Goat milk made of gimmel: The secret treasure for Altenburg cheese!

Goat milk made of gimmel: The secret treasure for Altenburg cheese!

Gimmel, Schmölln. In the idyllic region between gentle hills and green meadows, there is truly lively: 1500 lively milk Altenburger Land Dobitschen agricultural cooperative are the heart of the goat cheese production. For 34 years now, everything has been about the versatile animals, which not only go out with their infectious splash, but also with exquisite milk. "Goats are a demanding way," explains Heino Siegel, head of the milk goat department, who knows exactly how delicate the 'complaining women'. An ideal stable climate with sufficient straw is essential for your oasis of wellbeing.

The goats live in lovingly designed stables, where they can climb and feast to their heart's content. Her food, mainly hay and straw, mostly comes from your own fields and is supplemented by dry pellets. Thanks to skilful stable division, ranking disputes can be contained under the goats and every herd, including a stately goat, can be found. The longed -for lamb period begins in January!

Milk production on high operation

Each Gimmeler goat brings between two and a half and three liters of milk every day-this adds up to 900 liters per animal a year! 99 percent of this delicious goat milk hike directly to the cheese dairy in Hartha, where the coveted Altenburg goat cheese is created. "The 15 percent goat milk content in Altenburg goat cheese comes exclusively from Gimm," explains Siegel with pride. A unique cheese, which is one of the five across Germany with a territorial name, needs fresh goat milk directly from the location!

The impressive milking system, a true "milking carousel" for 48 goats, ensures a smooth milk flow-each goat is facilitated in just three minutes. In addition, the agricultural cooperative, together with renowned universities, is researching to optimize the behavior and care of the goats using AI. Despite all the technical innovations, the love of animals and tradition are firmly in the foreground!

However, there are also challenges: Eight years ago, 2300 goats still strong, the agricultural cooperative reduced its herd to 1500. A falling milk price ensures concerned expressions, while the rising costs burden the companies. "We have to make the connection to agriculture more again," emphasizes Siegel. With a clear view of the future and a close bond with the goats, the agricultural cooperative remains an important part of regional agriculture.