Milking robots on dairy farms: The most important success factors for people, animals, and technology. Automatic milking systems are on the rise – but success depends on far more than just modern technology.
Mineral supply in dairy farming: challenges, new recommendations, and practical solutions. The right mineral supply is crucial for healthy and productive dairy cows – and at the same time one of the...
How proper feeding increases the fertility of dairy cows – tips from feeding expert Karl Wurm. The fertility of dairy cows is crucial for the success of every dairy farm – and it is closely linked to the right...
How much bureaucracy is involved in agriculture – and where is there room for reduction? Bureaucracy is part of everyday life for many farms – but how much time and energy does it really cost? In this episode of...
The fight against roundworms: Which measures help in the case of parasite infestation in pig herds and an overview of the project results: Infections with the pig roundworm, Ascaris suum, are among the most important and common...
How gardens, communities and infrastructure areas can become thriving habitats: Biodiversity doesn't just begin in fields and grasslands, but right on our doorstep: in gardens, along roads, by streams or...
Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig, MSc, on innovation, markets, and the future of farming: How can satellites, sensors, and artificial intelligence support grassland and livestock farming? And what...
Why Austria's agricultural and forestry education system is considered an international model – A conversation with Mag. Christian Kasper and Dr. Josefa Reiter-Stelzl. Education is the foundation for sustainable and future-proof...
New insights from several years of data collection at the Carinthian Chamber of Agriculture's suckler cow farm on the Ossiacher Tauern: What factors determine whether a suckler cow calf later becomes an economically successful weaner? In this episode of...
What location and maintenance have to do with dock, buttercups and the like: Why do unwanted herbs and grasses spread on some grassland areas – while other meadows remain stable and productive?
How research strengthens politics, practice and regions: Dr. Bernhard Bichler on the new research program of the BMLUK and the importance of international cooperation.
How the SatGrass app uses satellite and weather data to determine the optimal cutting time in grassland: When is the perfect time to mow on my farm? This question significantly influences yield, forage quality, and more...
How conversions in existing pig barns can improve animal welfare, barn climate and job satisfaction in piglet rearing and fattening, and what challenges exist
From fermentation to feed intake: Engineer Reinhard Resch on lactic acid bacteria, silage losses and quality in grass silage:
Between soil, climate and biodiversity: Prof. Sabine Seidel on her vision of a sustainable organic agriculture.
What means and methods can help against the occurrence of withdrawal diarrhea and sometimes serious losses?
Focus on pig farming and cattle fattening – PD Dr. Leopold Kirner on the results of Vision 2028+ and new paths to stability and future viability.
From smart tractors to satellite data – digitalization in agriculture 2024–2028:
From black grouse to cultural landscapes – How the “Almmosaik” project strengthens biodiversity and keeps alpine pastures alive
Planning security, quality and new opportunities: PD Dr. Leopold Kirner on the future of dairy and suckler cow farming in Austria.
What will the grassland of tomorrow look like? Lukas Gaier discusses seed quality, biodiversity, and new approaches to grassland management.
Why the organic hotel Retter relies on regional agriculture – and how farmers and gastronomy can shape the future together:
Protein-reduced feeding in pig farming and poultry feeding: How domestic alternatives can replace soy imports and halve emissions.
New study on social and psychological stress: Nadja Bergmann discusses concerns, stressors and support services for Austria's farmers.
SC DDr. Reinhard Mang on responsibility, change and the art of administration.
Why modern barn concepts for young cattle ensure the success of dairy farms - an interview with Dr. Elfriede Ofner-Schröck
Tofu reimagined - How Isabel Klutz and her partner developed a regional success product with passion, soybeans and a great deal of experimentation
How the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) works – and how EIP projects from research and practice create real added value for agriculture.
How a young vegetable farmer is "rethinking" the family business with specialty salads, manual labor and a lot of passion.
Over one million tons in the trash – how we can stop food waste.
Why meat from alpine pastures is worth more than many think – findings of an extraordinary master's thesis. In Austria, hundreds of thousands of cattle and sheep are driven to alpine pastures every year – but their added value is rarely reflected in the price...
