In mid-October 2022, after a long time, there was finally a face-to-face meeting of the impulse farms. Until then, there had only been virtual meetings in small groups. This time, too, it was a small but select group of committed participants, but they met in person to exchange ideas.
After getting to know each other, they visited the Naturlandhof Loipfierer farm in Kirchdorf near Mühldorf. The dairy farm was part of the MuD animal welfare project "Optimised Calf Rearing" and was able to demonstrate some interesting aspects and innovations, especially in the calf area, particularly in wet nurse rearing. Farm manager Leo Haslberger provided detailed insights into the processes and explained farm-specific features such as seasonal calving, short grass grazing and a milking system based on the New Zealand model.
After a delicious dinner at the inn, the pilot farms were once again presented with the latest information on networking (e.g. the cattle expert advisory board, the working groups and their output) and the plans for meetings and events. Afterwards, the participants were once again called upon to demonstrate their inventiveness and creativity: the pilot farms were asked to consider what functions and advantages, but also what tasks, should be associated with participation in the "Netzwerk Fokus Tierwohl" (Animal Welfare Focus Network) project in the future.
The next day, the group attended the LfL Calf and Young Cattle Day, a conference organised by the Animal Welfare Focus Network and attended by farmers, trainees and representatives of the livestock housing industry. In the morning, scientists presented various aspects and influences of calf husbandry, and two practical farms (including the Renz pilot farm) presented their individual solutions. Afterwards, there was an opportunity to talk to various exhibitors about calf husbandry and technology at the construction exhibition.
The Impuls farms were then given their own guided tour of the LfL's own Grub experimental farm, which provided an insight into the cow, young cattle and calf stables as well as the experimental stable for bull fattening.
The meeting made it clear that the work of the Impulsbetriebe in the Fokus Tierwohl network is particularly relevant, as it provides an opportunity to give a voice to practical experience that is heard in a wide variety of circles. Everyone affirmed the function of the Impulsbetriebe. It should continue to be used and strengthened in order to keep the focus on the importance of agricultural practice.
Author: Dr Gudrun Plesch, FiBL Deutschland e.V.
