My Visit to OLMA: A Day of Animals, Farmers, Coffee, Robots, and Chilbi Fun
Arriving at OLMA – The Buzz of Tradition and Excitement
This year, I finally made it to OLMA – the famous Swiss fair in St. Gallen that celebrates everything connected to agriculture, tradition, and rural life. I had heard so many stories about it before, but being there in person felt like stepping into a lively mix of country charm and modern innovation. From the moment I entered the exhibition halls, I was surrounded by the hum of conversation, laughter, and the smell of roasted nuts and strong coffee. The air was cool outside, but inside, the atmosphere was warm and cheerful.
I started my day early to make the most of it. The first thing that struck me was how friendly and open everyone seemed. Families with children, farmers in their traditional vests, curious city visitors, and students like me were all moving together from one hall to another. OLMA is more than a fair – it feels like a national celebration of Swiss life. It brings together generations and cultures, and it shows how deeply people still care about farming and food production.
Meeting the Animals – From Curious Cows to Playful Goats
I have always loved animals, so the livestock exhibitions were one of the highlights for me. As soon as I entered the animal hall, I was greeted by the gentle sound of cows mooing and sheep bleating. The smell of hay filled the air, and it reminded me of childhood visits to the countryside. The cows stood proudly in their decorated stalls, their coats brushed until they almost shone. Some were being prepared for competitions, and I could see farmers carefully cleaning them and checking every detail.
One farmer I spoke to told me about his cow, Lina, who had already won several prizes in previous OLMA shows. He spoke with such pride and affection that I couldn’t help but smile. He explained how much care and time goes into raising animals properly. It’s not just about milk or meat – it’s about connection and respect. Listening to him made me appreciate the quiet dedication behind every farm product we often take for granted.
The goats were another joy to watch. Children were laughing as they tried to feed them with handfuls of hay. Some goats were cheeky and pulled at people’s clothes, and everyone found it funny. There were also sheep shearing demonstrations, and it was fascinating to see how quickly and skillfully the farmers worked, always careful not to hurt the animal. Every corner of the animal section was alive with motion and sound, and I felt that deep link between humans and nature that OLMA celebrates so well.
Farmer’s Stories – Wisdom and Humor from the Fields
One of the most memorable parts of my visit was talking to farmers and hearing their stories. Many of them had been coming to OLMA for decades. They told me how the fair had changed over the years – becoming bigger, more modern, but still holding on to its roots. One older man shared how his grandfather used to sell cheese at OLMA when it was still a small regional event. Now, he was there with his own son, showing off their organic dairy products.
These farmers weren’t just there to sell. They wanted to talk, to share their passion for what they do. They told stories about long winters, hard work, and also the quiet joy of seeing a healthy field or a newborn calf. There was humor too – lots of friendly teasing between neighboring farmers and cheerful banter with the visitors. I felt like I was part of a big family gathering, even though I was just a guest.
Good Coffee and Simple Pleasures
After a few hours of walking through the halls, I needed a break. The smell of freshly brewed coffee guided me to a small stand run by a local roastery. The barista greeted me with a big smile and offered me a steaming cappuccino. I sat at one of the wooden tables nearby, listening to the distant hum of conversations and the soft music from another hall.
That cup of coffee was honestly one of the best I’ve had in a long time. It wasn’t fancy or complicated – just perfectly roasted beans, creamy milk, and a moment of rest. Around me, people were chatting, laughing, and sharing snacks. Some were eating sausage sandwiches, others were trying cheese samples. It was simple, unpretentious, and completely genuine. I realized that part of what makes OLMA special is exactly this – the mix of energy and calm, of tradition and everyday comfort.
Robots and Innovation – The Future of Farming
Later in the day, I explored the technology hall. At first, it felt strange to see robots and digital screens after spending the morning with cows and goats, but that’s what makes OLMA so interesting. It connects the old and the new. There were machines that could milk cows automatically, drones that monitored crops, and even a small robot that could plant seeds with incredible precision.
I spoke with a young engineer who demonstrated a robot used for cleaning barns. He explained how these machines help farmers save time and work more efficiently, especially when they have large herds. I could see the pride in his eyes – not so different from the pride I had seen in the farmer with the cow Lina. It was the same spirit, just in a new form. Tradition and technology working hand in hand – that felt very Swiss to me.
The “Chilbi” – Fun, Lights, and Laughter
As the evening approached, the fairgrounds transformed into a colorful wonderland. The “Chilbi” area – the funfair part of OLMA – came alive with music, lights, and laughter. The smell of popcorn and candy filled the air. I could hear the cheerful screams from the roller coaster and see the bright carousel spinning with children waving their hands.
I walked around with a smile, feeling like a kid again. I played a few simple games, won a small stuffed cow (which I now keep as a souvenir), and just enjoyed watching people having fun. The atmosphere was carefree and full of joy. Teenagers were taking selfies, families were sharing cotton candy, and couples were holding hands under the colorful lights.
Heading Home – A Heart Full of Impressions
When I finally left OLMA, it was already dark, and my feet were tired. But my heart was full. I had learned so much – not just about farming and technology, but about community and tradition. OLMA is not just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of life, of hard work, and of the connection between people, animals, and the land.
On the train ride home, I looked at my little stuffed cow and smiled. I knew I would come back again next year – for the animals, the farmers, the good coffee, the robots, and of course, the magical “Chilbi” that makes OLMA so unforgettable.
Camera: Fujifilm X-H2s
Lens: Fujinon several lenses
Filter: none
Location: Switzerland
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