Bluetongue disease in Austria – causes, spread and measures to protect cattle, sheep and goats. The notifiable animal disease bluetongue disease (BT) has now spread to Austria...
Innovative grazing management tips for slopes and pastures!
Pasture innovations in practice: How herbal mixtures, grazing systems and targeted feeding help to reduce parasite pressure in grazing animals.
Securing agriculture – bringing new perspectives to the regions.
Insights into the Federal Government's Green Report – What the figures really say about the economic situation of our agriculture.
From farm to shelf – organic is making waves in Austria! A conversation with Barbara Riegler, Chairwoman of Bio Austria
Sustainable alpine pasture management – Preventing land loss with the “magic triangle”.
Whither grassland farming? 35 years of forage crop breeding in retrospect – and what we need to know for the future. 35 years of forage crop breeding at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein – a reason to celebrate, but also to think ahead:...
Shaping the future with AI: TU Graz Rector Horst Bischof on AI, education and innovation.
Successful management of maize silage: quality, storage and silage additives - application
Perspective Agriculture – supporting the path to farm transfer outside the family!
Feed analysis: DI Gerald Stögmüller from the Rosenau feed laboratory explains why targeted feed analysis is the key to optimal feeding.
New paths on the farm – finding ideas, planning and successfully implementing them
How the EU shapes our agriculture – A look behind the scenes with Verena Scherfranz:
Seasonal calving in suckler cow husbandry – more efficiency, less work? Globally, many suckler cow farms rely on seasonal calving. What advantages does this system offer for animal health, profitability, and...?.
Business development in mountain agriculture – mastering challenges, seizing opportunities!
The quality of bedding in horse stalls is often underestimated! Horses need highly absorbent, dust-free, and hygienically sound bedding materials, as these are essential for good equine health. Very dusty and musty bedding...
Successfully cultivating sweet potatoes and potatoes in organic farming – DI Daniel Lehner discusses opportunities, challenges, and sustainable farming practices. In this episode of 'Agricultural Science – Knowledge in Brief' from the HBLFA...
Digital communication in agriculture influences society!
Silage Project 2024: Current analyses, challenges, and valuable practical tips. The quality of silage is a crucial factor for economical and efficient feeding of healthy animals. But what about...
Why do we rely on the Austrian program for the promotion of environmentally friendly, extensive agriculture that protects natural habitats (ÖPUL)?
Consumption, climate crisis & farmers' rights – Why food sovereignty is a human right and what we can do.
Fairness in the food supply chain: How the Fairness Bureau fights against unfair trading practices.
Lameness in dairy cows: Recognition, prevention, treatment – strategies for improved animal health and profitability. Lameness in cattle barns is among the most common and economically significant diseases in the dairy industry...
Meat grown in a petri dish, burgers made from cricket flour – is this the future of our food or just a passing fad?
Heat stress in the pigsty – How do you cool pigs down? Pigs love to chill – but what happens when temperatures rise? Unlike humans, pigs can't sweat and therefore quickly suffer from...
Sustainable agriculture is the key to a future-proof society.
Risks, protective measures and expert assessments regarding the current animal disease situation in Austria as of April 2025. Since the beginning of 2025, the occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and the topic of animal diseases in general have increasingly come into focus...
How digital technologies are revolutionizing alpine farming - A podcast conversation with Dr. Thomas Guggenberger and Reinhard Huber!
Clover grass and ruminants as the key to sustainable agriculture – higher yields, healthy soils and climate-resilient farms. Clover is far more than just a forage crop – it is a crucial building block for fertile soils,...
Smaller fields mean more biodiversity in strip farming – can we make agriculture more sustainable and resilient with this?
This way I can become an energy manager, build an additional business pillar and supply my region with energy.
What happens when a star chef thinks not only creatively, but also consistently differently?
Success factors for agricultural businesses in Austria: An analysis by Dr. Leopold Kirner.
Mercosur and agriculture – These are the effects expected by WIFO agricultural economist PD Dr. Franz Sinabell.
Land is a finite resource – and yet in Austria it is being built on at an alarming rate every single day.
Geothermal energy, sustainability and biodiversity – A thought-provoking conversation with Manfred Hohensinner!
