Austrian Farmers: How Many Are There?

Austria's agricultural sector is made up of more than 110,000 farms, with two-thirds of these located in the alpine mountains. The average farm manages about 20 hectares of land, and there are around 155,000 enterprises in the small-scale agricultural and forestry sector. Cattle farming is the most important line of production, with almost 55,000 cattle farmers and 1.9 million head of cattle.

There are more than 110,000 farms in Austria

Austria's agricultural sector is small-scale, with around 155,000 enterprises. The sector employs around 7,000 people in agricultural technology. Agriculture plays an important role in Austria's economy, contributing to renewable energy, landscape management, and the environment.

Cattle farming and milk production are the most important lines of production

Austria has more than 110,000 farms, with an average farm size of 20 hectares or 45 acres. Two-thirds of these farms are located in the alpine mountains, where cattle farming and milk production are the most important lines of production. This is because almost 60% of Austria's utilised agricultural area is grassland. Cattle farming with about 1.9 million head of cattle held and almost 55,000 cattle farmers (as of 1 December 2022) represents a significant part of the overall agricultural production in Austria. In 2022, the value of production amounted to 916 million euros, thus accounting for 20% of the animal production.

Cattle farming in Austria shows considerable differences between specialised cattle fattening, practised above all in regions with arable farming, and dairy farming in grassland. Dairy farming is popular in the west, where the mix of the continental climate and the influence of the Pannonia provides cold and wet winters, but especially hot, dry summer days and cool nights. These conditions are ideal for corn, cereals like wheat, barley and rye, as well as sugar beets, rapeseed and sunflower.

While producing dairy products and beef, Austrian "mountain" farmers also take on the task of maintaining and preserving the pastures of the Alps. Agriculture plays an important role in Austria's economy, going far beyond the production of food. Austrian farmers provide services that have a positive impact on other industries, such as contributing to the high share of renewable energy (over 30%) in Austria and providing service to the environment and landscape management in the alpine regions.

Two thirds of Austria's farms are located in the alpine mountains

There are more than 110,000 farms in Austria, with an average farm size of 20 hectares or 45 acres. Two thirds of these farms are located in the alpine mountains, where the most popular activities are rearing cattle or sheep, and producing dairy products and beef.

Farming in mountainous areas is of key importance to maintaining the lush pastures in the summer and ski slopes in the winter. Austrian 'mountain' farmers also take on the task of preserving the pastures of the Alps. Cattle farming is a significant part of overall agricultural production in Austria, with about 1.9 million head of cattle held and almost 55,000 cattle farmers as of 1 December 2022. In 2022, the value of production amounted to 916 million euros, accounting for 20% of animal production.

In addition to cattle farming, pig keeping is also an important agricultural activity in Austria. The country's small-scale agricultural and forestry sector includes around 155,000 enterprises. While mountain farming is popular in the west, the east provides ideal conditions for arable farming. The mix of the continental climate and the influence of the Pannonia, which provide cold and wet winters, but especially hot dry summer days and cool nights, are ideal for corn, cereals like wheat, barley and rye, as well as sugar beets, rapeseed and sunflower.

The average farm size is 45 acres

There are more than 110,000 farms in Austria, with an average farm size of 45 acres. Two thirds of these farms are located in the alpine mountains, where cattle or sheep rearing is most popular. Cattle farming is a significant part of overall agricultural production in Austria, with around 55,000 cattle farmers as of 1 December 2022.

The average farm manages about 20 hectares of land, which is equivalent to around 49 acres. This is a relatively small farm size, which reduces competitiveness. However, Austrian farmers provide services that positively impact other industries, such as contributing to the high share of renewable energy (over 30%) and providing services to the environment and landscape management in the alpine regions.

Austria's agricultural sector also includes around 155,000 enterprises in the small-scale agricultural and forestry sector and 7,000 people employed in the agricultural technology sector. The export volume of agriculture was EUR 16.16 billion in 2022.

The agricultural sector employs around 7,000 people

Austria has more than 110,000 farms, with an average farm size of 20 hectares or 45 acres. Two-thirds of these farms are located in the alpine mountains, where the most popular activities are rearing cattle and sheep, and producing dairy products and beef. Cattle farming is also popular outside of the mountains, with almost 55,000 cattle farmers as of December 2022.

Agriculture is important to Austria's economy, contributing to 1.5% of the country's GDP. The agricultural sector also provides services that positively impact other industries, such as renewable energy, environmental services, and landscape management in the alpine regions. The export volume of agriculture was EUR 16.16 billion in 2022.

Around 7,000 people are employed in the agricultural technology sector in Austria. This is part of the country's small-scale agricultural and forestry sector, which consists of around 155,000 enterprises.

Austria's agricultural strategy aims to ensure the sustainable competitiveness and resilience of farms, secure food safety, and improve the protection of natural resources and the climate. The country also prioritises improving the vitality and quality of life in rural areas, where more than 3.5 million people (40% of the population) live.

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