Conversion to full grazing – experiences of Heiko Stelling

{Tool} Conversion to full grazing – experiences of Heiko Stelling. [Umstellung auf Vollweide - Erfahrungen von Heiko Stelling | Klimawoche des Grasslandzentrums.] Creator(s): Alföldi, Thomas. Issuing Organisation(s): FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Grünlandzentrum Niedersachsen/Bremen. (2024)

	Video (MP4) - Cover Image - German/Deutsch 155B
Preview	Image (PNG) - Cover Image - German/Deutsch 2MB

Document available online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHRGtwwG9SI

Summary in the original language of the document

In the video, he explains why he decided to switch to full grazing with seasonal autumn calving and the positive effects this change had.
The change was made out of a wish to keep the cows permanently in the pasture, in order to reduce feed costs and the use of machinery. Full grazing has not only improved animal welfare, but also increased his own quality of life. The change has led to more climate-friendly agriculture, even if this was not initially his main goal. Despite a slightly lower milk yield, the economic results remain almost the same thanks to reduced costs for concentrated feed and veterinary care.
At the demo event, Heiko also discussed challenges and optimisation potential with his colleagues, such as adapting genetics towards crossbred animals that cope better with grazing. Improved animal health can further improve climate efficiency in the long term. The demo event inspired the participating farmers to find their own ways to achieve greater climate efficiency on their farms.

Summary translation

Im Video erklärt er, warum er sich für die Umstellung auf Vollweidehaltung mit saisonaler Herbstabkalbung entschieden hat und welche positiven Auswirkungen diese Umstellung hatte.
Die Umstellung erfolgte aus dem Wunsch heraus, die Kühe dauerhaft auf der Weide zu halten, um Futterkosten und den Einsatz von Maschinen zu reduzieren. Die Vollweidehaltung hat nicht nur das Wohlbefinden der Tiere verbessert, sondern auch seine eigene Lebensqualität erhöht. Die Umstellung hat zu einer klimafreundlicheren Landwirtschaft geführt, auch wenn dies ursprünglich nicht sein Hauptziel war. Trotz einer etwas geringeren Milchleistung bleiben die wirtschaftlichen Ergebnisse dank der geringeren Kosten für Kraftfutter und tierärztliche Versorgung nahezu gleich.
Bei der Demo-Veranstaltung diskutierte Heiko mit seinen Kollegen auch über Herausforderungen und Optimierungspotenziale, wie die Anpassung der Genetik in Richtung Kreuzungstiere, die besser mit Weidegang zurechtkommen. Eine verbesserte Tiergesundheit kann die Klimaeffizienz langfristig weiter verbessern. Die Demo-Veranstaltung inspirierte die teilnehmenden Landwirte, eigene Wege zu mehr Klimaeffizienz auf ihren Betrieben zu finden.

EPrint Type:	Practice tool
Teaser:	The switch to full grazing with seasonal autumn calving and its positive effects.
What problem does the tool address?:	Deteriorating climate conditions call for action. Climate change is becoming increasingly noticeable in fields and pastures. Heat and cold spells as well as dry periods and heavy rainfall, which lead to erosion and desertification, reduce soil fertility and crop failures are becoming more frequent
What solution does the tool offer?:	Heiko Stelling runs a dairy farm in Bremervörde, in northern Germany. As part of a demonstration event for the Climate Farm Demo project, he talks about his experiences with switching to a full-grazing system. Heiko manages 150 hectares of land, 27 of which are arable, and keeps 170 dairy cows, mainly Holstein Friesian.
Country:	Germany
Type of Practice Tool:	Video
Keywords:	cattle, grazing, climate change, climate change adaptation, animal welfare, animal health, resilience, breeding, carbon farming
Agrovoc keywords:	Language Value URI English cattle http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1391 English grazing http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_25243 English climate change http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1666 English climate change adaptation http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1374567058134 English animal welfare http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_443 English animal health http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_431 English resilience http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1374480530924 English breeding http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_49902 English carbon sequestration http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_331583
Subjects:	Animal husbandry > Production systems > Dairy cattle Animal husbandry > Health and welfare Environmental aspects
Research affiliation:	European Union > Horizon Europe > Climate Farm Demo European Union > Horizon Europe > OrganicClimateNET > selected tools Switzerland > FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture Switzerland > Animal > Cattle European Union > Horizon Europe > OrganicClimateNET European Union > Organic Farm Knowledge
Horizon Europe or H2020 Grant Agreement Number:	101136880
Related Links:	https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/54377, https://climatefarmdemo.eu/, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/44407, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/54321, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/53743, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/43977, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/43978, https://x.com/farm_knowledge/status/1894331957112107193, https://www.facebook.com/organicfarmknowledge/posts/pfbid036Rw14YoeHJaEeHm2eBRiHBn1TMaiwNJFs2xonABJJ9y88fA9twp5oxweJFi9C8Mil
Project ID:	OFK
Deposited By:	Rüger, Madelaine Lea
ID Code:	54377
Deposited On:	06 Jan 2025 10:09
Last Modified:	25 Feb 2025 10:23
Document Language:	English, German/Deutsch, French/Francais
Status:	Published

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Download Statistics

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics