The second workshop, hosted by the Faculty of Agriculture – University of Novi Sad, focused on the Cattle Production DeepDemo and the challenges facing livestock farming in the Serbian part of the Pannonian basin.

Livestock production in this region is increasingly exposed to climate pressures. Prolonged drought periods and declining fodder yields, particularly in maize production, are already placing farming systems under strain in Vojvodina, where livestock accounts for nearly 30% of total agricultural output.

The workshop addressed how these challenges can be translated into viable business strategies. The business model dimension of the discussions was shaped through the joint contribution of Alexander Märdian and Vera Netz (Deutsches Institut für Lebensmitteltechnik e.V. – DIL), Mario Njavro (Faculty of Agriculture – University of Zagreb) and Francesca Favero (Deloitte).

With Saša Krstović representing the Cattle Production DeepDemo, discussions focused on how research findings and practical measures – including drought-resistant crops, adjusted crop rotations, alternative feed solutions and improvements in soil quality – can support economically viable livestock production.

The discussions highlighted that safeguarding livestock farming in the region requires more than technical adaptation. It also demands validated business approaches capable of transforming current vulnerabilities into long-term viability.