Sustainable dairy farming in Italy: The Crespi Invernizzi approach
Massimo Crespi runs Crespi Invernizzi Farm in Sedriano, close to Milan. This region is known for raising high-quality dairy cows. Home to around 190 cows, the Crespi Invernizzi Farm is renowned for producing excellent milk. The farm is part of the San Angiolina cooperative, famous for Grana Padano cheese.
This farm’s story began in 1982, when Massimo’s father and uncles started the business. In 2015, Massimo, his brother Alessandro and his cousin Samuele took over, continuing the family’s legacy of sustainable dairy farming.
Prioritising high-quality feed
At Crespi Invernizzi, animal health and nutrition are central to operations. The farm grows its own feed, carefully selecting crops to ensure optimal nutrition for its dairy herd. These crops include alfalfa, permanent grasslands, sorghum, autumn-winter crops, and corn.
Sorghum and seasonal grasses provide essential fibre, while corn contributes high levels of starch, a key energy source for the cows. This balanced diet supports both productivity and animal well-being.
Adapting forage management to climate pressures
Increasingly extreme weather conditions have made forage production more challenging. Increased water stress and unpredictable climate patterns have threatened both crop yields and feed quality.
To address these issues, the farm has diversified its crop selection with resilient varieties such as sorghum, which withstands harsh conditions and so ensures a consistent feed supply. In addition, Crespi Invernizzi has improved forage management by incorporating Egalis inoculants from Alltech, which enhance nutrient retention and minimise dry matter loss.
According to Massimo, the use of Alltech’s technology has significantly improved silage quality, particularly in terms of acidification and overall stability. This not only results in consistent feed availability but also in improved animal health. The enhanced nutritional profile and silage durability contribute to better performance, even after extended storage.
“Certainly, producing quality feed, especially silage, directly impacts milk quality, which is essential when supplying a dairy that produces Grana Padano,” Massimo said.
Practical advantages of the Alltech Egalis line
One of the key benefits of Alltech’s Egalis line is that it is easy to use. The product dissolves quickly and does not present any operational issues during field application. Its convenience has enabled the Crespi Invernizzi team to integrate the product efficiently into their forage harvesting routine.
Another advantage is shelf stability. Unlike many similar products, Egalis does not require refrigeration, making it easy to store under normal conditions, which helps to reduce energy use and storage costs.
Consistent feed monitoring and quality control
Maintaining a high standard of feed quality is a top priority at Crespi Invernizzi. The farm collaborates closely with a professional animal nutritionist, who regularly evaluates the condition of both stored and mixed feed.
Key parameters such as dry matter content and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) levels are monitored closely, ensuring that the nutritional profile remains balanced and effective. These regular assessments help maintain optimal milk production and support the overall health of the herd.
Linking feed quality to milk excellence
The team at Crespi Invernizzi understands the direct connection between feed quality and milk output. This is especially important as the farm supplies milk for the production of Grana Padano, a traditional cow’s milk cheese from the Po River Valley in Northern Italy. Aged between 9 and more than 20 months, Grana Padano has a firm texture and rich flavour. Grana Padano was born of a centuries-old tradition in this vast area of Northern Italy, and its producers uphold the highest standards for the consistency and richness of the milk they use.
By prioritising high-quality silage and precise feed management, the farm has achieved strong results in milk production. Massimo emphasises that maintaining feed value is fundamental to the farm’s continued success and quality standards.
Ongoing support from Alltech
Beyond the benefits of the inoculant solution itself, Crespi Invernizzi also values the technical support provided by Alltech. The Alltech team offers hands-on assistance throughout the process, from evaluating crops prior to harvest to reviewing silage quality during fermentation.
This collaboration has helped the farm fine-tune its forage practices, reinforcing long-term feed efficiency and production stability.
Sustainability through self-sufficiency
A core goal at Crespi Invernizzi is to be largely self-sufficient in feed production. By cultivating its own crops, the farm reduces dependency on external feed sources, cuts costs and maintains greater control over quality.
This approach not only improves economic sustainability but also aligns with environmental goals. On-site feed production reduces transport and supports a closed-loop farming model that promotes long-term viability.
The Crespi Invernizzi Farm demonstrates how a thoughtful, well-managed approach to feed production can support both sustainability and high-quality dairy output. By incorporating climate-resilient crops, advanced silage technologies and rigorous nutritional monitoring, the farm has successfully adapted to environmental challenges while maintaining strong production standards.
As the farm continues to evolve, its commitment to innovation, self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship serves as a model for sustainable dairy farming in Italy and beyond.
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