Pigs on the pasture: Lower Saxony is breaking new ground in animal husbandry!

Pigs on the pasture: Lower Saxony is breaking new ground in animal husbandry!

At a time when calls for greater animal welfare and sustainable agriculture are becoming ever louder, one company in Lower Saxony particularly stands out. Alexander Schmidt, the operator of the “Heiderinder” farm in Varendorf, was the first in Lower Saxony to receive permission to slaughter pigs directly on pasture. This is an important step towards more animal-friendly and environmentally conscious meat production. Loud AZ Online The approval notice for pasture slaughter was only issued in June 2025.

The “Heiderinder” farm has around 70 Berkshire pigs that live on a spacious area of ​​three and a half hectares. Schmidt relies on the motto “Lots of space, little stress”. The animals live for over a year and a half, which is twice as long as in conventional farms. This type of husbandry promotes the well-being of the animals and effective animal welfare criteria can be applied here.

Sustainability and environmental awareness

Schmidt is convinced that pasture slaughter has a positive impact on the ecological balance. Pastured areas can bind more CO₂ than comparable forest areas. The meat from his Berkshire pigs not only has a high fat content, which is highly valued in Japan, but is also processed and sold into sausages, ham and other specialties. This form of production meets the growing demands for sustainable agriculture, which takes into account more than just climatic and social aspects. Loud BZFE Every consumer should decide for themselves which values ​​are important to them when buying meat.

The animals are slaughtered directly on the pasture in mobile slaughter trailers. This minimizes the stress that transport causes for the animals. The entire slaughtering process is carried out under the professional supervision of an official veterinarian to ensure that everything is done according to regulations. Schmidt and his team can slaughter a maximum of two pigs per hour, which allows the slaughter to be carried out carefully and appropriately.

Animal welfare and modern standards

The importance of animal welfare is becoming increasingly important. Studies show that animal-related indicators are essential for measuring animal welfare. These indicators are often used in organic farming when it comes to compliance with legal requirements, which is also important for Schmidt's business. Loud Organic farming Companies that belong to the animal welfare interest group undergo regular inspections to ensure the welfare of the animals.

Schmidt emphasizes the need to choose responsibly produced meat and thus not only supports animal husbandry, but also local value creation. This attitude promotes independence from global markets and sets an example for a sustainable future. At a time when many experts are recommending less meat consumption, pasture slaughter offers an environmentally friendly alternative that meets the needs of consumers.