Upcoming Trade Shows in Austria for Animals & Pets

The animal industry in Austria, specifically the animal production for nutrition, held substantial economic sway at the start of the millennium as it contributed over 55% to the Gross Agricultural Output back in 2000. At the time, animal farming played a pivotal role in supporting the country’s local economy, but the relevance of animal farming for consumption has been diminished. The real value of animal production is interwoven with the picturesque Alpine landscape. Cattle farming, in particular, plays a key role in shaping the Alpine region’s topography. The well-farmed countryside has created Austria’s trademarked landscape with wide, rolling hills, which are the biggest draw for the thriving tourism sector. Grassland farming and mountain pasturing, integral components of the ÖPUL program, receive subsidies, highlighting the dual role of agriculture in economic sustenance and environmental conservation. Horse breeding is also a major component of the livestock industry. In the past, horses might have been draught animals on farms, but today they’re a valuable asset. Contemporary Austria sees horses primarily kept for pleasure riding and driving. The breed landscape has also undergone a massive evolution. Strategic crossing programs transformed the Altösterreichisches Warmblut into a modern sport horse, which excels in show jumping, dressage and eventing. The sales of these horses are significant within horse breeding circles. On the other hand, specialized conservation programs have been utilized to save the Austrian draught horse, Noriker, from endangerment. Horse breeding, once a crucial part of farm income, has transformed into a niche pursuit. Thoroughbreds and saddle horses are predominantly bred by non-farmers, while the Haflinger and Noriker breeds, though still primarily bred by farmers, are increasingly considered hobbies rather than significant sources of income. The increasing number of horses, reaching 83,000 in 2000, has led to alternative income streams for farms located in proximity to urban areas, providing stables and feed for pleasure horses.