TOGETHER WITH OUR FARMERS

With heart and soul for animal welfare

Cows, horses, goats, chickens and sheep – the farmers in the Salzburger Saalachtal have specialised in keeping animals. It goes without saying that species-appropriate husbandry in spacious free-range barns in winter and “summer freshness” on the alpine pastures is the top priority here. What cannot be taken for granted, however, is the loving and dignified treatment of the animals. For example, you won’t find a farm in the region where every cow doesn’t have its own place in the barn and is called by name by the farmer.

Honest quality products

And the result is something to be seen and tasted. From milk, butter and cheese to meat, the farmers’ products are of the highest quality. And anyone who has tasted eggs from happy free-range chickens, for example, will never touch another egg again. Products straight from the farmer are skilfully prepared in local kitchens – sometimes very traditional, sometimes surprisingly sophisticated. If you want to provide yourself with good food, you can buy fresh farm produce directly from the farm shops.

The custodians of the cultural landscape

Hiking and biking trails – and cross-country ski trails in winter – largely run across our farmers’ land. While the meadows in the valley are mown in summer, the animals graze on the lush mountain pastures. When the animals return to the valley after the alpine summer, the alpine pastures are “turned” by the farmers in order to protect the alpine pastures from scrub encroachment and overgrowth. This is the only way they can provide us all with spectacular summit victories and unforgettable tours. It is therefore all the more important to treat the farmers’ property and the habitat of their animals with respect.

Living traditions

Despite all the work, our farmers still honour tradition. Starting with the so-called “Rachn geh”, i.e. fumigation to protect the house and farm from harm, through to church festivals where herb bushes are consecrated or thanks are given for a rich harvest. These holidays, some of which are not official, are held in high esteem and the most beautiful festive dirndl, the club costume or the so-called “Röckl’gwand” are worn with pride. Another annual highlight is the “crowning” of the cows at the cattle drive. From August onwards, arrangements are tied by hand to decorate the cows after an accident-free summer. The joy is naturally great when they are greeted by visitors at the cattle drive festival and the end of the alpine summer is celebrated together.

From generation to generation

The farmers in the Salzburger Saalachtal clearly belong to the multi-generational category. The children and grandchildren help with the work in the barn, the hay harvest and the processing of the produce. Cohesion and community is something they were born with. Anyone who grows up with this passion for animals and nature knows how to appreciate the value of our habitat and food in a completely different way. And this is exactly what is passed on from generation to generation.

Worth knowing

What percentage of the hiking and biking trails in the Almenwelt Lofer lead across the farmers’ land?

Clearly 100%, as all the land in the Almenwelt Lofer is owned by the farmers. The same applies to the majority of the alpine pastures in the Salzburger Saalachtal.

How many farm shops are there in the region?

In addition to milk vending machines and self-service fridges with eggs, sausage and cheese, there are also farm shops with fixed opening hours. These offer freshly prepared and seasonal products. In winter, you will look in vain for freshly harvested vegetables, but at this time of year there are homemade biscuits and eggnog.

How many litres of milk does a cow produce every day?

A happy cow on pasture gives 20 to 28 litres of milk a day. The milk from a grazing cow is richer, with more protein and healthier fat.

How much milk does it take to make 1kg of butter?

It takes 21 to 25 litres of milk to make one kilo of butter.

How many litres of milk do you need for 1 kg of cheese?

It takes about 9 litres of milk to make 1 kg of cheese. It takes about 3-4 hours to make, but it takes 6 weeks to care for and mature the cheese.

How many eggs does a chicken lay on average per day?

As a rule, chickens lay one egg a day. Sometimes, however, they lay none. While an organic chicken lays an average of 293 eggs per year, caged hens lay almost 310 eggs per year per animal.

And here’s another question that children have often asked:

Are chickens sad when you take their eggs away?

The answer is no. Laying eggs is just as instinctive for chickens as sitting on the roost and scratching.