Harvest hay on vacation. Sounds romantic, but is hard work. A volunteer project initiated in Tyrol brings together romance and reality. What is hobby farmers moving? And what can you expect on the farm?
For five years, bank employees Tanja Zitzmann regularly exchanged office against Almhütte, stable and field. Then you see them working in Neder in the Stubai valley on a farm. “In the beginning there was the desire to find a connection and to get to know agriculture,” Zitzmann recalls. In the memory, the experienced main worker also reminds countless sore muscles and shovels of leisure activity that is unusual for her. What did she learn from it? “Working in and with nature is fascinating, but demanding,” summarizes Zitzmann.
Taught more than 400 missions per year
The hobby farmer came to the courtyard in Neder by the association “Voluntary on the farm” founded by the Machinring and the Chamber of Agriculture. What started 15 years ago in the Landeck District is today an important project, in which more than 400 missions are transferred to around 100 farms in Tyrol every year. In the meantime, the project has been expanded to Styria and Vorarlberg.
Helpers from nine countries were already working on the program. Locals also report. “Especially in times when many Tyroolenans have no direct connection with agriculture, the project entails real added value,” said Room of Agriculture Josef Hechenberger.
From company boss to the police officer
“When HAVO is due, any helping hand is welcome,” describes farmer Alexandra Kammerlander from Fügenberg the added value for farmers. The list of helpers varies years from the head of a large company to the police officers. “It happens that someone comes with a romantic idea. But it soon becomes clear that the work is not a vacation,” says the Zillertaler. What she especially likes about the project: “We all get to know other living environments.”
Success story beyond the boundaries of Tyrol
For Tirol’s machine ring chairman Christian Angerer, “Voluntary on the farm” fits perfectly in a time when everyone lives in their own bladder: “We are happy that the idea from the Oberland has become such a success story and has now found his way to Styria and Vorarlberg.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
