End of an era: the last dairy cow leaves the Strobelhof in Gutenstein

End of an era: the last dairy cow leaves the Strobelhof in Gutenstein

A sad end for dairy farming in the city of Sigmaringen! On Tuesday, Urban Strobel left Gutenstein his 17 dairy cows - forever! Eleven found new stables, while six of them had to go to the slaughterhouse due to age. Urban, relaxed in the heart, did not make the difficult decision lightly, rather he thinks of the well -being of his animals. It was important to him that the slaughtered cows are not pregnant - he wants to show respect, even in this difficult time.

The agricultural office confirms: The Strobelhof is the last dairy farm in Sigmaringen that has given up. A few months ago, the Kienle brothers from Laiz also closed their milk production and converted it into a mercy courtyard. Tobias Gumpper, head of the agricultural office, warns: "It is actually a bad time to stop, because the milk price is comparatively high at around 50 cents per liter." The large companies grow and benefit, while smaller ones like the Strobelhof run out of air.

hurdles and challenges

Urban Strobel sees no future in his milk production. Health problems have forced the family to close the wood stove bakery. After his wife's heart attack, it is uncertain how things will happen. In addition, he would have had to rebuild or rebuild his stable roof in order to meet the constantly tightened requirements. His children have other professional perspectives, and Urban plans to reorient themselves at the age of 47. He will continue to manage his arable land, even if the milk business is over forever.

emotionally becomes urban when he looks at the lost calves: "Unfortunately we no longer have any calves that the children can stroke. It hurts the most." Tears of the nostalgia flash in his eyes while the farm has become silent around him. Where used to be the lively hustle and bustle of the cows, only the cat that still roams around remains. The dairy cow holders in Baden-Württemberg fell dramatically-from 34,000 in 1993 to only 5,000 today! The last curtain falls for the Strobelhof.