Biodiversity as a full-time occupation—Is that possible?

How can high-quality food be produced while simultaneously supporting nature, the soil, and biodiversity? During a farm tour at the organic Windisch farm in Globasnitz, Carmen and Andreas Petutschnig-Erschen demonstrated how they address this question in their daily operations.

From a herd of around 200 goats—including the rare Pinzgau Mountain Goat—to organic straw-raised pigs, mushroom cultivation, and a variety of field crops, the farm’s different branches work in harmony. Home-grown feed, diverse crop rotations, undersowing, and cover cropping create closed-loop systems while boosting biodiversity.

The diversity in the fields was particularly impressive; for instance, clover has proven successful as an undersown crop with soybeans. Andreas explains: "Even though rainfall was significantly lower this year, the clover sprouted well. Once the soybeans are harvested, the clover gets the light and space it needs to thrive. This keeps the soil covered and maintains soil life."

You can read a detailed recap of the event, complete with plenty of photos, soon here!