Pasture-raised geese carve out seasonal niche for Styrian farmers

Pasture-raised geese have become an important seasonal niche for farmers in Styria, with demand extending from Martinmas into the Christmas season, ORF reported.

Some 35 farmers now raise 6,500 geese in the province, up from 3,330 about 10 years ago, according to the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture. About 720 birds, or nearly 11 percent, are certified organic. Farmers keep an average of 186 geese each.

Margit Fritz, chairwoman of the Styrian pasture-goose farmers, said the birds were popular for their tender meat, freshness and regional origin. Partnerships with rural restaurants and specialist butcher shops have developed, while many private customers return to the same farmers each year.

The geese also provide down for pillows and blankets, which is processed in Upper Austria. Fritz said the birds’ longer time on pasture allows their down and feathers to mature, and that these products have become sought-after internationally.

The chamber said the geese are kept under animal-friendly conditions, eating mainly grass and some grain. They spend five to seven months on pasture and grow more slowly than imported birds raised for rapid meat production. About 100 to 120 geese are kept per hectare.

Prolonged dry weather and numerous hot days challenged farms this year. On some fields, a lack of lush grass meant farmers had to provide freshly cut grass or grain and ensure a supply of fresh water. They also offered the birds more shade, particularly during the hot midday and afternoon hours.