Sheep and goat farming in Austria
Due to extensive grassland management, sheep and goat farming in Austria has become more and more important in recent years.
Due to the extensive cultivation of grassland, not only in the alpine regions, sheep and goat farming is becoming increasingly important in Austria, especially as a sideline.
Until 2022, the populations of animal species increased continuously, while in 2023 and 2024 the sheep and goat populations declined (figures rounded).
| Value 1.12.2022 | Value 1.12.2023 | Value 1.12.204 | |
| Sheep | 401.000 | 392.000 | 391.000 |
| Goats | 99.000 | 97.000 | 96.000 |
| Farms | 26.400 | 26.400 | 26.200 |
The processing and marketing of the raw materials milk and meat takes place both in larger dairies and meat-processing companies and in the form of direct marketing.
In 2023, the self-sufficiency rate for sheep and goat meat was 79 percent. Per capita consumption is around 1 kilogram per capita per year and has remained constant for years.
In comparison to cattle and pig farming, different breeds are used in sheep and goat farming depending on the intended use and location.
Source: Statistics Austria, General livestock survey 01/12/2024.