The importance of the topic was also demonstrated by the great interest in the conference. Over 130 people from all over Austria, as well as from the neighboring mountain regions of Germany and South Tyrol, participated in the event.

On the trail of innovations

The project, led by the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture and the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, involved BIO AUSTRIA, the regional chambers of agriculture, the Austrian Association for Agricultural Engineering and Biodiversity Conservation Union (ÖKL), the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Tirol-Milch, the Upper Styrian Dairy, and 42 working farms from mountainous regions. The aim was to find innovative structural solutions for dairy barns and forward-looking alternative farm development strategies for grassland farms in mountainous areas.

Construction solutions for mining operations

A total of 32 innovative barn conversion solutions for small dairy farms in mountainous regions were identified, developed, and documented as part of the project. These solutions were also evaluated based on construction costs, animal welfare, emissions, and sustainability criteria. The results presented at the conference showcased tailored solutions for mountain farms facing structurally challenging and economically demanding situations. The previously unfamiliar open-air barn solutions ("furnished outdoor runs") attracted particular interest, as these, with appropriate design and use, can approach the husbandry qualities of free-stall barns. Many of the implemented and well-documented details and construction options will significantly support future barn planning.    

Alternatives to dairy cows

Furthermore, the project also focused on developing farm development strategies that could offer an economically viable alternative to grassland management when dairy farming in mountain regions is discontinued. To this end, a survey was conducted on 10 farms undergoing conversion, documenting the before-and-after situation. The range of alternatives extended from mountain vegetable cultivation to mountain hay production for small animals. The farm examples presented at the conference not only provided inspiration for farms with similar starting points but also offered helpful recommendations and step-by-step instructions, in addition to providing firsthand accounts, to facilitate restructuring.

Results ready for implementation

The results of the ongoing project can already be found via the Homepage  The two comprehensive advisory brochures ("Innovative Building on Mountains" - 124 color pages; "Alternatives to Dairy Farming" - 40 pages) are also available for free download on the project website. A printed version of the brochures can be obtained from the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture (Ms. Anna Schreiner: Tel. +43 1/53441-8533). This email address is protected from spambots! You must enable JavaScript to view it. Available, subject to postage costs.

Here you will find the downloads for this event.