Goals and tasks
Ofner-Schröck Elfriede, Dr.in

Ofner-Schröck Elfriede, Dr.in

Organic farming & livestock biodiversity
Gumpenstein
Trautenfels 15
8951 Stainach-Pürgg
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+43 3682 22451-400
+43 3682-22451-410
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  • Deputy Head of the Institute for Organic Agriculture and Biodiversity of Farm Animals
  • Head of Department "Species-appropriate animal husbandry, animal welfare and herd management"
  • Deputy Head of Research and Innovation

  • Development and testing of new animal-friendly, cost-effective and labor-efficient housing systems and stalls for farm animals, including necessary ethological studies
  • Development of spatial and functional programs for agricultural animal husbandry (especially for cattle, sheep, goats)
  • Review and further development of methods for assessing animal welfare
  • Animal husbandry and barn construction in organic farming
  • Objectifying the conflict between animal welfare and livestock farming
  • Inspection of stable facilities in the function of an inspection body in cooperation with the specialist department for animal-friendly animal husbandry and animal welfare
  • Development of standards, technical guidelines, information sheets and recommendations in the field of agricultural construction and housing technology at the national and international level
  • Participation in national and international working groups
  • Member of the Austrian Animal Welfare Council
  • Member of the Eco-efficiency Research Group

Monitoring and evaluation of the CAP strategic plan

The implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) requires ongoing monitoring and thorough evaluation. Commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Agriculture...

Successful completion of the basic hoof care course

Proper hoof care is a key component of animal health, performance, and welfare in cattle farming. Regular and...

In-depth scientific analysis of new concepts for organic calves from dairy farms in quality cattle fattening (BioKalbPlus)

This project complements the ongoing EIP project “New concepts for organic calves from dairy farms for quality beef cattle fattening (BIO-FRESSERAU...

Networking for organic farming in the classroom

Under the motto "Deepening organic education – shaping and implementing together," this year's organic networking seminar "Organic Farmers...".

Course offered by HAUP Vienna at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein

From January 19th to 21st, 2026, 34 students from the University of Agricultural and Environmental Education in Vienna participated in a course at the HBLFA R...

Review of the organic farming conference - "Research meets practice"

Successful organic farming conference at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. This year's Austrian organic farming conference took place at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein on November 13, 2025...

Barn construction for young cattle – animal welfare and practical application in focus! - Podcast 149

Why modern barn concepts for young cattle ensure the success of dairy farms - an interview with Dr. Elfriede Ofner-Schröck...

Organic networking seminar “Organic farming in the classroom”

Under the motto "Deepening organic education – shaping and implementing together," this year's organic networking seminar "Organic Agriculture in..." invites you to...

New accompanying handbook for teachers on the topic of business management and sustainability assessment

A new handbook offers teachers support for lessons on the topics of business management, sustainability assessment, and environmental protection...

New accompanying manual for teachers on the teaching concept with FarmLife

A new handbook offers teachers support for lessons on the topics of business management, sustainability assessment, and environmental protection...

Visiting the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein & experiencing “first time seeing snow”

“Precision Animal Health” – the international study program of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna – visited the HBLFA Raumb for two days...

Children's Academy Rottenmann visits the Bio-Institute of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein

As part of this year's Rottenmann Children's Academy, which was themed "The Cycle of Matter," students visited the ...

Studies on the avoidance of food-grade concentrated feed components in organic dairy cattle feeding (By-Product)

The efficient use of scarce resources is one of the major future issues in agriculture. This is especially true in organic dairy farming...

Iris meadows and renaturation projects

On Saturday, May 24th, the Provincial Councillor for Nature Conservation, Hannes Amesbauer, together with representatives of the Nature Conservation Association and the HBLFA Ra..., visited...

Austrian Conference on Organic Agriculture 2025

The Austrian Conference on Organic Agriculture will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein...

Research meets practice in organic agriculture - Speeding up Innovation

The close collaboration between science and practice is a key success factor for the further development of organic farming. Right here...

