Improved milk quality from mountain sheep grazing in Piedmont

In the Alta Langa region of Piedmont, Italy, a sheep farmer uses a scientific, sustainable approach to manage forage without chemical fertilizers or tillage. Pastures feature perennial (Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens, Lotus corniculatus) and annual (Trifolium incarnatum, Avena sativa, Vicia sativa) grass-legume mixtures selected to enhance milk quality. Lactating 'Pecora delle Langhe' sheep graze exclusively on pasture, with no concentrates. This method improves cheese quality, expands product range, increases prices, and supports a new B&B venture. Challenges include boosting sales, securing subsidies, and managing seasonal milk production fluctuations.