Discover how extensively managed, nutrient-poor pastures make a valuable contribution to biodiversity! In our new podcast episode, "Nutritional Pastures Promote Biodiversity," we discuss the unique flora and fauna of these...
Fattening of Dairy Breed x Angus Cattle on Grassland – Production Potential of this Crossbreed The Austrian cattle industry is striving to reduce calf exports. In addition to expanding calf fattening, the use of...
What challenges does renaturation pose for agriculture, and how can it be successfully implemented? The EU regulation on the restoration of degraded ecosystems aims to restore damaged ecosystems across the EU by 2050 – step by step...
Challenges and perspectives: How alpine farming in Austria can remain sustainable. We associate alpine farming with grazing animals, well-maintained landscapes, areas with high biodiversity, exciting hikes, and also...
A career changer shows how sustainable market gardening succeeds at alpine altitudes. Michael Windberger has realized his dream. Near Schladming, at an altitude of 960 meters, he and his team run an organic market garden. The...
This is how young people in agriculture think about their future: In this anniversary episode – we are delighted to celebrate the 100th podcast interview in the "Agrar Science-Wissen kompakt" series by HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein – we focus on...
Feeding standards for dairy cows have been adjusted – this is what will change! Feeding animals according to their performance is the basis for health, efficiency, animal welfare, and also low nutrient excretion. In the...
Implementation of barn construction projects – legal considerations: The construction or conversion of existing barns requires careful planning. In addition to the anticipated costs, legal requirements also play a crucial role...
The future of drive technologies: How large machinery and agricultural technology can become more sustainable. In the passenger car sector, e-mobility is gaining importance. For large machinery, such as that used in agriculture, the high...
Progress and future prospects in cattle breeding: Insights into performance, feeding and global initiatives. The performance, feeding and husbandry standards of livestock have improved in recent decades – both globally and in...
Differences in legal requirements for manure spreading in Bavaria and Austria: Recommendations and practical implications. In Bavaria, different legal requirements apply to manure spreading than in Austria. These differences...
Cattle as a key to a sustainable food supply: Significance, challenges and potential of cattle farming in a changing world. Cattle play a crucial role in providing nutrient-rich, highly digestible and...
The success story of the Sonnenalm dairy farm: Tradition, sustainability and modern agriculture united in a unique cooperative. In the municipality of Klein St. Paul in Carinthia, the farm was founded almost 30 years ago...
Efficient farm management through the Business Management Working Group: Data-driven decisions and personal exchange as success factors in agriculture. The Business Management Working Group offers agricultural consulting services...
Instead of the traditional handover to their children, Martin and Erika Ertl opted for a modern solution for farm succession. Traditionally, agricultural businesses are often passed down within the family to a daughter or son...
Critical and solution-oriented approach to dealing with AI in agriculture
Efficient manure management: Measures for nutrient conservation and emission reduction
Establishment and maintenance of species-rich permanent vegetation in vineyard lanes
Tailor-made projects for communities and citizens for climate change adaptation
Modern techniques and sustainable methods: Successful reforestation in the Austrian Alps. Over the past thirty-five years, the Austrian Alps have seen rapid technological advancements in...
For most organic grassland farms in Central Europe, the farm's own manure is the main source of nutrients.
How can arable land be optimally used for grazing, and what needs to be considered? The regulations for organic farming stipulate that arable land also qualifies as pasture for ruminants. Since organic farms in...
How key performance indicators (KPIs) can help you successfully develop your farm. Farmers are required to think entrepreneurially, stay up-to-date, make the right decisions, and develop themselves and their farms...
What does the return of wolves mean for livestock farming, hunting, and society? The wolf is reclaiming former territories and posing major challenges for livestock farmers and other land managers. What does this mean...
Managed grazing as a possible adaptation to current challenges in alpine farming. Extensive grazing in alpine regions is of high ecological, social, and economic importance. Alpine pastures shape our...
Crowdfunding for widespread agriculture around Lake Grundlsee. This podcast episode focuses on the municipality of Grundlsee, where, despite a declining number of livestock farms, there are 23 dedicated farmers. We...