Investigation of flexible lying box systems for cattle husbandry (FlexBox)

Flexible cubicle partitions are an innovation designed to offer cows greater lying comfort. This project aims to investigate how...

Development of measures to optimize animal welfare potential based on the FarmLife Welfare Index for cattle (FarmLifeWFOpti)

FarmLifeWFOpti The FarmLife Welfare Index, developed at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, assesses the animal welfare potential on dairy farms in Germany...

Sustainable Food Management: Knowledge about Animal Husbandry as a Basis for Quality

Food managers form an essential bridge between agriculture and consumers. To live up to this responsibility, ...

1st Meeting of the practice group “Cow‑tethered calf rearing“

Cow-calf rearing is an innovative system in dairy farming. The EU project TransformDairyNet aims to develop practical systems for...

Seminar "Organic farming in education" at Grottenhof 2025

This seminar has been cancelled for 2025 due to the current animal disease situation and will be postponed to 2026. Further information will follow. The next seminar...

Valuable technical exchange on bio-research

In September 2024, colleagues from Department II/3 of the BML visited the Bio-Institute of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein to learn about topics in bio-research...

Competence centre for organic farming of LfL Bavaria visits Bio Institute

The Organic Farming Institute of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein has been working closely with the LfL's Organic Farming Competence Center in Bavaria for many years.

Teaching materials for the animal welfare tool on FarmLife

You are currently on the FarmLife learning platform, in the section for teaching and learning materials on the topic of ANIMAL WELFARE. These are available for free download...

FarmLife Science - scientific basis for FarmLife

You are currently on the FarmLife learning platform, in the section on the scientific fundamentals of FarmLife. These are freely available for download...

i2connect project group visits HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein

EIP Mountain Dairy Cattle i2connect Excursion: The detailed analysis of the EIP project "Mountain Dairy Cattle" was the focus of the three-day visit by the delegates...

Completed projects for the FarmLife farm management tool

Here you will find links to the completed projects of the Eco-Efficiency research group at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. ...

Results from the EIP project mountain dairy cattle

The EIP project "Mountain Dairy Cattle" developed innovative structural solutions for dairy barns as well as forward-looking alternative farm development...

Promoting animal health through optimal animal husbandry - Podcast 67

Save costs and improve animal health – proper housing and careful care make it possible! Animal-friendly husbandry conditions...

Successful organic farming seminar for teachers in Tyrol

The annual seminar on organic farming in the classroom once again proved to be a meeting place for Austrian teachers, researchers, ...

Organic Livestock Farming Day with HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein

On Friday, April 26, 2024, Bio AUSTRIA, together with the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, hosted an event at the R... State Agricultural Training Center.

ZLG basic hoof care course starting in January 2025

The LFI Styria, under the direction of Robert Pesenhofer, is again offering a basic course in hoof care at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein.

Children's animal welfare conference participants visit the Bio-Institute

The children's animal welfare conference, initiated by the state of Styria and conducted in cooperation with the association "Animal Welfare Makes School"...

Bio-Institute at the international scientific conference on organic farming

The 17th Scientific Conference on Organic Agriculture took place at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) from March 5th to 8th, 2024. The theme was...

Sustainable food management through knowledge of agricultural animal husbandry

The profession of food manager often forms the link between agriculture and consumers. Therefore, a sound knowledge of... is of great importance.

3. Successfully completed diploma course to become an instructor in hoof care

On January 13, 2024, the examination for the third diploma course in functional hoof care for instructors took place. In addition to a written test...

Application and further development of the FarmLife-Welfare Index for cattle

Animal welfare and the labeling of agricultural products are gaining increasing social relevance. The research at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenst...

Current projects for the farm management tool FarmLife

Here you will find links to the currently ongoing projects of the Eco-Efficiency research group at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. ...

Successfully completed basic hoof trimmer training course

Professional hoof care makes a significant contribution to animal health and welfare. The basis for the work of a hoof trimmer and...

