Webinar: Livestock guarding dogs in practice – with Mirko Di Francesco

This post is also available in: Deutsch Italiano

Tradition, shepherding and a functioning livestock protection

A field report by Mirko Di Francesco from Abruzzo

As part of a specialist webinar, Mirko Di Francesco, a traditional sheep farmer from the Italian region of Abruzzo, shared his decades of experience with livestock protection in one of the most wolf-rich areas in Europe. His family farm protects over 1,400 sheep – and has done so for ten years without any losses due to wolves. What sounds like utopia is a reality in his case.

Three flocks, three lambing times – clear structure for a better overview

The farm near Serramonacesca is divided into three herds, according to a staggered lambing. This allows each group to be managed and cared for individually.

Two full-time shepherds look after around 400 sheep each. The day begins with manual milking – there are no machines on the farm. The animals are then taken out to the surrounding pastures.

• Winter pasture: In the valleys around the Majella National Park
• Summer pasture: At high altitudes above 2,000 m above sea level

In the evening, the herds return to the night pens – secured with 1.40 m high net fences and 8,000 volts of electricity. These are not primarily used to ward off wolves, but to structure the herd management and provide orientation for the Livestock guarding dogs.

Regular wolf contact – not a single crack

Despite weekly contact with wolves, there has not been a single case of damage in ten years.
Mirko owes this success to a finely tuned protection system:

• At least eight Maremmano Abruzzese per herd Livestock guarding dogs
• Additionally: two to three herding dogs
• At night: young dogs (under 12 months) in the pen, experienced dogs outside on patrol

The dogs work independently, without constant guidance, and grow up in the herd from an early age. They are fed with whey, bread, meat and, if required, dog food. The dogs are regarded as equal partners in everyday farm life.

Handmade cheese, direct distribution

Up to 200 liters of sheep’s milk per day are processed on the farm – exclusively by hand. Mirko’s mother produces pecorino in various stages of ripeness as well as fresh ricotta, which is sold directly in the farm store and via direct delivery to end customers.

The lamb – up to 1,000 animals per year – is also marketed directly to selected restaurants, especially at Easter and Christmas. An impressive example of quality-based direct marketing.

Lamb management with vision

After birth, the lambs are immediately brought into the barn, where they stay for eight weeks together with the ewes.

From the second week onwards, a third Shepherd begins to lead the ewes out to pasture during the day without lambs. This relieves the mothers, promotes milk production – and protects the young animals.

Mirko’s message: “livestock protection takes time – and foresight”

At the end of the webinar, Mirko sent a clear message to all companies in German-speaking countries:

“livestock protection is not a project that you implement once – it is a system that grows and needs to be maintained over the years.”

“If you want to use Livestock guarding dogs, you have to be prepared to treat them like colleagues – with respect, consistency and a daily presence.”

And his warning:

“Anyone who only starts livestock protection when the wolf is already in the neighborhood is four years too late.”

📌 Conclusion:
Mirko’s approach impressively demonstrates that it is possible to make livestock protection work – if it is implemented early, thoughtfully and with respect for animals and the landscape. His combination of tradition, structure and practical knowledge is a valuable contribution for all those who strive for sustainable livestock grazing in wolf areas.

📅 Date: February 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 19:30 – 21:00
📍 Online via Zoom

🔗 Register here now and secure valuable first-hand knowledge! There will be an extensive question and answer session. Everything will be translated live so you can ask your questions.

#livestock protection #Livestock guarding dogs #MaremmanoAbruzzese #pasture farming #sheep farming #wolf protection #webinar