The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. The initiative aims to highlight the vital role that pastoralism and grazing-based livestock farming must play in the sustainable agriculture of the future. The leadership of the International Year has identified 12 globally significant themes concerning the importance of rangelands and pastoralists, as well as the role and significance of pastoralists within society. Further details on this topic can be found in the Magyar Állattenyésztők Lapja (journal of Hungarian Livestock Breeders).

Pastoralism is both a vocation and a way of life that is increasingly in decline. It is an ancient craft that fewer and fewer young people are choosing to pursue in our changing world. The Tiszatáj Public Foundation manages its grassland habitats through the herded grazing of Hungarian Grey cattle and Hungarian water buffalo. Among the herdsmen, there are young individuals who must simultaneously master traditional pastoral knowledge and learn to apply it while complying with nature conservation and subsidy regulations. Unfortunately, the weather this year has shown no regard for the International Year; pastures are stricken by drought, and herdsmen are suffering in the heat. There is a nationwide shortage of hay.

More details about the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists:
https://www.agroinform.hu/kornyezetvedelem/2026-a-legelok-es-pasztorok-eve-lesz-88362-001
https://www.fao.org/rangelands-pastoralists-2026/about/en