Didactic evaluation and dissemination of the FarmLife educational concept

The project "Didactic Evaluation and Dissemination of the FarmLife Educational Concept" (FarmLife Education II) was successfully completed in December 2023...

Effects of short-grass or paddock grazing of dairy cows on individual animal and area performance

More milk with paddock or short-grass pasture? Each grazing system has its specific advantages and disadvantages. Paddock pastures are less suitable in dry conditions...

Effects of short-grass or paddock grazing of dairy cows on individual animal and area performance

More milk with paddock or short-grass pasture? Each grazing system has its specific advantages and disadvantages. Paddock pastures are less suitable in dry conditions...

Network hub Bio-Institute

The Biology Institute of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein is a network hub for research, teaching, consulting, and practical application. Thus, on September 28, 2023, the following event took place...

Elevate and improve cow comfort with "FarmLife-Welfare"

As part of the Austria-wide seminar "Assessing and Improving Cow Comfort", which took place at the LFS Pyhra on September 20, 2023, the...

President of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Agriculture at the Institute for Organic Agriculture

Franz Waldenberger visited the organic farming site in Lambach/Stadl-Paura and learned about the research in the field of edible legumes. ...

Seminar for teachers “Organic Agriculture”

The seminar for teachers will take place on Friday, November 17, 2023, in the seminar room at the Moarhof Bioinstitute. ...

Grassland advisors' meeting at the Organic Farming Institute

On April 13, 2023, the meeting of Austrian grassland organic farming consultants took place in the new organic farming institute building of the HBFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein at Moarhof...

Advanced training course for hoof trimmers successfully completed

Professional hoof care makes a significant contribution to animal health and welfare. It forms the basis for contract work as a hoof care provider...

Diploma course for instructors of functional hoof care

The project aims to promote animal welfare, animal health, and economic efficiency in cattle farming; a certificate course for instructors in functional...

Ensuring suitable water supply for cattle - 13. Podcast

Preventing heat stress in cattle through appropriate water supply: Increasing heat waves in Central Europe necessitate adapted management and suitable water supply...

Austrian Conference on Organic Agriculture 2024

The Austrian Conference on Organic Agriculture will take place at the HLBLA St. Florian on Thursday, November 14th.

EIP Mountain Dairy Cattle – Results on Animal Welfare Potential

Small-scale dairy farming, common in the Austrian Alps, faces major challenges.

EIP Project Mountain Dairy Cattle

This EIP project focused on the further development of husbandry systems for a sustainable dairy farming operation in mountainous regions – development...

EIP Project Mountain Dairy Cattle

This EIP project focused on the further development of husbandry systems for a sustainable dairy farming operation in mountainous regions – development...

Visit by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) - Quality Management Manager of the food retail sector

On Friday, July 8th, a small but select delegation from the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), Quality Management Division for the Food Trade, visited the HBLFA Raumberg...

Livestock Welfare Conference Raumberg-Gumpenstein

This year's farm animal welfare conference in Raumberg-Gumpenstein took place on May 18, 2022. ...

Making animal welfare visible – in the national final of “Jugend Innovativ”

For 35 years, Jugend Innovativ has been one of Austria's most important school competitions for innovative ideas. ...

Valuable results for mountain farms

Small-scale farms in disadvantaged mountain regions make a valuable contribution to preserving the cultural landscape and food supply...

Full house - Mountain dairy cattle conference - Review

Small-scale dairy farming in mountain regions faces major challenges. This was discussed at the Mountain Dairy Farming Conference at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein...

Livestock Welfare Conference 2022

The traditional farm animal welfare conference will take place again at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein on May 18, 2022.

First diploma course for instructors of functional hoof care successfully completed!

On December 16-17, 2021, after a delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, the first final exam for the diploma course to become an instructor, which started in 2020, took place...

Accompanying manual for the FarmLife animal welfare potential assessment

At the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, an assessment system for the animal welfare potential of dairy barns was developed – the FarmLife Welfare Index...

