These events, conducted across 10 countries, provided platforms for farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange, showcasing best practices, innovative techniques, and real-life applications of mixed farming. Each country hosted at least two field demonstrations, engaging a diverse audience of farmers, researchers, policymakers, and agricultural advisors. 

Austria: Integrating Apple Hens into Orchards
In Austria, the MIXED network focused on the innovative "Apple Hen" concept, where laying hens are integrated into apple orchards to enhance pest control and biodiversity. Demonstration days provided opportunities for discussions on animal welfare, pest management, and practical challenges of combining livestock with fruit production. Notably, Austrian poultry veterinarian Beate Schuller attended the events, providing expert insights on animal health. Farmers expressed enthusiasm for the additional income and ecological benefits, although they acknowledged challenges in balancing crop and livestock demands.

Denmark: Innovation in Biodiversity and Pig Integration
The Danish network hosted two engaging field demonstration events as part of the MIXED project, showcasing innovative approaches to mixed farming and biodiversity integration.

The first Demo Event was held on 21-22 November 2023 at the Organic Congress in Vingsted, Denmark, and attracted an audience of over 650 participants, including farmers, researchers, and advisors. The focus was on agroforestry systems with pigs, particularly the innovative use of willow and poplar silage as pig feed. Attendees explored the findings from the MIXED innovation studies and participated in interactive activities, such as a "roughage-smelling competition," which sparked valuable discussions and highlighted the potential of trees as a sustainable feed source. During the second demo event, on 10 October 2024, the Danish network hosted another demonstration at Haraldskær Sinatur Hotel in Vejle, bringing together 35 participants, including 12 farmers. This event focused on strategies to enhance biodiversity on free-range pig farms. Discussions emphasised practical biodiversity measures, such as planting native species, managing perennial pastures, and using landscape features like deadwood fences to connect natural areas. Farmers also explored solutions for balancing biodiversity promotion with economic and regulatory constraints, including the potential for biodiversity certification to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Both events underscored Denmark's commitment to integrating livestock with biodiversity and sustainable farming practices, offering valuable lessons for farmers across Europe, showcasing innovative approaches and practical solutions.

France: Soil Health and Grazing Integration
The French network held demonstrations events at GAEC du Châteauvieux, highlighting the benefits of integrating livestock, particularly sheep, into crop systems. Farmers and experts discussed how grazing sheep on cover crops could enhance soil health, reduce feed costs, and improve biodiversity. The events underscored the importance of adaptive practices and shared knowledge on the resilience of crops to grazing, which encouraged several French farmers to test winter grazing for the first time.

Germany: Diverse Agroforestry Systems
In Germany, the field days at Hof Hartmann showcased a wide variety of agroforestry practices, including chicken forests, alpaca-protected livestock areas, and vegetable agroforestry. Over 50 participants, including citizen scientists, farmers, and researchers, joined to explore ridge cultivation, cattle grazing, and integration of trees in agricultural landscapes. Discussions highlighted the value of agroforestry in promoting biodiversity and resilience, particularly against climate variability, and fostered strong networks among stakeholders.

Poland: Agroforestry and Shelterbelt Systems
Poland’s demo days emphasized agroforestry systems, particularly the role of shelterbelts in enhancing water retention and combating agricultural drought. Farmers and researchers exchanged knowledge on integrating tree belts within crop fields to improve soil moisture, enhance biodiversity, and support resilience against climate change. Participants highlighted the effectiveness of shelterbelts in protecting crops and reducing soil erosion, critical considerations for Polish farmers facing increasingly dry conditions.

Portugal: Sustainability in Montado Systems
In Portugal, the unique Montado landscape served as the focus, where mixed farming involves cork oak forests combined with grazing. Demonstration events allowed participants to explore the biodiversity benefits of Montado systems, as well as carbon sequestration opportunities. Portuguese farmers discussed the challenges and rewards of balancing tree conservation with livestock production, emphasising Montado's role in sustainable farming in Mediterranean climates.

Romania: Promoting Local Food Systems
Romanian demo days centred around promoting local producers and integrating mixed farming with local food systems. The "Povești de Argeș" platform, designed to connect local farmers with consumers, was introduced as a step toward strengthening short supply chains. This platform supports Romanian farmers in reaching local markets, showcasing the project’s commitment to fostering resilient, community-focused agricultural systems.

Switzerland: Sustainable Agroforestry with Fruit and Livestock
In Switzerland, the field demo days included visits to farms that integrate fruit trees with livestock, specifically focusing on strategies for pest control and nutrient management. Swiss farmers learned about managing diverse systems that combine high-quality fruit production with livestock, sharing insights on managing pest pressures through natural methods. The Swiss network highlighted the ecological benefits and additional income opportunities from agroforestry systems.

The Netherlands: Focus on Soil Quality
In The Netherlands’ demonstration events in Anderen concentrated on soil quality, a key concern for Dutch farmers. Led by soil expert Arjan Mager, the sessions included presentations on nutrient management and crop-specific nutrient uptake. Farmers learned practical strategies for enhancing soil fertility through crop residue management and crop rotation, leading to lively discussions on sustainable soil health practices.

United Kingdom: Winter Grazing Trials
In the UK, the Scottish demonstration days focused on winter grazing trials with winter cereals. Farmers observed first-hand the resilience of winter cereals to grazing and noted benefits like reduced crop disease incidence. The Scottish-French collaboration in these events sparked cross-border interest, with French farmers inspired to adopt winter grazing techniques. Feedback from participants indicates a strong interest in expanding grazing on winter crops, given the positive impact on soil health and farm productivity.

Impact and Future Directions
The field demonstration days across the MIXED project have proven to be invaluable platforms for exchanging ideas, learning practical skills, and fostering collaboration. Farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders gained hands-on insights into sustainable practices, from soil health management and winter grazing to agroforestry and shelterbelt systems. By facilitating these knowledge exchanges, the MIXED project is driving innovation in European agriculture, empowering farmers to adopt mixed systems that enhance resilience and sustainability.

As we move forward, the lessons learned from these field days will inform policy recommendations and help scale up successful practices across Europe. Through continued collaboration, the MIXED project aims to promote resilient, efficient farming systems that contribute to a sustainable future for agriculture.

Strengthening Networks and Encouraging Sustainable Transitions
The demo events under the MIXED project have underscored the pivotal role that hands-on, experiential learning plays in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. By facilitating direct exchanges between farmers, researchers, and advisors, these field demonstration days have not only strengthened local and international networks but have also fostered a collective resilience and readiness to innovate. Key lessons learned include the importance of tailored practices that align with local conditions, the value of peer-to-peer learning in building trust and confidence among farmers, and the critical role of adaptive management in mixed systems. As these demo events continue to inspire sustainable transitions, the MIXED project reaffirms its commitment to creating a lasting impact on European agriculture through shared knowledge, practical applications, and continuous adaptation.