Bronislaw Kazberuk - Cross Visits (CV)
- Web Bronislaw Kazberuk
Diversification of Activities
Optimization of Grasslands through Overseeding
Mixed Grazing by Horses and Cows
Drilling a Well as a Livestock Watering System on Pasture
This is a traditional Polish breeding farm for meat production situated in Podozierany, Grodek. It combines a traditional Polish livestock breeding with a diversified approach to agricultural production. Polish cold-blooded horses (approximately 20 animals) and Limousine cows graze together on shared pastures, promoting efficient use of resources.
The farm manages 150 hectares of agricultural land, 40 hectares of grasslands, and 40 hectares of forest. Pasture productivity is optimized through overseeding, and a well provides water for animals grazing in the pastures.
The farm’s primary focus is on cereal production (mainly buckwheat) for human consumption, which accounts for around 80% of its activities. Other sources of income include breeding cold-blooded horses for meat, raising Limousine beef cattle, practicing agroforestry, and providing machinery services.
Diversification of Activities

This family farm stands out for its diverse activities, which ensure both self-sufficiency and profitability.
Farm Activities
- 80% cereal production for human and animal consumption (primarily buckwheat).
- 5% cold-blooded Polish horses for meat production.
- 5% Limousines for beef production.
- 5% agroforestry activities.
- 5% machinery services offered to other farms.
Buckwheat Production
Buckwheat is the main cereal produced, with its flowers benefiting neighboring beekeepers for honey production and seed spreading. After the buckwheat harvest, secondary crops like mustard are planted to minimize bare soil exposure and improve soil health.
Benefits
- Generates income from multiple activities, reducing reliance on a single source.
- Reduces reliance on a single activity and mitigates risks associated with crises.
- Lessens dependency on external price fluctuations.
- Enhances biodiversity, soil quality, and food quality.
- Accelerates amortization of machinery investments.
Drawbacks
- Family income heavily depends on cereal prices.
- Increases workload.
- Requires a broader range of skills.
- Demands significant initial investment in land, machinery, and other resources.
Optimization of Grasslands through Overseeding

Overseeding is an effective solution for restoring degraded meadows and grasslands, enhancing their productivity and quality without interrupting production. This method introduces a mix of grass and legume seeds into existing meadows without completely removing the existing flora.
Implementation Cost
The cost of basic overseeding ranges from €150 to €350 per hectare, depending on the type of seeds and labor required.
Benefits
- Easy to implement.
- Enhances forage quality and increases biodiversity.
- Improves soil structure and water retention.
- Suppresses weed growth and strengthens grass resilience by introducing hardy varieties.
- Suitable for grasslands that cannot be ploughed.
Drawbacks
- Success depends on factors like proper soil contact for seeds and managing competition with existing plant species.
- Land may require a rest period post-overseeding to allow seedlings to establish.
- Regular maintenance, such as watering and nutrient management, is necessary until the new grass is fully established.
- Overseeding is a temporary measure and does not replace proper grassland management practices.
Mixed Grazing by Horses and Cows

This farm implements a mixed grazing system, where horses and cows graze together in the same pastures. This sustainable land management practice leverages the differing grazing behaviors and dietary needs of the two species to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits both the animals and the grassland.
Benefits of Mixed Grazing
- Improves forage utilization by taking advantage of the complementary grazing habits of cows and horses.
- Enhances weed and brush control through diverse grazing patterns.
- Allows for increased stocking density.
- Can reduce overall workload.
Drawbacks of Mixed Grazing
- Requires careful grazing management to ensure complementarity between the two species.
- Needs monitoring and adjusting feeding and nutritional needs for both animals.
- Demands sufficient space to accommodate both species and control behavioral dynamics.
- Increases the need for health monitoring, as some parasites can affect both species.
Drilling a Well as a Livestock Watering System on Pasture

This farm employs a livestock watering system in the pasture, where horses and cows drink from a water trough supplied by groundwater pumped from a drilled well (10-12 meters deep) through a pipeline system. This approach provides an efficient solution for watering livestock on pastures, but several considerations must be addressed:
- Use a durable trough made from materials such as metal, concrete, or high-grade plastic.
- Prevent standing water and muddy areas around the trough, which can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Stabilizing the area is recommended.
- Protect the well pipe and hoses with barriers to avoid damage from animal activity and reduce the risk of water contamination.
- Address muddy ground conditions by installing a drainage system (e.g., gravel or sand around the trough) to improve stability and maintain cleaner water.
- Use an automatic float valve to control water levels in the trough and prevent overflow.
- Ensure pipelines are buried below the frost line to prevent freezing in cold weather.
Implementation Cost
The cost of setting up this system, including drilling the well, installing the pump, trough, plumbing, and connections, ranges from €1,000 to €3,500, depending on well depth, materials, labor rates, and environmental permits.
Benefits
- Provides a reliable water source for livestock.
- Makes water accessible to other animals in the pasture.
- Reduces overall water costs.
Drawbacks
- Muddy areas around the trough may pose challenges for livestock.
- The water may not meet “drinking water standards” depending on its source.
Note: Always check local and national regulations before drilling a well in your pasture.