Welcome at the ÖAG-homepage

You will receive comprehensive information on grassland and livestock farming from a scientific level to practice.

About the ÖAG

The Austrian Federation of Grassland and Forage growing is a registered association with about 2,500 to 3,000 members of which 98% are from Austria. 2% of the members originate from 15 different countries. 95% of the ÖAG members are farmers whereas the residual part consists of scientist, teachers, advisors, politicians and companies.

The ÖAG is a well structured, highly active consortium of dedicated people. It aims at the maintenance and development of Austrian grassland farming being the economic and ecological basis of family farms. The ÖAG is the platform of all grassland and livestock farms and also of agricultural organisations, institutes and companies. Relevant information is well prepared for being transferred to the advisory service, schools and finally to the farmers.

The ÖAG is a functional and societal platform, subdivided into 10 different work groups each consisting of well-known actors who deal with ongoing agricultural topics:

• Forage growing and forage conservation
• Seed production and forage plant breeding
• Animal nutrition
• Organic farming
• Grassland farming, hunting and nature conservation
• Grassland management and fertilization
• Dairy production
• Suckling cows and beef fattening
• Species-appropriate animal husbandry and animal health
• Grassland and horse management

Background

More than 50% of the agricultural used area of Austria and of neighbouring countries is grassland, which is used as meadows, pastures, ley farming areas and alpine pastures. Grassland provides forage which is with up to 80% the main part of the feed ration of ruminants especially of cattle. Nutrients are redelivered to the soil via dung whereby a sustainable recycling management is given.

Relevancy of grassland and livestock farming

o Production of high quality food (milk, meat) from grassland is the essential mission of more than 100,000 grassland and livestock farms in Austria
o Farmers also manage extensive, semi natural areas with their livestock and contribute strongly to the maintenance of high nature value farmland and cultural landscapes with special characteristics and beauty
o The ecological management system of grassland farmers in Austria is also indicated by a high proportion of organic farming. Ecological grassland management provides a good basis of high food quality and consumers confidence in products
o Site adapted grassland management improves soil fertility, avoids erosion and keeps our water clean
o A high floristic and faunistic diversity can be found on meadows and pastures in Austria, but it is endangered both by intensification and abandonment of farming
o There is a high variation in forage quality from different grassland areas - therefore questions on grazing, forage conservation and forage evaluation are of great interest
o Species-appropriate animal husbandry, animal health and feeding aspects of ruminants and horses is a permanent challenge
o The interactions between grassland management, nature conservation, hunting and tourism are of special interest under consideration of climate change and global demand for foodstuff

Activities of ÖAG

• Organisation of lectures, field days, field trips, seminars and meetings in different Austrian grassland regions and excursions to foreign countries

• Publication of practical articles, special issues, books, presentations and ÖAG-publications

• Public relations and rising awareness on important, actual topics of grassland and livestock farming

• Relationship to institutions and stakeholders of different sectors inland and abroad

• Link to agricultural organisations and chambers, schools, advanced training sites and universities to ensure a quick transfer of findings and experiences into practice

Aims of ÖAG

• The main target is the professional support of Austrian grassland and livestock farmers

• Connecting and linking all relevant forces of grassland and livestock farming to communicate actual knowledge into farms

• Improvement of public awareness including policy and society

• Lobbying for grassland and livestock farming in the Alpine space

Target audience of ÖAG

• Success-oriented farmers, who are willing to use specific information

• Interested teachers, advisors, scientists, companies and politicians

• Scholars, students and interested stakeholders of other sectors

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