Annual report 2023 - cover page
    (C) HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, D. Schönthaler

    Research and teaching in tune with the times - annual report 2023

    (C) HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, D. Schönthaler

    Research and teaching in tune with the times - annual report 2023

    Research and teaching in tune with the times - the 2023 annual report and the supplementary brochure on the 2023 publications and implementation activities provide an impressive overview of the activities of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. In 80 research projects, including 10 large-scale international projects, questions about the future of the agriculture and food industry are being scientifically addressed. The high level of practical relevance , the partnership-based cooperation and the rapid implementation of results are valued. Scientific relying on the most modern methods (AI tools, satellite data, digital solutions, etc.) for years

    • The SatGrass project, for example, showed that yield and quality trends in grassland can be calculated daily and very precisely at plot level for the whole of Austria from complex satellite and weather data with the help of “machine learning & neural networks”. These models form the basis for apps that will significantly support farmers in grassland management. This project also creates groundbreaking foundations for climate change adaptation and risk assessment.

    • The Breed4Green project is researching strategies for breeding for energy efficiency and reducing methane emissions for the Austrian cattle industry and developing climate protection solutions. In the next few years, two state-of-the-art GreenFeed systems from HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein will be used together with Rinderzucht Austria on the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein research farm and on numerous practical farms. By comparing the data sets determined with standardized calibration samples and using AI, the methane emissions per animal and day can be determined very precisely under practical conditions. The results from this project will serve in particular to direct Austrian cattle breeding.
    • As part of the IbeST project, we are working with farmers and our research partners to find practical solutions for adapting existing fully slatted pig fattening sheds . Since January 1, 2023, a full slatted ban has been in effect for new stables in Austria. In order to give existing agricultural operations planning security and to protect investments made, a transition period of 17 years was set for existing stables. However, at the beginning of 2024, the Constitutional Court lifted this transition period. In the ongoing negotiations on new deadlines and implementation steps, the results of the current project and the expertise of the HBLFA Raumberg Gumpenstein are particularly relevant.
    • There has been a lot of valuable impetus for organic farming The Organic Institute has also taken on central networking functions in the areas of research, teaching, advice and practice and there is close exchange with organic associations such as BIO AUSTRIA.

    Research must not be an end in itself! In addition to the well-known and popular conferences, seminars, stable and field days, specialist lectures, publications, etc., modern media - such as videos and podcasts - are used to quickly reach many target groups. A notable example is the education and advisory tool on climate change adaptation released in fall 2023. Around 40 podcast episodes on climate change adaptation strategies have been supplemented by an extensive specialist brochure and there are also more than 30 sets of slides available, especially for teaching and advice. A special highlight is the 50th podcast episode with Josef Riegler .

    The combination of teaching and research at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein location is also particularly valuable for the over 400 students. At the Science Days four times a year, students get a deep insight into “Gumpenstein research and current challenges in practice”. Young people are also actively involved in seminars and conferences.

    In its daily work, the research and education center relies on partnership-based cooperation with the superior service authority, the BML, the universities and associations, the advisory bodies, the partner schools, the legislators, many companies and, above all, with the Austrian farmers and farmers.

    Annual report 2023 in image form

    The 2023 annual report provides an impressive overview of the areas of activity of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein.

    Brochure on the publications and implementation activities 2023

    The brochure on the “Publication and implementation activities 2023” is a valuable addition to the 2023 annual report. Using the search function in Adobe Acrobat, you can quickly filter out the activities and contacts that are of interest to you in this documentation and also go directly to them using the Acrobat symbol released publications .

    Further information

    The interactive brochure provides further insights into our diverse house - many thanks to our partners for their support. You can download the PDF version of the interactive brochure here:

    We have also increased our presence on our social media channels and would be happy if you follow us, share our content and support us in this way: