However, they face significant structural and economic challenges. Labor input and production costs are high, and operational adjustments are difficult. Furthermore, the market increasingly demands milk from cows kept in loose housing or outdoor access systems. Therefore, innovative and cost-effective building solutions, or well-considered ideas for phasing out dairy farming, are needed.

On the trail of innovations

A project specifically for mountain dairy farms was conducted under the leadership of the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture and the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. This project involved 42 mountain farms, the regional chambers of agriculture, Bio-Austria, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), the Austrian Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Biodiversity Conservation Union (ÖKL), the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, the Upper Styrian Dairy, and Tirolmilch. The results of this important project for Austria are now available.

Construction solutions for mining operations

As part of the project, a total of 32 innovative barn conversion solutions for small dairy farms in mountainous regions were identified, developed, and documented. These solutions were also evaluated based on construction costs, animal welfare, emissions, and sustainability criteria. The building solutions are tailored to mountain farms facing structurally challenging and economically demanding situations. Of particular interest are the previously little-known free-range barn solutions ("furnished outdoor runs"), which, with appropriate design and use, can approach the husbandry qualities of open-sided 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 explored farm development strategies that could offer an economically viable alternative to grassland management when dairy farming in mountainous 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. These examples can not only serve as inspiration for farms with similar starting points but also provide helpful recommendations and step-by-step instructions, in addition to experience reports, to facilitate restructuring.

Results ready for implementation

The results of the ongoing project can already be accessed via the website . 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. Printed copies of the brochures are available from the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture (Ms. Anna Schreiner: Tel. +43 1/53441-8533 or email) , upon payment of postage costs. These documents are also available at the district chamber offices in the affected regions.

On May 19, 2022, the EIP project team presented the results on mountain dairy farming at the HBLFA

Two comprehensive brochures and a special information website were developed for mountain dairy farms.