From March 13 to 15, 2026, a delegation from Sumy National Agrarian University paid a working visit to Germany. The delegation included the head of the department of technology of production and processing of livestock products and cynology, advisor to the rector, academician of the NAAS of Ukraine, doctor of agricultural sciences, professor Volodymyr Ivanovych Ladyka and assistant of the department Anastasiia Serhiivna Belchenko.
The program was also attended by stakeholders of the Faculty of Biology and Technology – heads of leading agricultural enterprises that actively cooperate with the university, participating in the formation of educational programs and practical training of students.
The visit was held at the invitation of the international company GGI-SPERMEX and was dedicated to familiarization with modern technologies of dairy farming, genetics and cattle breeding.
As part of the program, the delegation visited leading farms in Bavaria, including Matthias Brauchle, Schoellhorn GBR, Burkart GBR and Stefan Ostheimer, where they learned about approaches to keeping, feeding and breeding dairy cattle. Particular attention was paid to the work of genetic centers, in particular the artificial insemination station in the city of Memmingen.
An important stage was participation in the National Brown Swiss Breed Exhibition at the ProRind Exhibition Center (Untertingau), which brought together leading European breeders and industry experts. SNAU representatives held professional discussions with the head of the Bavarian State Institute for Livestock, Johann Ertl, and representatives of the European Association of Brown Cattle Breeders.
Separately, the delegation learned about the prospects for exporting the German Brown Swiss breed during a presentation by Frank Stumpenhusen, a representative of the GGI-SPERMEX company. During the visit, professional meetings were held aimed at developing international cooperation, exchanging experience in the field of genetics and breeding, as well as discussing the introduction of modern technologies into the educational process of the university.
As a result of the program, specific agreements were reached on further cooperation. As Volodymyr Ladyka noted:
“We saw with our own eyes modern technologies and breeding models that are setting trends in Europe today. But the main result is the development of our scientific potential. I have good news: we have agreed on a scientific and methodological internship for two representatives of the Faculty of Biology and Technology. Our specialists will learn from the experience directly at the Scientific Center for Animal Husbandry and breeding centers in Bavaria. Let’s move forward, implement best practices and build modern agricultural education together!”
Participation in international events of this level contributes to strengthening scientific and industrial ties, expanding SNAU’s partnership with European institutions, and introducing best practices in the field of animal husbandry into the educational and scientific process of the university.
