Implementation of pasture farming in Baden-Württemberg ("BWeidung umsetzen")
Project to support dairy farms in the implementation of pasture grazing
In order to provide dairy farms - regardless of their farming method - with targeted support for the introduction, optimisation or expansion of grazing, the three-year "BWeidung umsetzen" project has been running at the Baden-Württemberg Agricultural Centre (LAZBW) in Aulendorf since 1 January 2025.
Pasture grazing is particularly important for dairy cattle and their offspring in organic farming, as it can have positive effects on animal welfare and the environment in addition to labour and economic benefits if managed well. Against this background, the EU Commission has called for an expansion of grazing in Germany in a pilot procedure based on the Organic Farming Regulation. Adapting farm structures accordingly is often associated with a number of challenges for the cattle farms concerned. The project is aimed at both organic and conventional farms.
The project pursues the following objectives, among others
- Provision of a specialist contact person to deal with relevant issues relating to pasture management
- Establishment of a multi-layered farm network
- Transferring knowledge on the topic of grazing, including through demonstration events, excursions and workshops, particularly in cooperation with advisory organisations and other services
- Identifying and, if necessary, trialling possible applications of innovative techniques and methods (e.g. virtual fences)
The project is organised by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection. It serves to support farms in the introduction and optimisation of cattle grazing. The project is funded by the "Organic from Baden-Württemberg" action plan. It is being carried out by the Baden-Württemberg Agricultural Centre in Aulendorf, Department 22 Husbandry Systems and Cattle Husbandry in Organic Farming.