Training course for sheep and goat herders 2027
Site-appropriate grazing with small ruminants in alpine regions is of high ecological, social, and economic importance. Well-trained herders are essential for this. The course for sheep and...
This ensures that meadows and pastures remain productive even during dry periods
How meadows and pastures can better withstand periods of drought. Periods of drought are now among the biggest challenges for grassland farms. Meadows and pastures are particularly sensitive to water scarcity, as grass growth is already...
2026
Drought - Agriculture challenged
The drought is posing major challenges for many farms this year. The cold and dry spring already resulted in significantly reduced initial growth in grassland in many areas. The summer drought...
2026
Moorland restoration up close! MOIST final excursion to the Tanner Moor in the Mühlviertel region of Upper Austria
The MOIST project – mapping degraded peatlands and assessing their suitability for regeneration – was supported by the NextGenerationEU funds and the Biodiversity Fund of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection (BMLUK). The final meeting took place with the project partners...
2026
Microbes in focus: Research project on drinking water hygiene in piglet rearing
Hygienically clean water is an important component of the healthy development of piglets. Even with high quality standards, there are still open questions about the role of natural microbial diversity in drinking systems.
2026
SatGrass: Student develops administrator interface
Manuel Schwab, a student from Niederöblarn, impressively demonstrated at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein what can be achieved in four weeks with initiative, technical skills, and interest. This was part of the FFG program "Internships for...".
2026
Climate-efficient organic milk production: Successful completion of a pioneering practical project
How can evidence-based life cycle assessment, practical measures and targeted advice make climate protection measurable and implementable in the dairy industry?
2026
Feed shortage and first aid measures in permanent grassland - recording of the webinar
The ongoing drought is currently posing major challenges for grasslands in Central Europe. As a particularly water-dependent crop, grassland is sensitive to the lack of rainfall. The consequences are already visible in many places...
2026
Drought 2026: Grassland under exceptional drought stress
HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein launches survey campaign to document the effects on yield and forage quality. The 2026 growing season presents many grassland farms in Austria with particular challenges. Following a...
2026
New Institute Director Dr. Andreas Schaumberger
Andreas Schaumberger, Head of Department for Grassland Research, will take over the management of the Institute for Plant Production and Cultural Landscape Research at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein in August 2026.
2026-07
HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein actively participates in GAP workshops on the future of agriculture
At the beginning of June, workshops on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) from 2028 onwards, organized by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection (BMLUK), took place in Vienna. Around 400 representatives from agriculture, administration, science, interest groups and other organizations participated...
ReNatur Enns – Students research aquatic ecology and river management in the Middle Styrian Enns Valley
As part of the FFG Talents Regional project “River Raft Research”, a school research project entitled ReNatur Enns was implemented on June 29, 2026, in which the students of the 2nd year of the agricultural branch...
Bumblebee and wild bee identification course at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein
On June 13, 2026, an internal bumblebee and wild bee identification course for employees took place at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The instructor was MMag. Dr. Johann Neumayer, a flower ecologist and renowned expert...
DLG working group in Raumberg-Gumpenstein
From June 23 to 25, the DLG working group for husbandry and feeding technology in the field of pig farming, comprised of representatives of research institutions and consultants from all over Germany, met for the first time in Austria.
HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein presents podcast at the Departmental Research Day
Under the motto "Research that makes a difference! – Applied research for practice and society," the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environment's Departmental Research Day took place on June 29, 2026, at the Urania in Vienna.
2026-06
Certificate presentation for the university course "Animal Welfare in Schools"
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, the graduation ceremony for the university course "Animal Welfare in Schools" took place at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. The participants received their certificates in the morning...
Erasmus+ project SmartStep is a guest at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein
From June 24th to 26th, the project meeting and project training for the Erasmus+ project SmartStep took place at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. Participants from Spain, Turkey, Poland, and Serbia got to know the HBLFA during this time...
Visit to the Institute for Organic Agriculture of the BOKU at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein
On June 23, 2026, a delegation from the Institute of Organic Agriculture at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) visited the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. The institute has been headed by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Sabine Seidl since autumn 2025.
