OUR PROJECT
The project is rooted in the family values and in the people who work tirelessly every day to grow and constantly improve. An innovative vision expressed through the language of tradition, knowledge, innovation, and passion, and embodied in expertise and craftsmanship.
Explore our circular farming model up close.
Livestock Sector
The livestock activity manages a herd of approximately 50 lactating cows and 45 heifers. Since July 2021, the start of the farm’s operations, the milk produced has been delivered to a local dairy for the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
A free-stall system with resting cubicles has been deliberately chosen, appropriately sized to ensure greater comfort and improved hygiene conditions.
The barn is divided into three buildings: the first for lactating cows, the second for heifers, and the third is a state-of-the-art calf house designed for the optimal growth of calves.
During the design phase, important technological innovations were introduced to enhance animal welfare, including:
• A milking robot;
• Climate control systems for temperature management (fans, sprinklers, curtains, brushes) regulated automatically by computerised systems;
• Automated feeding systems.
A free-stall system with resting cubicles has been deliberately chosen, appropriately sized to ensure greater comfort and improved hygiene conditions.
The barn is divided into three buildings: the first for lactating cows, the second for heifers, and the third is a state-of-the-art calf house designed for the optimal growth of calves.
During the design phase, important technological innovations were introduced to enhance animal welfare, including:
• A milking robot;
• Climate control systems for temperature management (fans, sprinklers, curtains, brushes) regulated automatically by computerised systems;
• Automated feeding systems.
Agricultural Sector
The farm covers an area of approximately 100 hectares, primarily dedicated to forage production, particularly alfalfa (lucerne), for the exclusive use of the farm’s herd. On the remaining land, cereals such as wheat, barley, and sorghum (broomcorn) are cultivated according to a planned crop rotation system, in line with EU agricultural policy guidelines for environmental sustainability.
Renewable Energy Sector
The plant , with a peak power of approximately 50 kWe, became operational in 2023 and supports important research initiatives carried out and planned at the farm. It is primarily powered by livestock effluents from the farm.
The digestate exiting the anaerobic digester, after mechanical separation, is processed into several distinct fractions (solid, dense, and micro-filtered), suitable for agronomic use to save irrigation water and reduce the use of chemical fertilisers, as well as for preparing bedding for the cows.
The digestate exiting the anaerobic digester, after mechanical separation, is processed into several distinct fractions (solid, dense, and micro-filtered), suitable for agronomic use to save irrigation water and reduce the use of chemical fertilisers, as well as for preparing bedding for the cows.
Azienda Agricola Risaia del Duca Società Agricola a r.l. Società Benefit Via Dogaro, 1019 – 41038 San Felice sul Panaro (MO) ITALY | Registered office: Strada Degli Schiocchi, 12 – 41124 Modena VAT No. 03787520364 – R.E.A. MO – 417776 – Share cap. € 10,000,000.00 f.p.