The first day focused on learning about the center’s core mission: integrating practical research, education of students and adults, and the transfer of knowledge to advisors and farmers. The group visited the Moarhof Bio Institute, where various grazing systems and strategies were introduced. In the afternoon, institute experts in Gumpenstein presented ongoing research projects related to high-quality forage production, climate change simulation, and adaptation strategies.

Participants also learned about crop rotation experiments and different forage mixtures aimed at both improving feed quality and preserving biodiversity. Special emphasis was placed on the study of individual plant species and their inclusion in customized seed mixtures for different agricultural purposes.

The second day was dedicated to livestock farming. The group was introduced to research on cattle feeding systems based on home-grown feed, the impact of genetics on milk production and feed efficiency, as well as the measurement of methane and ammonia emissions to assess the environmental impact of livestock farming.

The institute also features its own slaughterhouse, enabling research on carcass quality and meat traits. The final part of the visit focused on small ruminant protection against wild animals, alpine grazing systems, and herd management in mountainous regions.

The visit to the Raumberg-Gumpenstein Institute provided Slovenian advisors with a wealth of valuable professional knowledge, important new contacts, and numerous sources of additional information that will enhance their future advisory work.
(Text by Tončka Jesenko, Organization of the Excursion)

Ein herzlicher Dank auch an alle Bediensteten, die am Gelingen der Exkursion beteiligt waren.