Family in Cernoleuca builds a business on tradition and hard work
Three generations of shepherds have preserved the pastoral spirit in Cernoleuca, Dondușeni district. With 150 sheep and a passion that has been handed down from father to son, the Glavan family has built a business rooted in tradition and hard work. From a young age, the youngest member of the family learned the secrets of shepherding and has now established his own sheep farm, continuing the family's legacy.
Adrian Glavan's family is the third generation of shepherds. He has successfully transformed this traditional activity into a thriving business by fostering teamwork, clearly assigning responsibilities, and involving the entire family.
"Shepherding was passed down from my grandfather to my father, and now I am the third generation. They originally had 20 to 30 sheep by the house. When I started, my mother’s grandfather gave me five sheep, my father gave me a few more, and I also purchased about ten sheep from a neighbour in the village," Adrian Glavan explains.
Shepherding is a demanding job. The workday begins at 4 in the morning and often stretches until midnight. The sheep must be fed, sheared, milked, and grazed, while cheese is carefully prepared day after day. Aurelia, Adrian's wife, is his steadfast support.
"I milk the sheep and make cheese, while my wife goes to the market to sell it. The cheese that doesn’t sell is salted and stored in barrels," Adrian notes.
"In the winter, I help him more, but during this season, I assist less. I bring him food to the sheepfold and take the cheese to the market in the district," adds Aurelia Glavan.
With 150 sheep, two horses, and a tremendous amount of hard work, the Glavan family has established a successful family business. Tradition has evolved into a sustainable business model, and the sheepfold plays a vital role in their livelihood.
"I support my family; the children are well-clothed, and I don't owe anyone anything. In any case, we manage well. We also raise some piglets alongside the sheep and occasionally sell a piglet or calves. If it weren’t for love, no one would stay close to them. Regardless of the weather—be it rain, heat, or snow—one has to be there," says Adrian.
You are invited to watch an extensive report on the Glavan family's activities this Sunday at 2:00 PM on the show „Pământ și Oameni” on Moldova1 TV.
