In Graubünden, Switzerland, farmers are facing unprecedented challenges due to severe drought conditions. This year’s alpine pasture season has ended far earlier than usual, with cows returning to the valley weeks ahead of schedule. Normally, cattle graze on high-altitude pastures such as Alp Malix, located above Chur, for around 90 days. However, this year, the grazing period lasted just 68 days because of extreme dryness. The grasslands, once lush and green, are now brown and barren, leaving little to no fresh fodder for livestock. The situation has forced farmers to take drastic measures. On Alp Malix, families have had to purchase large quantities of hay to supplement their animals’ diets. Water shortages have further compounded the problem, with local springs drying up and requiring emergency support from municipal water supplies. Farmers like Alois Abt, who manages the area, describe the state of the land as “out of control,” noting that the fields are “dry, eaten down, dead.” This early return of the herd has direct consequences for dairy production. Cows that come back to the valley too soon produce less milk, reducing the amount of Alpine cheese that can be made. Additionally, the lack of adequate feed has led some farmers to consider slaughtering more animals, both for their own farms and for market, to meet growing demand for meat. This surge in supply could drive down prices, creating financial strain for small-scale producers. Across the region, similar scenarios are unfolding. In Domleschg, cows are coming down from the mountains nearly three weeks earlier than normal. For Hirt Valentin Abt, the absence of celebration during the traditional alpine departure is deeply unsettling. “Normally there are other emotions, now they’re missing,” he told SRF. The festive atmosphere of the alpine retreat, marked by flower decorations and traditional costumes, has been replaced by quiet resignation. Landowners elsewhere are also struggling. Josias Meili, who runs a shared farming operation with two neighbors, reports that his fields are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. With no rain for months, the soil has turned to dust, and the number of grass cuts has dropped significantly. He estimates that he will be short by 30% of winter feed, forcing him to either sell stored reserves or buy additional supplies at inflated prices. This financial pressure is widespread among Swiss farmers, many of whom are already operating on thin margins. To cope with the crisis, some farmers are turning to alternative food sources. A growing number are purchasing roughage, including hay, straw, and even corn stalks, from external suppliers. These goods are now being traded through specialized markets, where buyers and sellers connect directly. Futterhändler Fabian Gut, based in Muolen, reports that calls from desperate farmers have increased dramatically. His business has expanded beyond local boundaries, sourcing feed from Germany and Italy as demand continues to rise. The cost of feed has skyrocketed, with some products costing up to 50% more than they did three months ago. Despite government efforts to lower import tariffs on certain feed items, farmers say they are still falling behind. For those producing milk without silage, like René Eigenmann, the situation is particularly dire. He says the current level of aridity is unlike anything he has encountered before, and he is running out of winter reserves. “Everyone wants to survive the winter, and no one wants to slaughter animals prematurely,” he explains. Experts warn that these kinds of weather extremes are likely to become more frequent as climate change progresses. Caren Pauler, an ecologist with Agroscope, notes that discussions are ongoing about adapting agricultural practices. Proposals include investing in water storage systems, using pump technology to access underground water, and introducing hardier animal breeds such as zebras, goats, or sheep that require less feed. These changes, however, will take time to implement and may not provide immediate relief. For now, the focus remains on survival. Farmers continue to work long hours, managing both their herds and their finances. Some, like Hirt Valentin Abt, find themselves returning to the alpine pastures one final time to clean up after their animals. As the summer ends, the brief alpine season comes to a close, and with it, another chapter of uncertainty for the Swiss countryside.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
CH
