A strikingly large number still have heirs. In areas where the transport of the milk has been difficult over a longer period, which has resulted in low delivery quotas, pedigree cattle are common. Before Austria's entry into the EU, freight rates were fully taken in charge by the dairies, whereas today distant farms are discriminated. In the areas studied there are mainly part-time farmers with additional income through a second profession or farm holidays. Although there is tourism, the distance to the population centres is too great for direct marketing, but the dairy products like butter and cheese are sold to the farm holiday guests.
Meat is sold to the local restaurants though new regulations impede slaughtering on the farm.
Direct selling brings higher benefits if working time is not taken into account. There are two reasons why most of the farms are cultivated organically. First of all the conversion from conventional to organic farming meant no great difference because few working materials like fertilisers used to be bought in addition. On the other hand government subsidies for organic farming are attractive in Austria. Please note that in Austria every organic farm is regularly checked by officially certified associations.