They are among the Holstein pioneers of Europe: the Ladina family from northern Italy. In HI’s previous issue (3/2020) we described how the Ladinas, after importing from Switzerland (Brown Swiss) and the Netherlands (Dutch Friesian), began intensively importing the Holstein breed into Italy during the 1960s. Initially by plane, and later by boat. Several hundreds of Holsteins came to Italy, where the Ladinas could barely keep up with demand. Among their imports were numerous pearls, including Flettdale Marquis Janet – who would establish a powerful empire in Italy and beyond. Here’s part 2 of our story about the Holstein pioneers Ercole and Marcello Ladina.