As we are well into autumn now, it’s time for Culinary Autumn in Radol’ca. This year’s timetable of tasty events is more jam-packed than ever. From lunch at a farm, various open days and guided bike trips to an opening dinner, the Month of Local Cuisine and a closing event.

As I am somewhat limited as to what events I can join in, due to being a coeliac, when browsing the list of events I decided I would start by going to the open day at the Dolenc Farm (Kmetija Dolenc). Located in Vrbnje, in close proximity to Radovljica, I must have run past the farm at least several hundred, if not thousand, times since living in Radovljica, but have never taken the time to stop and see how it operates and what it offers.

To reach the farm from Radovljica, simply pass under the motorway (near Spar), turn immediately right then the farm is on your left – you can’t miss it!

I must say, the visit to the open-day was a real eye-opener. I knew farming was hard graft, what I wasn’t aware of is how much automation and technology is changing the farming industry too. Despite this, at the Dolenc Farm, the owners know every cow by name and are clearly passionate about what they do. It is one of the largest and most modern farms in the area.

Below are just a few of the interesting facts I learnt during my visit.

Each cow has a collar that transmits information, such as how much it has eaten and drunk, how long it has grazed, chewed the cud, etc. This information is relayed direct to the farmer, who, in the event that something isn’t as it should be, can react almost immediately to rectify the situation.

A robot pushes the fodder from the store to the feed area, and also clears the excrement.

Cows prefer the cold to the heat, hence the farm has fans to keep them cool, even when the temperature outdoors is below zero.

A lot of hay is used!

Calves are kept in special nursery pens, and at first sometime need a bit of help and encouragement to start suckling.

The quality of the milk at the Dolenc Farm is five times better than the average best; most of it goes to Italy for sale. A sad sign of the times and reflection of the state of farming and price cutting policies among governments, major shopping chains, etc.

Fresh milk is available from a vending machine.

Work at the farm is a real family affair, with father and son looking after the livestock, and mother and daughter-in-law taking care of the retail side of things as well as providing tastings for visitors.

Fortunately for me, or rather us, gluten isn’t used anywhere throughout the farm, except in one kind of yoghurt that contains chocolate cereal, hence we were both able to try all the other delicious yoghurts and cheeses.

And, of course, we couldn’t leave without buying some of the tasty yoghurts and cheese to take home. The farm previously had a small shop, however, nowadays visitors can purchase products 24/7 from the vending machine.

As I mentioned at the start, this is just one of many events taking place from now until the start of December in the Radol’ca are. Among the others are:

• Taste Radol’ca Opening Dinner, this time at Restavracija Šobec
• Chocolate Town Tour
• Open Day at the Brinšek Farm
• Taste Radol’ca Menus throughout November

Wishing you a delicious culinary autumn, wherever you are and whatever tickles your taste buds! Until next time…

© Adele in Slovenia