Agroforestry forage hedges: How WOERLE is helping to shape agriculture sustainably
Improved animal welfare, stronger soils, vibrant biodiversity – with a new collaborative project, WOERLE is once again setting an example for a sustainable future in the dairy industry. Together with HBLA Ursprung, an innovative agroforestry project has been implemented that brings numerous benefits for animals, nature, and the climate.
In spring 2025, around 600 trees were planted over a length of 300 meters on the HBLA Ursprung site – and not by chance: The so-called agroforestry forage hedge is intended to have multiple effects. It serves as a natural pasture boundary, provides nutritious supplementary feed sources, protects animals from the elements, and simultaneously contributes to promoting biodiversity and soil quality.
"We are the first in Austria to promote this innovative agroforestry system for forage use and as pasture boundary. Healthy cows are the heart of our agriculture. The forage hedges provide valuable nutrients and offer natural protection from wind and weather – an important contribution to sustainable milk production," explains Managing Director Gerrit Woerle.
Agroforestry systems deliberately combine trees and shrubs with traditional pastures. This has several advantages:
- Shade and microclimate: The trees provide shade, regulate the microclimate and mitigate extreme heat – a real plus, especially when the weather becomes increasingly capricious.
- Food variety: The fresh, digestible leaves provide additional nutrients that enrich the food supply.
- Soil protection: The deep roots stabilize the soil, improve water retention and help prevent erosion.
- Climate protection: Agroforestry areas bind more carbon than pure meadows – an important lever in the reduction of agricultural greenhouse gases.
Sustainability Manager Diana Reuter adds: "This even has a positive effect on our cows' methane emissions. The shrubs' natural bark contains tannins, which aid digestion and contribute to methane reduction."
A special aspect of the project is the close involvement of students from the HBLA Ursprung. Two dedicated high school graduates – Michael Aberger and Noah Fischer – planned the installation of the fodder hedge as part of their pre-scientific work and are continuously documenting the developments.
This involves more than just technical data: The animals' behavior, their health, and the effects on milk production will also be studied over the long term. Further theses are planned – practical, well-founded, and future-oriented.
With the agroforestry forage hedge project, WOERLE is expanding its sustainability program "WOERLE WEIKT FURTHER" with another innovative measure. It impressively demonstrates how tradition and the future can go hand in hand in agriculture – for healthy animals, a vibrant environment, and climate-friendly milk production.
