Specialist programme by day: Agra week

On Sunday at the Agra Fair, a wide array of specialized programs unfolded across multiple venues, offering insights into rural life, agricultural practices, and cultural heritage. The day began with the “Tržnica mladih kmetov” (Marketplace of Young Farmers) hosted in Hall A, exhibition space of the Slovenian Rural Youth Association, running from 9:00 to 18:00. This event showcased young farmers engaging directly with visitors, highlighting their innovative approaches and contributions to sustainable agriculture. At the ETRI povezovalnica (kozolec), Permakulturni center Pomurskega sejma, from 9:00 to 14:00, attendees could explore workshops and exhibitions focused on handicrafts. Organized by the ETRI group, these sessions included demonstrations of traditional crafts such as basket weaving, pottery, and the creation of handmade soaps. Each activity was designed to preserve and promote local artisanal skills. From 9:30 to 10:45, the Third Meeting of Beekeepers' Associations and Regional Beekeeping Associations took place in Room 1, organized jointly by the Slovenian Beekeepers' Union and the Beekeeping Association of the Pomurje Region. This gathering aimed to exchange knowledge and best practices among beekeepers across different regions. At the Demonstration Area, starting at 10:00, the 26th National Forestry Owners Competition took place, showcasing the skills of forestry owners in safely operating motor saws. Organized by the Slovenian Forest Service and the Pomurje Fair, this event emphasized safety and efficiency in forest management. In Maneža, from 10:00 to 11:30, the “AGRA Junior Cup” demonstrated livestock handling techniques, organized by the Slovenian Agricultural and Forestry Association and the Pomurje Fair. This competition highlighted the importance of proper animal care and training among young farmers. The ETRI povezovalnica (kozolec) hosted several hands-on workshops and presentations of craft professions from 10:00 to 16:00. These included basket making by the Slamicarstvo (Basket Weaving Museum Domžale, Tatjana Mizori Zupan), pottery by RC DUO Veržej (Urška Ambrož), and soap-making by Zelišča Korina (Lovro Vehovar). All activities were organized under the ETRI group’s coordination. In Dvorana 5, from 10:00 to 17:00, a programmatic congress titled “Development Directions of Slovenian Agriculture, European Perspectives and National Solutions” took place, organized by the Forum for Agriculture and Rural Areas of the SDS party. This session brought together experts to discuss future trends and strategies for the agricultural sector. At Hala D4, from 10:00 to 17:00, a cooking demonstration featuring lamb dishes was conducted by Chef Jože Zalar, organized by the Association of Sheep Breeders and Smallholders of Slovenia. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about traditional and modern culinary techniques using locally sourced ingredients. At the Permakulturni center Pomurskega sejma, from 10:30 to 12:00, a lecture on pasture protocols to increase soil humus and enhance resilience against climate change was held, organized by the Association for Holistic Regenerative Agriculture. This session aimed to provide practical solutions for improving soil health and sustainability. In the premises before the administration, from 11:00 to 12:00, the announcement and awarding of prizes for evaluations with international participation took place, organized by the Pomurje Fair. This event celebrated excellence in agricultural products and services. At Hala A, exhibition space of OTP, from 11:00 to 15:00, the “Pomurske Mlekarne, 80 years your reliable partner!” exhibit featured the finest flavors of unspoiled nature, organized by OTP. Visitors could sample high-quality dairy products while learning about the region's long-standing tradition in cheesemaking. In Maneža, from 12:00 to 13:00, the presentation of Lipican horses from Kobilarne Lipica took place, organized by the Lipica Stud Farm. This event highlighted the unique characteristics and breeding history of these iconic animals. From 13:00 to 14:00, in Maneža, a presentation of native Slovenian horse breeds with expert commentary and prize distribution occurred, organized by the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Animal Husbandry, along with recognized equestrian organizations. At the Permakulturni center Pomurskega sejma, Vrt FKBV, from 13:00 to 14:00, an evaluation of soil balance in different fields was conducted, focusing on how to improve fields in light of climate changes. Organized by the Faculty of Agriculture and Biosystems Sciences, the Consortium for Ecological Agriculture, and the Association of Ecological Farmers of Slovenia, this session offered actionable insights for farmers. In Dvorana 2, from 13:00 to 14:30, a session on digital tools for efficient forest management, known as “eGozdarstvo,” was presented, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Slovenian Forest Service. This initiative aimed to leverage technology for better resource management and environmental protection. In Dvorana 3, from 13:00 to 14:30, a lecture on safe and responsible tractor involvement in road traffic was delivered, organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Slovenian Agricultural and Forestry Association. This session addressed the critical need for safety measures in agricultural machinery operations. At the Vinogradni hram (Wine Hall), from 13:00, a meeting of the Slovenian Wine Monarchy took place, bringing together wine producers and enthusiasts to celebrate Slovenia’s rich viticultural heritage. From 14:00 to 15:00, in Maneža, the discipline of jumping over fences as part of equestrian sports was demonstrated, organized by the Faculty of Agriculture and Biosystems Sciences, University of Maribor. This event showcased the physical and mental prowess required in competitive equestrian disciplines. At the pavilion for sheep shearing, from 14:00 to 15:00, the Krškopoljski prašič (Krškopolje Sheep) was introduced, emphasizing its black-and-white harmony from the Krško Field. Organized by the Slovenian Agricultural and Forestry Association, the Novo Mesto Institute, and the Society of Keepers of Krškopolje Sheep, this session highlighted the breed’s significance to regional agriculture. Also at the Wine Hall, from 14:00 to 15:30, a tasting session of wines from the Vino Slovenija Gornja Radgona 2026 was conducted, led by Niko Martinčič, the 2026 Slovenian Wine Queen. This event allowed participants to experience the quality and diversity of Slovenian wines. From 15:00 to 16:00, in Maneža, another presentation of Lipican horses from Kobilarne Lipica took place, reinforcing the importance of preserving and promoting these rare and valuable breeds. Finally, at the Wine Hall, from 16:00, the awarding of prizes and recognition continued, underscoring the fair’s commitment to celebrating excellence in agriculture and craftsmanship.