The research focused on trials with site-adapted seed mixtures specifically developed for intensively used, dry, and difficult-to-manage areas . Strategies for grazing systems were also tested, offering practical solutions under challenging conditions such as drought, steep slopes, and limited land availability . Particular emphasis was placed on reducing parasite pressure on sheep and goat pastures through the targeted use of specific plant species. Furthermore, methods for grazing dairy cows with calves tested, a system for which little practical data previously existed.

 

Another important component of the project was to systematically record , document, and prepare for practical application the existing knowledge of organic farmers

The close collaboration between research, practice, and consulting enabled the acquisition of valuable insights that will help farms adapt their grazing practices to specific site conditions and optimize them in the long term. Special thanks go to the participating farms that actively contributed to the implementation of the measures, as well as to the experts who shared their expertise and knowledge. The EIP project was supported by the German federal government, the German states, and the European Union!

Consultation brochures available for free download

The advisory brochures produced as part of the project offer valuable, practice-oriented information on the following topics:

1. Establishment and maintenance of intensively used pasture areas
2. Grazing in dry regions and on arable land
3. Grazing of pastureland and steep slopes
4. Pasture farming of small ruminants
5. Cow-calf rearing with pasture grazing

Use the insights gained from the project to optimally manage your pastureland and successfully meet the challenges of pasture farming.

 

brochures

 

Establishment and maintenance of intensively used pasture areas

According to EU regulations for organic farming, organic farms must provide all ruminants and equines on the farm with access to pasture
. On many farms, this means that suitable pastureland near the farm must be grazed much more intensively than before.
These resulting "movement pastures" place different demands on the functionality of the grass sward. Yield and forage value become less important on these areas, as the animals are fed in the barn and grazing time per animal per day is reduced. Sward stability and persistence, as well as good regenerative capacity, become paramount. 

 

 

 

 

Grazing in dry regions and on alpine pastures

The regulations for organic farming stipulate that arable land can also be used as pasture for ruminants. Since organic farms
rely on forage crops or clover grass as part of their crop rotation, this component of the rotation can be readily integrated into grazing. The fact that arable farming
areas are generally located in regions with lower rainfall presents specific challenges for pasture management. On drought-prone sites,
special grazing management is required. The vegetation must not be too short, and the plants and roots need more rest periods.

 

 

 

Grazing of pastureland and steep slopes

The EIP project "Grazing on Pastures and Steep Slopes" analyzed the role of steep slopes and pastures in organic farming in mountain regions – both from a crop production and ecological perspectives.
The project took place directly on farms ("on-farm"), using pastureland as a practical example and training site. Locations with varying soil and climate conditions were selected.
Using five farms from different regions as examples, we demonstrate the challenges and opportunities of grazing on steep slopes. These best-practice examples aim to reduce reservations and encourage others to follow suit.

 

 

 

Pasture farming of small ruminants

The grazing of ruminants, particularly small ruminants such as sheep and goats, has declined in importance in Austria since the mid-20th century due to intensification. However, it is regaining relevance through legal requirements, subsidies, low-input concepts, societal pressure, and market demands.
The EIP project "Grazing Innovations" aims to develop sustainable and innovative solutions for grazing under challenging conditions. Parasitic infestation in small ruminants poses a persistent challenge for husbandry management. Therefore, plants with antiparasitic properties (herbs) were sown on a working farm. The following brochure summarizes the findings and practical experience gained from the "Grazing Innovations" project.

 

 

 

Cow-calf rearing with pasture grazing

Cow-calf contact rearing is a novel concept already being implemented on some farms. Typically, calves are separated from their mothers within a few hours or days and then fed milk manually using buckets or automatic feeders. In cow-calf contact rearing, calves and cows remain in contact for several weeks to months, usually until weaning.
While there are many different systems, they all share the common feature of the calves suckling from a cow's udder.
The motivations and advantages presented in this brochure are based on data from 71 farms using cow-calf contact rearing that participated in the 2022 online questionnaire study. Of these, 37 were in Austria, 27 in Germany, and six in Switzerland.

 

 

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Click here to go to the website of the EIP project at Bio-Austria

 

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