The origins of cattle farming in the Ampezzo valley date back to the first centuries of the Christian era when settlements were consolidated in the valley. Since then, the inhabitants could no longer depend on only what nature offers spontaneously on its grassy meadows, as the land required to be managed and adapted to the needs of hay making, cattle and sheep grazing, and farming.
The landscape therefore became more man-made by the efforts of ancient pioneers. The loving concern for land care and management went hand in hand with technical improvements and the growing awareness of the need to conserve and improve natural resources.
Analysis of the rich Ampezzo vocabulary corresponding to the words “grass”, “meadow” or “pastures” reveal a remarkable wealth of meanings linked to different elevation factors, usage methods, quality and quantity of fodder, and so on.
During the long winters, then as now, livestock remained in the stables and farmers would look after the animals in the traditional way, feeding them with the different types of hay harvested during the warmer months. In early summer, the animals, which did not produce milk, like oxen, steers, and horses, were led to the high pastures, while dairy cattle remained on lower altitude meadows - called “alberghe” rich in a highly nutritious fodder. Milking and milk processing were done in the nearby herdsmen’s dwellings (“brites”): butter and cheese were distributed on a monthly basis according to the number of livestock owned by the farmers.
At the end of the season, when the livestock were led down to the valley, pasture clearing took place. It was a very important, mandatory activity and failure to participate could lead to the denial of the rights of the Regola.