Overgrazing of Ranch Lands In Italy

As we travelled to the Cinque Terre we stopped at a small sheep farm that runs a very unique business. We sat and ate a fabulous dinner while we learned about the inner workings of this rare kind of farm. Overgrazing and overuse of the ranch lands in Italy has been an ongoing issue since the sixteenth century. We learned from our article that overgrazing began when farmers discovered that having cattle and sheep was extremely profitable. Not only did it bring in tons of revenue, but it also required very low costs to sustain a farm or pasture. There was a high demand for things like wool and cotton as well. Climate and travel expenses also made it very desirable for this kind of work. Overproduction was never an issue for pasturage back in ancient Italy which is why this activity was widely overdone. 

The small sheep farm is a prime example of how we can prevent overgrazing in our current times. This farm breeds a special kind of sheep that is specific to the region of the Cinque Terre. The farm also cares for their sheep like no other farm I've ever heard of. If there is a sheep that is sick then the owner brings that sheep inside to spend the night with them until it is feeling better. The woman who owns the farm also names the sheep and she strives to make sure the sheep feel loved in their surroundings. These are just a few of the reasons why this farm is so unique. The sheep are enclosed in fences which help keep them safely managed by the owners. This prevents them from overgrazing. The combination between the distinct motto of the farm and its fences that enclose the sheep make for a perfect example of how farm owners can prevent overgrazing in the 21st century.  

I also thought that is was an incredible message that the farm was started and owned by three women. This is very shocking because farm work is seen as a "man's" job. I believe that this is a great example of how women are becoming more prevalent and dominant in the work force. The woman who spoke to us was very inspiring to me since she began this farm while she was fighting cancer. It just shows you that anyone can do anything as long as you're passionate about it. Below is a photo of her and her dad. -Amy Wooten