However, they face major structural and business management challenges. The labor input and costs in production are high, and operational adjustments are difficult. In addition, the market is increasingly demanding milk from cows kept in free stall or free range systems. Innovative and, if possible, cost-effective construction solutions or well-considered ideas for phasing out dairy farming are therefore required.

On the trail of innovations

Under the leadership of the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture and the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, a project was carried out specifically for mountain dairy farms. 42 mountain companies, the LW chambers of the states, Bio-Austria, BOKU, ÖKL, HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein and the Obersterian dairy as well as Tirolmilch also worked together. The results of this important project for Austria are now available.

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 construction solutions are tailor-made for mining operations in structurally difficult and economically challenging situations. Particularly interesting are the not yet very well-known outdoor stable construction solutions (“furnished outdoor run”), which, if designed and used appropriately, come close to the housing qualities of loose stables. 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 examples can not only serve as inspiration for companies with a similar starting point, but in addition to experience reports, they also provide helpful recommendations and step-by-step instructions that make restructuring easier.

Results ready for implementation

The results of the ongoing project can already be accessed homepage 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 printed version of the brochures is available from the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture (Ms. Anna Schreiner: Tel. 0043 1/53441-8533 or email , against payment of postage costs. These documents are also now available at the district chambers of the affected regions.

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

Two extensive brochures and a special information homepage were developed mountain dairy farms