“L’incrocio non è una bufala” they say. Here at Cascina Fornasotto, we’ve turned that saying into a way of life. This isn’t just a farm. It’s a story of innovation. It’s about embracing the unexpected.
Cascina Fornasotto in Galgagnano is more than just an agricultural complex. It is an example of rural architecture. Fornasotto has a rich history evident in its structural design. The main house splits into two distinct areas. There is a residential wing and a farmhand wing.
Notice the residential wing’s brickwork. Observe the portico with its brick pillars. Imagine farmers seeking shelter here long ago. The house features wooden beams and a single-pitched roof. The farmhouse wing shows brickwork with openings for the oven area. The roofs use brick tiles.
Look at the barns, stables, and storage. The central building stands out with its brickwork. Pilasters run the building’s height. Inside are monolithic granite columns. Above is the hayloft with wooden trusses. The roof has cement sheets.
Currently, the main house serves as a home. The storage-stable building serves as a warehouse and stable. The stable-hayloft building serves as a hayloft and stable.
About ten years ago, Cascina Fornasotto diversified. Instead of buying milk quotas, they chose buffaloes. The number grew from a few pregnant heifers. They now occupy an entire wing of the stable.
Observing the buffaloes changed everything here at Fornasotto. Their hardiness stood out. The lack of health issues surprised everyone. Their quick recovery from stress impressed all workers. The team recognized their fertility. These qualities highlighted problems with the existing Friesian cows.
The farm was experiencing increasing problems with the Friesian herd. They had reproductive and general health issues. Cascina Fornasotto addressed the herd’s consanguinity. They switched to a two-way crossbreeding system. They alternated Holstein and Norwegian Red breeds. This choice proved successful.
Twenty years ago, Wolf System built the first stable for Cascina “Il Fornasotto”. The success of the first structure led to a new collaboration.
The new stable extends 75 meters long and 32 meters wide. It does not use intermediate pillars or tie rods. The double-pitched roof has a 30% incline. This design improves rainwater runoff and internal ventilation.
The stable uses galvanized steel beams and laminated wood architraves. The roof consists of sandwich panels. These panels provide thermal insulation. A translucent dome maximizes natural light.
The gable uses wood covered with larch planks. The structure is stabilized with bracing systems. Gutters efficiently collect rainwater.
An additional 40 meters is planned for the stable. The aim is to house a state-of-the-art milking parlor.
So, as you stand here at Cascina Fornasotto, remember this. This place is not just a farm. It’s a testament to adaptation. It is a celebration of forward-thinking. It’s proof that sometimes the best path is the one less traveled.