The alpine dairy farms of the Vinschgau Valley

A special gem within the alpine economy oft he Vinschgau Valley are its almost 30 dairy farms, where most of the milk is processed directly on-site.

Around 1400 cows stay on the alpine farm for about 3 months, and on average about 100 kg of alpine products (cheese and butter) are produced per cow and season. In addition, there are 2 alpine farms which also process the milk of about 250 goats on-site. 

 

From over 70 people employed, 35 to 40% are now abuys women in this originally male-dominated field of activity. 

Around 50% of these alpine pastures are also used for tourism.

 

With the start of the EU co-financed development programme LEADER more than 30 years ago,a focus has been placed on the preservation of joint dairy farming in the Vinschgau Valley. Over the years, the majority of alpine dairies has been modernised and adapted to the ever-increasing sanitary and hygienic requirements. In addition, advisory services in the areas of alpine pasture and, above all, quality production have been set up. They have largely established themselves and been integrated into the official advisory services. Meanwhile, all alpine dairy farms oft he Vinschgau Vally participate in their own quality assurance programme, which has been elaborated and continuously refinde by the South Tyrolean Alpine Dairy Association.

 

Part of this programme is the training of the alpine pasture staff (annual alpine dairy courses at the Fürstenburg school of Agriculture with the in 2023 newly introduced and recognised  professional qualification as an alpine dairyfarmer), the visits to the alpine pasture by the advisor of the dairy association, the milk and product samples, the monitoring of udder health, the daily records of the production process and the registration as a food processing company. 

 

 

 

Silandro, 1 April 2023

 

Val Venosta Dairy Farm Working Group

District Office for Agriculture West

Markus Joos

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