Alois Kiegerl

Grassland management lies at the heart of Alois Kiegerl’s contribution to biodiversity. A large portion of the grassland is mowed only twice—or at most three times—per season, with the cutting delayed until later in the year. This allows for the development of species-rich wildflower meadows, which in turn provide habitat and food for numerous insects. A key principle for him is the use of a gradually management system: fields close to the farm are managed more intensively, while more distant meadows are farmed or grazed extensively. Consequently, fertilizer application and forage harvesting take place primarily near the farm, ensuring a resource-efficient approach.

As a member of a communal alpine pasture cooperative, Alois Kiegerl manages approximately 500 hectares of alpine grazing land alongside some 40 other farmers. By sending a portion of his 70–80 Murbodner cattle to spend the summer on the alpine pasture, he helps keep valuable open land within a Natura 2000 area clear, thereby preserving precious habitats such as mat-grass swards.

Managing grassland thoughtfully is a top priority for the farmer: diverse, species-rich meadows not only support insects and other wildlife but also provide high-quality forage for his cattle. A diet based on fresh forage—with minimal use of concentrated feed—combined with stress-free slaughtering, results in superior meat quality that his customers appreciate. For Alois Kiegerl, this demonstrates that sensible grassland management can go hand in hand with animal welfare and nature conservation—a fact that reaffirms his farming methods every single day.