(1) Identifying options for reducing concentrated feed and discussing the consequences in working groups

(2) Creation of records and, if necessary, simple experiments on the farms

(3) Evaluation of the results and systematic consideration of the experiences of farmers, consultants and researchers during the course of the project

(4) Description of “promising strategies” based on the experiences and insights gained as a basis for advice and implementation recommendations.

New methodological approaches will also be implemented in the practice-oriented research and implementation project. Participatory research and advice within a project to specifically minimize the use of concentrated feed in organic dairy farming has not yet been carried out. This is primarily intended to take into account the wish of consulting and practice that knowledge transfer must be an integral part of every applied research project. In addition, experiences from farmers and consultants should also be incorporated into project implementation and the implementation of results, in addition to existing expert knowledge. Furthermore, experimental on-farm research can be used to help farmers make better farm decisions, with the knowledge gained subsequently being available for advice.

The project is led by the Organic Institute of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein and is carried out in the grassland area of ​​the federal state of Salzburg and in the neighboring region of Upper Austria on organic dairy farms in collaboration with organic consultants.