Pasture Farming: The Versatile Benefits of Humane and Traditional Animal Husbandry

When shopping for meat, milk, and other animal products, you probably like to think of happy, grazing cows on vast pastures. But in reality, the lives of most farm animals look different. Currently, nationwide in Germany, only about 30 percent of cattle have access to pastures.
Pasture farming not only has a positive effect on animal welfare but also on the climate and the quality of the meat. For many reasons, it is therefore worthwhile to take a closer look when shopping.

What does pasture farming mean?

A pasture is an agricultural area covered with herbaceous plants such as sweet grasses. The vegetation serves as a food source for grazing animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and horses. Farm animals are kept on pastures primarily for the production of food. Pasture animal husbandry is, from an agricultural perspective, the most original and thus species-appropriate form of animal husbandry.

Grazing or pasturing allows the animals to spend a large part of their lives outdoors. However, how much time they are allowed to spend on the pasture annually is not clearly defined. While grazing, they can not only consume a lot of fresh grass and other plants but also move freely, play with their conspecifics, and keep the necessary distance if needed. Additionally, they are exposed to the natural climate and can enjoy sun, wind, and rain.

Cows are steppe animals and can use green areas that are not suitable for growing food sensibly for grazing. These include, for example, areas with particularly steep terrain or wet soil. Therefore, pasture areas do not necessarily reduce the agriculturally usable area.

Pasture farming compared to other forms of husbandry

Currently, in Germany, only about 30 percent of farm animals have the opportunity to graze; over 80 percent of cattle are kept in loose housing systems. This means barns where the animals can move freely between exercise, resting, milking, and feeding zones. About 10 percent of cattle live in tie stalls and thus have almost no freedom of movement.

Since 2019, Germany has had the "Haltungsform" label, which farms can voluntarily place on their products. It is intended to give you more orientation when buying meat. Four husbandry forms are distinguished. While level 1 corresponds to the legal minimum requirements, level 4 means particularly species-appropriate husbandry with regular pasture access.

The 4 husbandry forms

• Husbandry form 1 means barn housing. Here, depending on weight, cattle have between 1.5 and 2.2 square meters of space. The animals have no access to fresh air. Although the use of a loose housing system is recommended, tie stalls are also allowed.
• Husbandry form 2 means barn housing plus. In this form of cattle husbandry, each animal has up to 3 square meters of space. There are therefore no significant differences from the first husbandry form.
• Husbandry form 3 means outdoor climate. Here, a loose housing system with a year-round usable yard and access to fresh air is required. Each cow has up to 4 square meters available, depending on weight. Additionally, genetically modified feed is mandatory.
• Husbandry form 4 means premium. Cattle are entitled to free-range access 200 days per year. In the barn, each animal has up to 5 square meters of space.

The advantages of pasture farming

Pasture farming is associated with numerous benefits for the well-being and health of the animals. Consequently, it also positively affects the quality of meat and dairy products. Furthermore, grazing by cows is linked to positive effects on the climate, biodiversity, and water protection.

Effects on animal welfare

Since cattle are originally steppe animals, the pasture is the habitat where they can best express their natural behavior. Slow grazing and rumination on pasture areas allow them to feed species-appropriately and vitamin-rich and to move sufficiently. The absence of feeding with highly concentrated feed significantly reduces the metabolic burden on the animals. On the pasture, cows eat up to 12 hours a day and cover many kilometers. This positively affects muscles, joints, and hooves. Consequently, infectious diseases occur less frequently.

Sun, rain, and wind also positively affect the immune system and the general well-being of the cattle. Trees and shrubs give them the opportunity for natural body care. Also, the horns, which serve body care, heat regulation, and communication, often do not have to be removed in pasture farming due to sufficient space. Cattle are animals with very complex social behavior. To avoid conflicts, they need not only enough lying space and escape options but also unrestricted access to food and water. The pasture thus offers the best conditions for a stress-free life and improved fertility and health.

Effects on meat quality

With increasing animal welfare, the quality of meat and milk naturally also increases. Numerous studies suggest that pasture milk and pasture meat have a better fatty acid composition compared to products from barn housing. They contain on average more omega-3 fatty acids and fewer trans fats than products from intensive animal farming. Additionally, products from pasture farming are often richer in vitamins and antioxidants. Due to species-appropriate nutrition, regular exercise, and reduced stress, the quality and taste of muscle meat also improve.

In barn housing, animals often live in very confined spaces. This results in deteriorated air quality and often the spread of parasites, viruses, and bacteria. To prevent diseases, farmers in intensive animal farming often use large amounts of antibiotics. These naturally accumulate in beef. Since pasture animals are often healthier due to their more species-appropriate environment, fewer medications are used in pasture farming.

Effects on the climate

According to experts, pasture farming for cattle is an important basis for environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture. Grassland stores large amounts of CO₂ and thus contributes to cleaner air. Through cattle excrement and grazing, plant growth is stimulated, allowing them to bind even greater amounts of carbon dioxide. Consequently, soil fertility improves and humus formation increases. Moreover, cow pats provide habitat for numerous insects and thus promote biodiversity.

Sustainable pasture farming also shows positive effects on soil water retention, water purification, and groundwater recharge. Grazing increases root mass, which in turn increases the capacity to absorb and store water. Since the microclimate of grassland can significantly improve through pasture farming, species-appropriate cattle husbandry can make a valuable contribution to environmental protection.

Beef Jerky: High-quality dried meat from pasture farming

Our Beef Jerky is high-quality dried meat that comes exclusively from cattle raised on Austrian pastures. Since we place great value on species-appropriate husbandry, our beef comes from grass-fed rearing. As a result, the meat is leaner, contains more antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, and has a more intense flavor than meat from grain-fed cattle. At the same time, the animals have a significantly better life than in year-round barn housing.

Frequently asked questions about pasture farming

What advantages does pasture farming offer for cattle?

Pasture farming is the most species-appropriate and thus healthiest form of husbandry for cattle. Due to increased exercise, fresh air, and vitamin-rich food, cattle in pasture farming are usually significantly healthier and happier than their conspecifics in barns.

Is meat from pasture farming healthier?

According to studies, meat from pasture farming contains more healthy omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants than meat from intensive animal farming. It is also often less contaminated with antibiotics and other medications.

Why is meat and milk from pasture farming more expensive?

Food from pasture farming is often somewhat more expensive compared to products from intensive animal farming. This is because farmers need significantly more land for production and can produce smaller quantities.