Animals
Cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and a few chickens – our animals play a very special role on our farm: they are our natural source of fertiliser and were specifically chosen for this job.
Fodder from our farming activities are put to good use by our animals. Their manure is composted and prepared, then used as top quality natural fertiliser in our vineyards and fields.
Cattle
In the beginning we opted for Angus cattle because they are an extensive breed and also because their births usually proceed without a hitch in the pastures. Angus cattle are also perfectly suited to the acidic grass pastures in the centre of the Seewinkel.
Since 2013, we also have Aubrac cattle on our farm. Lukas chose them on the basis of their good raw fibre feed conversion ratio and the exceptional quality of their meat.
It is important to us to have small-sized herds with one bull per herd responsible for natural reproduction. We also place a lot of importance on the natural impregnation of the cows and a long bonding period between calves and their mothers. All these conditions contribute greatly to the natural health of the animals because their hormonal balance and happiness do matter.
Mangalitsa pigs
Our decision to breed Mangalitsa pigs stems from our wish to have access to naturally and organically farmed pork. We also have enough grain and corn residue from our grain cleaner to feed our pigs. Mangalitsa pigs have a long tradition in the Pannonian-Hungarian region. It used to be the predominant pig breed right into the post-war era, but it was later increasingly driven out by selectively bred pigs. For a short period of time only very few pure-bred Mangalitsa pigs remained, and the breed came under the threat of extinction.
Swallow-bellied Mangalitsa pigs are one of the oldest pure-bred European pig breeds and belong to the lard pig category. Their thick wool protects them from the cold as well as from the heat. They love being able to run about and they can be kept outside the whole year long.
Pastures
The pastures here in Puszta date back a long time. Some of our pastures, which face Lake Neusiedl, have never been ploughed. A few centuries ago, these parts were still marshland. Here you can find indigenous grasses growing, and their biodiversity corresponds to ancient vegetation. In order to maintain these pastures on a long-term basis, it is necessary to let animals graze on them approximately once every three years or to mow the fields.
The Pannonian pasture landscape is especially characterised by the acidic, magnesium-rich soils. This results in the growth of various acidic grass species, which is an important aspect to consider when choosing the right breed of cattle. Hungarian Grey cattle or Steppe cattle are well-adapted to the local environment, but this breed is dangerous to breed and handle on a day-to-day basis due its pronounced ancient herd instinct. Angus cattle are another type of breed ideally suited to the acidic grasses and herbs. They are considered to be an exceptionally extensive breed and also have a pleasant character, allowing us to enter the herd at any time in order to care for the animals.