Transfarmations in Austria

More and more farmers in Austria and exploring how they can move away from animal-based agriculture. Below are some examples of farms in the country that have made the transition.

Wurzgarten - Organic Vegetable Production

In Upper Austria, Johann Kofler-Mair has successfully converted his farm (the "Milchhanslgut," a former dairy farm) to organic vegetable cultivation with direct marketing. "Wurzgarten" is managed according to the "market gardening" concept, meaning no monocultures or middlemen. The farm has successfully established itself. As a second source of income, Sandra (Joann's wife) offers plant-based cooking and baking workshops as well as Yoga courses and, Johann Kofler-Mair provides financial and capital consulting. 

Landvirte - Sanctuary and Tourist Retreat

Josef and Juliane have been vegan since the beginning of 2020. Their change in diet was for health and environmental reasons but it led them to rethinking their farm management from an animal welfare perspective. In April 2020, the couple first encountered a sanctuary farm and made the switch, completing their transfarmation to Landvirte in 2021. Now instead of the slaughter and fattening of cattle they operate a sanctuary, sustainable timber production, and farm stays. Josef and Juliane are also passionate about helping other farmers and offer consulting for farmers seeking to make the change,

Happy Highlands - Sanctuary and Stays

Wolfgang Lämmerer and Isabella Wagner transformed their mountain farm, which had been a suckler cow farm for Highland cattle for many years, into a life-long farm in 2022. For Wolfgang, the annual slaughter day in autumn was always one of the most unpleasant days of the year. Isabella moved to the farm in July 2021 and initially thought she would be able to accept the slaughter. But that wasn't the case. For them, there is now no difference between a horse, a cow, a dog, or a chicken. In the winter of 2021/2022, they finally found another way to continue running their farm and founded HAPPY HIGHLANDS. All animals are now allowed to live out their lives on the farm and they sustain themselves through holiday stays and cow encounters.

Have you converted your animal agriculture production in Austria into a plant-based farm or sanctuary, we would love to hear from you and to learn about your journey. Contact us! office@transfarnmation-austria.com