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Andechser Bio Molkerei Wir lassen die Kuh raus 4

We're going out to the pasture soon.

„We’re letting the cow out!“, "That was the topic and also the reason for the meeting I recently attended with great anticipation. On the Pulfer family's organic farm in Tutzing, their dairy cows were let out to pasture for the first time this year after the cold season, in cooperation with the Andechser dairy Scheitz. The animals were thus able to leave the barn and enjoy the outdoors. Anyone who cares even a little about animal welfare, the environment, and healthy, high-quality food will already know that expansive pastures, fresh air, and lush grass make cows especially happy and healthy. Grazing combines all of these factors and ensures improved animal welfare.

What was the meeting with the Andechs organic dairy about?

On-site at the organic farm, in addition to observing the animals grazing, representatives from the Andechser Molkerei Scheitz dairy, known for its more than 150 purely organic dairy products, and organic farmer Sepp Braun discussed the benefits of grazing. This is not only a great joy for the animals, but – thinking outside the box – also beneficial for the environment and for us humans. A healthy pasture ensures a healthy cow. A healthy, and therefore happy, cow produces healthy milk, which in turn keeps us healthy through high-quality products. This is a simplified representation of the cycle. The connection is clear: the quality of the milk, and consequently the quality of the products made from it (such as those from the Andechser Molkerei Scheitz organic dairy), depends significantly on the animals' grazing.

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A happy cow in the pasture

Why don't all dairy cows allow access to pasture?

Once the connection is understood, it's obvious that the animals' access to the outdoors contributes significantly to their health. It's no wonder the animals joyfully rush out of the barn, enjoying the greenery, the fresh air, and the lush grass. Their happiness was almost palpable.

So why are so many dairy cows in Germany still not grazing on green pastures – even though it demonstrably produces better milk? This question intrigued me and was clearly explained on site. The problem is obvious. Of course, regular grazing means more work for the farmer. It not only requires additional time, but many farmers also shy away from grazing due to space constraints and the associated higher costs. Indirectly, this means accepting a "lesser" or at least less welfare-oriented husbandry system. The result: lower-quality milk for us.

Barbara Scheitz and Sepp Braun

„"Grazing for all!" – Pasture supplement and more.

Fully aware of this problem, Barbara Scheitz, managing director of the Andechser Molkerei Scheitz dairy, has made it her mission to solve it. "The goal is to allow as many cows as possible to graze in the pastures!" says B. Scheitz. To achieve this, they are taking new approaches, and the Andechser organic dairy is the first organic dairy in Germany to reward its organic milk suppliers for pasture-based farming with a premium on the milk price that is unique in Germany. Fantastic, isn't it? This means that every organic farmer who ensures their cows have regular access to pasture for grazing and living receives an additional premium on the milk price. This benefits the cows, the farmers, and ultimately, of course, the quality of the milk.

And this is demonstrably true. When grazing, cows can optimally express their natural urge to move, their social behavior, and their instincts. Additionally, the milk quality is demonstrably improved by increased levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as higher levels of antioxidants, in cows that graze. In recent years, a shift in societal attitudes has become noticeable among milk drinkers—that is, all of us who enjoy buying and drinking good milk. As consumers, we increasingly value the natural husbandry and feeding of animals and prioritize natural living conditions for animals when purchasing our food. The cycle described above ("Happy animal = high-quality milk") is becoming ever more apparent to us. Around 721,030 of organic product buyers purchase these products to support species-appropriate animal husbandry, and 681,030 also want to support production based on sustainable agriculture with their purchases. (Source: Study „How organic is Germany?“ commissioned by the Andechser Molkerei Scheitz dairy) Do you count yourselves among them? Admittedly, I wasn't so aware of it, but now after the appointment and the explanation, it makes perfect sense. Cows can only produce good or even the best milk when they are happy. Grazing on pasture, with its fresh grass, herbs, and clover, helps farmers achieve this.

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Stroking before going out to pasture.

Soil quality = healthy feed for the cow

The soil itself naturally plays a crucial role for the animals when grazing. Unless you're a farmer, you probably don't give much thought to the soil conditions where the cows graze. Agricultural expert Sepp Braun reiterated the benefits that outdoor cattle farming offers for the soil. "Only healthy soil produces healthy plants. And these are a prerequisite for healthy feed, and ultimately for high-quality milk and cheese, and for healthy people," Braun explained. Humans also play a significant role in this.

Just thought about it… (and information)

I took away a lot from this meeting and wanted to share these impressions with you. "Organic" isn't just three letters that somehow make a product "better" than "non-organic"; no, it represents a great deal of work, know-how, and a well-thought-out system. In the case of the Andechser organic dairy Scheitz, this is evident in their entire product range. For almost 40 years, they have been transforming organic milk into truly valuable organic milk and cheese specialties. Their focus is always on "keeping natural things natural." The pasture premium for farmers who allow their cows to graze is another step that demonstrates the importance of consciously and healthily caring for the animals. So, next time you're standing in front of the milk shelf and instinctively reach for the cheaper option, think of me. The organic milk from the Andechs organic dairy Scheitz definitely comes from a cow that benefited from grazing beforehand, meaning it ultimately produced better milk.

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Well, if she isn't happy...

Oh yes… if you're interested in questions like "What does grazing mean for cows, farmers, and milk?", "How much time do cows spend outside?", "How far do cows travel on a grazing day?", and much more, you can find out more about grazing on the… Website Learn more at the Andechs organic dairy Scheitz. And, fittingly, the dairy is also launching the "Cow Challenge" starting July 1st. There you can compete against the cows in the pasture... ever lost a sporting competition against a cow? 😉 Find out more starting June 1st, 2017 at www.kuh-challenge.de

Key data:
Organic farmer: Organic farming family Pulfer, Naturland certified, Traubinger Straße 65, 82327 Tutzing
Further information to the Andechs organic dairy Scheitz

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