Sustainable barn modernization requires reliable framework conditions
Experts discuss investment barriers to modern and sustainable livestock farming in Brussels. At the invitation of the Sustainable Livestock Intergroup, representatives from politics, science, and agriculture discussed the issue on June 24, 2026, in Brussels.
Veterinary Medicine Master's program at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein
During a three-day field trip, students from the international Master's program "Precision Animal Health" gained insights into the diverse research areas of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. Representatives from all institutes participated...
German organic farming consultants visit HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein
Exchange of current research findings in organic dairy farming. On June 17th and 18th, 2026, the Institute for Organic Agriculture and Biodiversity at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein welcomed numerous consultants...
Austrian Conference on Organic Agriculture 2026
The Austrian Conference on Organic Agriculture will take place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. This year, the conference will focus on the topic of...
Meeting of the EU-IMPEL working group “Pigs & Poultry” in the Netherlands
At the invitation of the Omgevingsdienst Midden- en West-Brabant, the meeting of the IMPEL working group "Pigs & Poultry" took place in Tilburg and 's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) from June 2nd to 4th, 2026. The aim of the annual meetings is...
Award ceremony for master craftspersons in agricultural professions
On June 3, 2026, a total of 69 graduates were honored at the Steiermarkhof in Graz for successfully completing their master craftsman's examinations in agricultural professions. The presentation of the master craftsman's certificates...
ORF filmed at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein using the new SatGrass app
A film crew from the ORF science magazine "Mayr's Magazine – Knowledge for All" visited the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein last week. The focus was on the newly developed SatGrass app, which farmers can now use...
HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein is shaping the future of biodiverse flower meadows with
Species-rich wildflower meadows are among Styria's most valuable cultural landscapes. They not only shape the landscape but also provide vital habitat for bees, butterflies, and numerous other animal species. To...
25 years of successful cooperation – Lebenshilfe Ennstal & Raumberg-Gumpenstein
On June 2, 2026, Lebenshilfe Ennstal and HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein celebrated 25 years of successful collaboration in horticulture. From 10:00 a.m. onwards, supporters of Lebenshilfe, gardening enthusiasts, and all...
2026-05
Retirement of Dr. Bernhard Krautzer – Thank you for your work!
At the end of May 2026, Dr. Bernhard Krautzer retired after decades of dedicated service at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. With his departure, our institution loses a figure who significantly shaped the development...
Climate practitioners celebrate the completion of their training course
The "Climate Practitioner in Grassland" course was organized by Bio-Austria. This multi-day training program aims to optimally prepare participants for future production conditions. The course concluded at the Moarhof farm and in...
Award at "Stars of Styria"
At a large celebration on May 5th at the Chamber of Commerce in Gröbming, the graduates of apprenticeships with distinction, their training companies and new master craftswomen and craftsmen of the region were honored at “Stars of Styria 2026”.
A new diploma course “Instructor of functional hoof care” will start in October 2026
It will soon be that time again: HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, in cooperation with European Hoofcare, is organizing the next diploma course for “Instructor of functional hoof care”.
2026-04
Hands-on research: Long Night of Research 2026 in Vienna
The Long Night of Research on Friday, April 24th, was once again a resounding success, with the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein participating in the Palm House in the castle gardens. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors was particularly gratifying...
Science Week 2026 inspires over 220 students at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein
As part of the Austria-wide Science Week 2026, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK) together with the University of Agricultural and Environmental Education...
Evaluation of hay quality from practical farms with regard to new quality characteristics in the areas of protein, energy and DCAB
The research project “Hay Quality Upgrade” evaluates hay quality from farms throughout Austria via the “LK Hay Project 2026” using new quality criteria for protein, energy, and DCAB (digestible dairy cows) to improve the feeding of dairy cows...
Novel floor elements for pig fattening are being comprehensively tested for the first time
In the project (scientific activity) “NEBO-S – Testing of novel floor elements as lying area in pig fattening”, the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein is developing an innovative barn floor solution for fattening pigs...