My goal in cattle breeding is to breed animals ideally suited to the farm. In this episode of "Agricultural Science – Knowledge in Brief," Dr. Andreas Steinwidder speaks DIin Edina Scherzer about various aspects of cattle breeding. Ms. Scherzer is...
Farm management tool "FarmLife" for life cycle assessment of agricultural operations. The research group "Eco-efficiency of agricultural operations" at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, in cooperation with the research institute...
What is the bioeconomy and what opportunities does it offer for climate protection, resource use, and the future of agriculture? The bioeconomy is an economic system operating in harmony with the laws of nature, based on circular economy principles...
Don't waste valuable food – Caritas helps! The cost of living is rising sharply. The number of people requesting food from Styrian food banks is also increasing. "We are seeing more and more people who are struggling due to the...".
Recommendations for feeding cattle with red clover and alfalfa: Clover and alfalfa are valuable plants – both on arable and grassland farms. They fit perfectly into crop rotation and provide high-quality feed for...
Meat quality is more than just the EUROP meat and fat classification. In Austria and the EU, beef carcasses are assessed and paid for based on muscle mass and fat content. Even though many people know that meat quality encompasses more than that, there is...
What do we understand by biodiversity, and what contribution does agriculture make? Many biodiversity-promoting measures are already being implemented in agriculture. Currently, the EU Restoration Regulation...
What developments can be expected in livestock farming? Livestock farming has been a central component of agriculture and our food supply for centuries. In light of global challenges such as climate change,...
Important ecosystem services and their significance for biodiversity! Alpine pastures are of great importance in the Austrian mountain regions. Approximately 300,000 hectares of alpine pastureland are managed, representing over 10% of the agricultural land...
Where should Austrian agriculture develop? In this podcast episode, we discuss the current challenges facing Austrian agriculture and rural areas: volatile markets, socio-economic...
Almost every week, new laws, regulations, and guidelines are issued at the national and international levels that affect farmers in their daily work. In this podcast episode, you'll learn which ones...
How can rice cultivation be sustainable in Austria? When we think of rice cultivation, images of flooded fields come to mind, and we probably also think of regions in Asia. Today, we'll tell you how rice cultivation can be achieved in...
Save costs and improve animal health – proper housing and careful management make it possible! Animal-friendly husbandry plays a key role in animal health, welfare, and performance. With...
What is the quality of horse hay? The approximately 130,000 horses in Austria require about 200,000 tons of hay annually. This represents roughly 20% of Austria's total hay production. Due to their particular sensitivity...
History, implementation, and experiences of the direct marketer with the animal welfare barn: Since 1995, direct marketing has been the focus of the work on the farm of Josef and Christina Neuhold in St. Veit in southern Styria. In...
Eco-efficiency and emission reduction through air exchangers in stables. In cooperation with the University of Bonn, the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein was part of the research project "Use of the renewable energy source exhaust air purification system...".
Forage crops – grassland on arable land: all important aspects of cultivation from an agronomic perspective. Forage crops consisting of legumes and grasses are the basis of any balanced crop rotation and belong to it like the amen...
Graduated grassland management aims to combine economic viability and biodiversity. The goal is not to turn all grassland areas into wildflower meadows, but rather to achieve high biodiversity across the entire farm.
A culinary delight deluxe – the irresistible taste experience of Berkshire pork! The Berkshire pig, one of the oldest pig breeds in Europe, originally comes from England. It is a...
Making sensible use of calves from our dairy breeds in our own country: Fleckvieh, which makes up around ¾ of all cattle in Austria, is a dual-purpose breed and therefore popular on Austrian dairy farms as well as with cattle fatteners....
Approximately 3% of pigs raised in Austria live on organic farms. This percentage may seem small at first glance, but it puts Austria in third place within the EU. Only Denmark (3.7%) and France (3.8%)...
Monitoring grassland yield and forage quality with satellites: In Austria, grassland, at 1.33 million hectares, is the most important crop type in terms of area and forms the feed base for 53,000 livestock farms. Yield and...
For the well-being of animals and humans – Innovations for existing pig rearing and fattening facilities in Austria. Under this motto, the project “IBeSt” (Innovations for existing pig rearing and fattening facilities in Austria) was launched.
