Drought forces early cattle descent from Upper Austrian pastures

Persistent drought and extreme heat are forcing some farmers in Upper Austria to bring their cattle down from Alpine pastures earlier than usual, ORF reported. The animals normally remain there until September, but the lack of new feed and dwindling water supplies are worsening the situation.

Weeks of little rain and temperatures not previously recorded in Austria since measurements began have intensified conditions on the pastures. On many southern slopes, plants have stopped growing completely and some have already dried out. Springs are also shrinking, with only small amounts of water still flowing in many places.

Johann Feßl, chairman of the Upper Austrian Alm Association and mayor of Edlbach in the Kirchdorf district, said the situation was extremely tense. Many pastures have no way to bring in additional water, he said.

Feßl expects more cattle to be brought down to the valleys in the coming days. He plans to move his own animals down from the pasture by early next week at the latest.