HeuART festival showcases hay art despite fodder shortage

The HeuART festival in Sankt Martin am Tennengebirge is highlighting hay art as fodder shortages affect Salzburg, ORF reported. The shortage, caused by the limited hay harvest this summer, has underscored the value of the material.

The dry weather has had less severe consequences in Sankt Martin, and there is still enough hay for the time being, said Georg Bergschober, chairman of the HeuART association. He said the region had received rain at intervals and that he was not aware of any serious hay problems there.

Hay is also used to build artworks for the event’s procession, described as the world’s largest hay figure parade and a major visitor attraction during the Bauernherbst autumn season. The festival uses between 300 and 500 kilograms of hay, with other materials used for the supporting structures.

Nineteen hay figures were prepared for this year’s procession. Local companies and associations sponsor and build the artworks, often spending more than 100 hours on each creation.

The HeuART festival will be held in Russbach in 2027.