Austrian milk is the European champion of environmental sustainability. In the FarmMilk project, researchers from the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein conducted individual life cycle assessments for 344 dairy farms in Austria. This was made possible...
"We need to give people accurate information about agriculture." The Grottenhof agricultural and forestry college is distinguished by its unique features. The organic school with its attached organic farm...
DI Dr. hc Josef Riegler “My life dedicated to a stable and proper balance of ecology, social issues, and the economy” Josef Riegler, who grew up on a mountain farm in Styria, is a visionary. Through his tireless...
What are the advantages of crossbred cattle as suckler cows? In June 2023, Statistics Austria counted 157,992 suckler cows in Austria. Suckler cow husbandry provides excellent products and contributes significantly to a positive image of animal husbandry...
February 1, 2024 - Winter Conference - Grassland and Livestock Farming Day 2024 in Raumberg-Gumpenstein. The Eco-Social Forum was founded in 1992 as an independent platform for the further development of the eco-social idea by DI Dr. hc. Josef Riegler....
Research cooperation HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein and Rinderzucht Austria officially launched with two GreenFeed systems. In a large-scale research project called Breed4Green, led by Rinderzucht Austria, the next...
Animal welfare barn reduces emissions similarly to exhaust air purification. In the largest research project to date in Austria in the field of pig emissions, carried out via the EU's EIP-AGRI program, a new husbandry system based on animal welfare was developed...
What our gene pool can offer livestock: The diversity of our livestock is under threat worldwide! The intensification of animal production is leading to the breeding of increasingly specialized, high-performance breeds that produce more milk, meat, or...
Chamber of Agriculture President Franz Titschenbacher discusses the 2023 European Days. The traditional European Days will take place at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein on Friday, November 24th and Saturday, November 25th, 2023. In this podcast interview, Chamber of Agriculture President Franz Titschenbacher discusses...
Live from the cow – What the rumen reveals: Modern rumen sensors can not only distinguish between eating and rumination in cows – they also provide live health data from the cow. Ruminants can digest grass and hay in their forestomachs...
30 years of vegetation and biodiversity management at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein – Retrospective, innovation and future perspectives in greening technology.
Effective measures for organic arable farming! The challenges in organic arable farming have changed. Research, for example on humus building, which also helps organic arable farming, is increasing. Mechanical weed regulation is finding a...
Agriculture and forestry generate eleven times more energy than they need. Energy‑poor farms know their energy consumption and actively implement measures to remain competitive despite rising energy costs. The domestic...
The Austrian forest in climate change - an outlook Roughly half of Austria's land area is covered with forest. In addition to supplying raw materials, the forest provides further important ecological and also societal services....
Climate change influences our wildlife populations - where is the journey heading? Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns shift the habitats of wildlife. The availability of food changes, as plants and...
Impact of climate change on the soil water balance in grassland Higher air temperatures with sufficient precipitation can lead to a longer growing season and an increase in biomass. However, higher...
Our soil - the thin skin of the Earth How is soil health in Austria? Why is the soil especially important when it comes to climate change? What is increasingly being considered in Austrian agriculture? Which...
Vegetable cultivation in times of climate change - What should be considered? Whether you have a green thumb, are an (experienced) gardener, a consumer, a farmer: Here there is something inspiring for everyone ...
Climate-friendly horse keeping - What should be considered? Even in horse keeping, heat periods not only complicate feed production or pasture management, but higher temperatures also strain the horses in the stable. In the podcast episode...
From the region to Europe: What moves our youth? What is important to young people? What emphasis does the largest youth organization in Austria place? Why does Europe need the youth from the countryside ... and why should young people ...?.
Design existing poultry houses climate‑fit Heat stress can become a major problem for the health and performance of the animals during the hot summer months in poultry farming. Poultry show few signs...
Climate change in agriculture - mountain farmer & managing director of Land creates life Hannes Royer in conversation Whoever gets to know him immediately notices: Stagnation is a foreign word for Hannes Royer. It goes from the alpine pasture to the business dinner,...
Stabilize yield fluctuations through optimal water use In many regions, years with normal yields are increasingly alternating with loss‑making years. This is usually due to extremely dry conditions, which are caused by higher...
