Gentechnologie und Landwirtschaft

Livestock farming is at the centre of current debates on the future of Swiss agriculture. An analysis involving representatives from Swiss interest groups shows that despite diverging positions on individual objectives, the green, liberal and conservative groups are more in agreement on the preferred direction of development.

Rearing heifers accounts for a significant proportion of the costs involved in milk production. This study uses a model calculation to demonstrate how a lower age at first calving can improve the profitability of Swiss Holstein farms.

The level of burden involved in working on a farm cannot be determined solely on the basis of working hours, workforce availability or model calculations. A study involving 571 Swiss farms reveals significant differences between a measured and perceived workload burden.