Future of cattle farming: Hesse relies on circular systems!

Future of cattle farming: Hesse relies on circular systems!

The ZirKUH (Circular Cattle Husbandry Systems Hessen) project, initiated by the Justus Liebig University of Giessen (JLU) under the direction of Dr. Lisa Petzoldt, relies on environmentally friendly and efficient cattle farming. The aim is to research and promote circularity in cattle farming systems in Hesse. Over the next few years, in the funding period from 2024 to 2027, the project will examine in detail the opportunities and challenges of the circular economy in livestock farming. uni-giessen.de reports that in addition to animal welfare and biodiversity, social and economic aspects also play a central role.

The project focuses on cattle farms in Hesse that produce both milk and meat. The investigation covers aspects such as energy generation through photovoltaic systems, material recycling of silage films and effective manure management. This comprehensive data collection aims to achieve sustainability assessments and life cycle assessments of the companies.

Benefits of the circular economy

Agricultural animal husbandry is increasingly coming under scrutiny. Innovative solutions are required that cover the need for animal products as well as being economically viable and resource-saving. Circular animal husbandry systems, such as those discussed in the ZirKUH project, offer the potential to combine these different requirements. hfa-online.de emphasizes that the production of milk and meat, as well as regional value creation, are increasingly becoming a focus.

In recent decades, the focus of agriculture has shifted from sustainable production to mass industrial production, resulting in significant environmental problems such as soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. das-wissen.de addresses the importance of the circular economy, which emphasizes efficiency and resource conservation, while minimizing waste and promoting closed cycles. The aim is to reduce environmental impact and ensure sustainable production.

Practical implementation and cooperation

The project goals are implemented in regional real-world laboratories in which the developed solution approaches are tested. An essential element of the project is the creation of a Hessian ZirKUH network that brings together representatives from agriculture, agricultural administration, advice, research, politics and society. Additional projects such as GreenDairy and GreenChicken are intended to improve resource efficiency and environmental impacts in agriculture.

The institutions involved include, among others, the professorship for landscape, water and material balance as well as the professorship for organic farming. The project also cooperates with the Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e.V. and the Hesse State Office for Agriculture to ensure a holistic approach and sustainable approaches. The results of the project could be groundbreaking for the future of cattle farming in Hesse and at the same time make a contribution to organic farming.