Karl Neuhofer, chairman of the ARGE Heumilch with his experiences on climate change adaptation Karl Neuhofer has been a successful chairman of the ARGE Heumilch since 2004. He is regarded as an expert and pioneer in Austrian agriculture. Already at 20...
Achieve higher yields on dry sites through proper seed selection. A productive and site-adapted permanent grassland is one of the key foundations for sustainable and economically successful...
Steirerteich.com - the planning tool for pond sizing in Styria Directly on the affected properties carry out the pond planning and have all relevant information available with a mouse click - this goal has been set by the HBLFA...
Impacts of climate change make massive adjustments in fruit cultivation necessary. Climatic changes present Styrian fruit farms with major challenges. Late frosts, prolonged drought periods and heat waves have in the...
Climate change in viticulture – developments, strategies, perspectives extreme weather events, higher temperatures, late frost, etc. – Climate change has also arrived in viticulture and is very present each year. The climate is changing and thus...
Climate‑smart agriculture – Bringing adaptation strategies to the wider public Many farmers have already devised strategies and are implementing measures to adapt to changing climatic conditions and their impacts...
This is how grassland irrigation works - Visit to the pioneering Strasser family in Lower Austria In 2004 a grassland irrigation system was built at the full‑grazing dairy farm Strasser in Nöchling on the Danube...
The landscape produces our water and protects the soil - or not! Our natural and cultural landscape is decisively responsible for the extent and quality of water available to us. With this, it provides the...
Is the parasite load changing in the context of climate change? Reports from recent years point to an increased occurrence of non-native mosquitoes and insect species. Some of them can harbor pathogens and also ...
How can innovative digital technologies make us more climate‑fit? By applying modern methods of data collection and networking, changes in climate and weather can become tangible, and thus better understandable....
How do birds respond to changes and what measures can promote bird diversity? Birds are specialists that can react quickly and sensitively to problems in nature and cultural landscapes due to their high mobility....
Stalldachbegrünung - Ein Beitrag zur Klimaanpassung, Biodiversitätsförderung und zum Tierwohl Extensive Dachbegrünungen sind für Stalldächer, Ausläufe und Hallendächer am landwirtschaftlichen Betrieb geeignet, da diese statisch...
Kill ruminants in Austria for climate protection? No, because it is neither effective nor necessary! Austria's mountains ensure enough precipitation for agriculture in many areas. That's good, but in many regions only grass grows because of that...
What can be done to ensure silage quality at higher temperatures? Higher temperatures significantly increase the risk of mass/quality losses during the field phase, during fermentation, and especially during the harvesting phase....
Basic feed shortage can be existentially threatening - how can one respond? If it is certain that the feed for the upcoming winter months will not be sufficient, swift and targeted action must be taken. There are medium- and short-term...
What to watch for when grazing in drought conditions On sites threatened by drought, a special grazing management is needed. The plant stock must not be too short and the plants and roots need more rest periods. In this...
What cattle breeding can achieve and what to consider in feeding during heat. In cattle feeding, housing and breeding, the issue of heat stress is increasingly being considered globally. The housing environment always plays the...
Approaches to solutions and assessments of climate protection measures in agriculture Climate protection is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Agricultural enterprises themselves are strongly affected by climate change; at the same time, the...
Klimaanpassung – Wertvolle Anregungen zur Betriebsentwicklung von Franz Sinabell Die Klimakrise, die Ernährung im Wandel der Zeit, die Entwicklung der Agrarmärkte und Produkterlöse, die Agrarausgleichszahlungen, die Digitalisierung, die...
Heat stress in the pig population – impacts and potentials. With regard to animal welfare and animal protection, cooling in the breeding sow and fattening pig sector is now essential. However, an occurring heat stress has...
Through site‑adapted management to climate‑fit grassland, grassland is with more than 1.3 million hectares by far the most important crop in Austria. The management possibilities in grassland are decisive...
Prevent heat stress in cattle through appropriate water supply. Increasing heat waves in Central Europe make adapted management and suitable barn technology essential for avoiding heat stress. It is especially important,...