Second diploma course for instructors in functional hoof care

Six hoof trimmers from Austria, Germany and Luxembourg are participating in this year's training course, which is being held by the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein in ...

Innovation Farm and Digitalization

The Innovation Farm project deals with new technologies, trends and developments and makes them visible and accessible for agriculture...

The Eco-efficiency research group of HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein introduces itself

For several years now – officially since mid-2019 – an inter-institutional research project has existed at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein...

Animal welfare potential assessment in dairy farms

In a recent research project at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, an assessment system for d was developed based on comprehensive evaluation models...

Children's Animal Welfare Conference – “Animal Welfare Goes to School”

The children's animal welfare conference, initiated by the state of Styria and conducted in cooperation with the association "Animal Welfare Makes School"...

Humans and animals at the heart of the new EU organic regulation: Specialist event on animal husbandry and pasture management in organic farming

On June 9th and 10th, the Europe-wide online conference on animal husbandry and pasture management in organic farming took place, organized by the network...

Humans and animals at the heart of the new EU organic regulation: Specialist event on animal husbandry and pasture management in organic farming

On June 9th and 10th, the Europe-wide online conference on animal husbandry and pasture management in organic farming took place, organized by the network...

Construction Conference Raumberg-Gumpenstein 2021 - Summary available

This year's Raumberg-Gumpenstein construction conference took place as a web conference from May 19-20, 2021. ...

Web conference: Construction conference Raumberg-Gumpenstein

This year's Raumberg-Gumpenstein Construction Conference will take place as a web conference from May 19-20, 2021. We cordially invite you to attend.

Application and further development of the FarmLife-Welfare Index for cattle

The FarmLife Welfare Index (FWI) system was developed at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. ...

Development of an assessment system for animal welfare for implementation in the farm management tool FarmLife

The issue of animal welfare is gaining increasing importance in agriculture and in societal discussions, both nationally and internationally...

Construction Conference Raumberg-Gumpenstein 2021, May 19-20, 2021

The program and registration information will be published in due course....

The HBLFA is a testing body in accordance with Section 8 Paragraph 1 of the Specialist Unit/Husbandry System Ordinance

The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein is designated by the Federal Ministry of Health as a testing body in accordance with Section 8 Paragraph 1 of the Specialist Agencies/Husbandry Systems Ordinance...

Will site-appropriate agriculture save the conventional family farm from extinction?

Applied research carries responsibility towards stakeholders. In this sense, the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein is connected to the farms in Austria...

Show us your feet – professional hoof care for cattle

Hoof diseases play a major role in the daily lives of cattle. Many factors are important for hoof health: feeding and metabolism...

Focus on Austrian mountain dairy farms

The management of green spaces in mountainous regions is invaluable. After all, it also serves as a guarantee...

Digital is brilliant!?

The ongoing digitalization offers agriculture the opportunity to automate workflows on the farm...

Successful webinar: Livestock welfare conference Raumberg-Gumpenstein

In mid-May 2020, the traditional farm animal welfare conference took place at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, which this year, due to the circumstances, was held for the first time...

Animal Welfare Conference Raumberg-Gumpenstein - for the first time as a web conference

In mid-May 2020, the traditional farm animal welfare conference took place at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, which this year, due to the circumstances, was held for the first time...

Construction Conference - Downloads 2019

Downloads from the 2019 Construction Conference ...

EIP project "Mountain Dairy Cattle" launched to support mountain farms

Small-scale dairy farming in mountainous regions faces major challenges. The economic situation is strained, and necessary restructuring measures are required...

ERA-NET SUSAN Project: FreeWalk

ERA-NET SUSAN Project: Develop economic sound free walk farming systems elevating animal welfare, health and manure quality, while being appreciated b...

Individual farm life cycle assessment of agricultural holdings in Austria

Farmers are increasingly confronted with questions of resource consumption and the environmental impact of their production systems. Both aspects are closely linked...