Long Night of Research - HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein
On April 24, 2026, the Long Night of Research 2026 will take place throughout Austria, and the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein will participate together with the other research-active departments of the BMLUK in the Palm House in the Burggarten/Vienna....
Excursion to South Tyrol: Organic edible legumes
From Monday, June 29th to Wednesday, July 1st, an excursion to South Tyrol will take place.
2026-03
HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein says thank you to DI Bernhard Göschl
As project manager for Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft mbH (Federal Real Estate Company), Bernd Göschl, a certified engineer, has successfully co-planned, overseen, and implemented numerous construction projects for HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein with us over many years. In doing so, he has...
First wine from Raumberg-Gumpenstein
The Muscaris first harvest from the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein experimental garden has been bottled! The approximately 200 vines are cultivated and cared for in close cooperation with the Silberberg Education Center for Fruit and Wine Growing.
Erasmus+ Project SmartStep: Working together for climate-resilient grassland management in Europe
The Erasmus+ project SmartStep brings together international partners to develop practical solutions for the sustainable management and improvement of grassland. The focus is on biodiversity, climate change, modern monitoring methods, and...
Climate impact research project ClimGrass successfully completed
2025The ClimGrass facility, developed at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein and built between 2010 and 2013, is a globally unique open-air experiment that enables the simulation of future climate conditions in the field using the climate suitable for mid-2010.
HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein successful at the BML departmental ski day in Zauchensee
2025Under brilliant sunshine and perfect slope conditions, this year's ski day of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BML) took place in Zauchensee. The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein was also present...
Focus on stable climate
2025At the initiative of the TGD Tirol (Tierwirtschaftsdienst Tirol – Tyrolean Animal Health Service), barn climate consultation days were held on Tyrolean cattle farms in January and February 2025 to support animal health through optimal air quality. This was a collaboration between the building advisory team and...
76th EAAP Congress: Future-Proof Livestock Farming
2025The EAAP Congress is the leading European conference for animal breeding and livestock science. From August 25th to 29th, 2025, around 1,600 experts from research, breeding, agricultural technology, and industry will gather in Innsbruck...
Raumberg-Gumpenstein represented at „Gemeinsam digital“
2025On February 26, 2025, the event “Together Digital” took place in the Marble Hall of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, where the new digital strategy of Section II was presented....
Evaluate horse hay with your senses
2025On February 28, 2025, 20 interested participants took part in a practical seminar in Gumpenstein with engineer Reinhard Resch to assess the quality of horse hay using their own senses. The newly developed...
Conclusion of the IrriGrass irrigation experiment
2025The IrriGrass project investigated the requirements for sustainable irrigation of Austrian grasslands under changing climatic conditions. Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall, in particular...
Professional exchange with Bavarian colleagues
2025In February 2025, a team from the Department of Animal Husbandry Systems, Technology and Emissions at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein visited the Bavarian State Farms Schwarzenau and Kitzingen – research and education centers for pig farming...
Zoom meeting on the alpine pasture season from the Liezen District Chamber
2025On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the Liezen District Chamber invites you to a scheduled Zoom meeting at 7:30 p.m. The discussion will focus on successful pasture management, optimal grassland quality, ideal herd management, and more...
Preservation of biodiversity at the Austrian Livestock Gene Bank
2025Since February 7, 2025, five new pigs have been housed in the quarantine pen of the Bioinstitute at the insemination station in Thalheim near Wels. These are boars of rare breeds, which, after successful quarantine at the insemination station, will be used for breeding...
Workshop „Low Stress Stockmanship“ for pigs at the Bio-Institute in Wels
2025Stress-free handling of pigs – theory and practice. The concept of "low-stress stockmanship," which some may know from cattle farming, offers a way to handle farm animals with as little stress as possible. But it's also applicable to handling...
Climate change and soil water balance in grassland: findings and recommendations for your farm
2025Climate change presents agriculture with new challenges. The water balance in grasslands is particularly affected by rising temperatures, increased CO₂ levels, and more frequent periods of drought. Multi-year studies at...