The great interest in the conference also showed how important the topic is. Over 130 people from all over Austria as well as from the neighboring mountain regions of Germany and South Tyrol took part in the event.

On the trail of innovations

In the project, which was led by the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture and the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, BIO AUSTRIA, the LKs of the states, the ÖKL, the BOKU, the Tirol-Milch and the Obersteirische Molkerei as well as 42 practical companies from the mountain area worked together. The aim was to find innovative structural solutions for dairy cattle stables as well as forward-looking alternative business development strategies for grassland farms in mountain areas.

Construction solutions for mining operations

In the course of the project, a total of 32 innovative barn conversion solutions for small dairy farms in mountain areas were collected, developed and documented. In addition, an assessment was carried out regarding construction costs, animal welfare, emissions and sustainability criteria. The results presented at the conference demonstrated tailor-made solutions for mining operations in structurally difficult and economically challenging situations. The previously unknown outdoor stable construction solutions (“furnished outdoor stables”), which, if designed and used appropriately, come close to the housing qualities of loose stables, attracted particular interest. Many of the implemented and well-documented details and structural options will significantly support future stable planning.    

Alternatives to dairy cows

In addition, the project also worked on business development strategies, which could represent an economical alternative to grassland management if mountain dairy farming was abandoned. For this purpose, a survey was carried out on 10 converting farms that documented the before/after situation. The range of alternatives here ranged from mountain vegetable farming to mountain hay preparation for small animals. The company examples presented at the conference not only provided inspiration for companies with a similar starting point, but also provided experience reports as well as helpful recommendations and step-by-step instructions that make restructuring easier.

Results ready for implementation

The results of the ongoing project can already be viewed via the Homepage  be retrieved. The two extensive advisory brochures (“Innovative Building on the Mountain” - 124 color pages; “Alternatives to dairy farming” - 40 pages) are also available to download free of charge from the project homepage. A print version of the brochures is available from the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture (Ms. Anna Schreiner: Tel. 0043 1/53441-8533 or This email address is protected from spambots! JavaScript must be enabled to display. available, against payment of postage costs.

You can find the downloads for this event here.