the year.
A Day in the Life at “Il Pecorino”
A typical day on the farm begins with the morning milking session, where the sheep are milked twice daily using the automatic milking machine. The farm’s focus on animal well-being and sustainability extends to the milking process, with each sheep’s milk quality being closely monitored. After milking, the animals are rotated through the 11 parcels of pasture to ensure fresh grazing and maintain the health of the land.
Throughout the day, the Farina family also oversees pasture management and the cultivation of additional feed crops like alfalfa and hay-silage. These practices ensure that the sheep receive high-quality, nutritious food, while the land remains fertile and sustainable.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Azienda Il Pecorino is not only committed to organic and sustainable farming but also focuses on engaging with the local community and promoting the health of the broader agricultural environment. By adhering to rotational grazing practices, the farm preserves soil fertility, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, and maintains biodiversity within its pastures.
As part of the SUREPASTOR project, the farm continues to explore innovative, eco-friendly approaches to sheep farming, improving its sustainability efforts and contributing to the broader conversation on sustainable agricultural practices.
A Legacy of Quality and Tradition
Il Pecorino is a shining example of how tradition and innovation can come together to produce exceptional products. The Farina family’s dedication to organic farming, sustainable practices, and the health of their sheep ensures that every product they create meets the highest standards of quality.
For those interested in experiencing the farm’s high-quality products, Il Pecorino offers direct sales of its cheeses and other dairy products. Visitors can learn more about the farm’s practices and enjoy the fruits of the family’s dedication to sustainable farming.
For more information visit the farms page