Development of an assessment system for animal welfare for implementation in the farm management tool FarmLife

The topic of animal welfare or animal rights is gaining importance in agriculture, but also in societal discussions, both nationally and internationally...

Eco-efficiency in practice

Soil, plants, animals, and fertilizer form a cycle in which food is produced. In a closed cycle, exactly the same things happen...

Scientific principles of eco-efficiency

Eco-efficiency expresses the relationship between the environmental impact/resource consumption and the economic value of a production process...

Evaluation of a novel deep box variant with rubber base using an Animal Positioning System

This project compared a conventional straw-manure mattress with a novel deep-litter box variant featuring a rubber base underneath...

Evaluation of a novel deep box variant with rubber base using an Animal Positioning System

This project compared a conventional straw-manure mattress with a novel deep-litter box variant featuring a rubber base underneath...

Framework conditions for the use of compost barns in dairy farming

Compost barns for dairy cattle are becoming increasingly popular in Austria. This project aims to analyze the framework conditions...

Evaluation of the animal welfare measure in the LE 07-13 program

The main objective of the project is to evaluate the animal welfare measure in the LE 07-13 program with regard to its impact on agriculture...

Cross Compliance Assessment System for Animal Welfare - cross compliance tool for animal welfare

The main objective of this project is the development of an analytical tool for assessing the impact of cross-compliance (CC) with regard to...

Comparisons to pork production using boars, castrates and female animals

The aim of the project is to determine whether boar fattening is possible under the prevailing conditions. A further component of the investigation is...

Piglet castration

This project aims to test a novel method of pain relief during surgical castration of piglets. Criteria include...

Manuals and checklists for self-evaluation of animal welfare

To effectively implement the Austrian Animal Welfare Act in practice, a study commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Health and Women in Au...

Assessment of farrowing pens - legal compliance and housing technology

In a large-scale, modular project in collaboration with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences...

Assessment of farrowing pens - barn climate and thermoregulation behavior

In a large-scale, modular project in collaboration with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences...

Organic barn construction brochures

As part of a project by the Austrian Board of Trustees for Agricultural Engineering and Rural Development (ÖKL), practical documentation for the maintenance of...

Comprehensive review of the assessment quality of the Animal Welfare Index TGI 35L/1996 for cattle

Systems suitable for reliably assessing the animal welfare of husbandry systems on farms are being developed across Europe...

Animal welfare standards of a model region

To mark the entry into force of the Austrian Federal Animal Welfare Act on January 1, 2005, cattle farms were subjected to a model regulation...

Validity of the Animal Welfare Index TGI 35 L - Cattle

The animal welfare index TGI 35 L, developed in Austria, has proven to be a practical and accurate instrument for assessing animal welfare...

2400: EmiScrap

Emission-related optimization of manure scraper systems in cattle free-stall barns

2403: Cattle farming

Environmental technologies in cattle farming - building an international partner network

2426: WiPrax

Transfer of scientific knowledge into agricultural practice

2430: TG Low-Input

Development of farm-specific strategies to optimize animal health on low-input dairy farms as part of the low-input education program

2437: PanSens4

Relationships between rumen pH and blood parameters in dairy cows depending on body condition during the periparturient period

2440: FarmLifeWF

Development of an assessment system for animal welfare for implementation in the farm management tool FarmLife

3623: BoxPos

Evaluation of a novel deep box variant with rubber base using an Animal Positioning System

3636: WT: Beev-Komp

Assessment of compost quality and odor and climate-relevant emissions in compost barns for cattle

3637: WT: BeRubb

Assessment of the slip resistance of different rubber mat coverings

3650: WT FarmLifeII

Eco-efficiency toolbox for agricultural consulting and education practice

3651: WT FarmLifeApp

Practical application of the farm management tool “FarmLife” in the model region “Liezen district”

3660: WT FreeWalk

Develop economic sound free walk farming systems elevating animal welfare, health and manure quality; while being appreciated by society - ERA-NET-SUSAN project

3671: WT P4Heat

Evaluation of heat detection systems using milk progesterone testing