ALPINE DAIRIES AND TRANSUMANCE A TIME FOR WOMEN

Three stories that shed light on how an ancient and essential trade is changing: Miriana Brovedani, who grew up amongst cows and barns; Giorgia Bertoli, who took over her grandparents’ farm; and Pamela Maggioni, the shepherdess, who goes to Cortina every year – and not for a holiday

As the name itself points out, the alpine dairyman is traditionally a man’s trade. And the same goes for the cheesemaker, the cowherd and the shepherd. But perhaps this is no longer true, because even in the traditional world of agriculture – even at high altitudes, even in the villages of Carnia and the Pordenone area – women have made their mark and shaken things up. More and more women are carrying on these ancient practices – which are essential for keeping small communities alive – without needing a man by their side. As the three stories we are about to tell demonstrate.