The Rittner Alm is a communal alpine pasture of 370 Ritten farmers on 1,310 ha. The Ritten herders (also called Saltner) take care of the large herd. The work is very diverse and interesting and has not changed significantly over the centuries. However, since modernization in the 1970s, fewer herders are needed.
Why is the cattle brought to the alpine pasture? There are many reasons: on the one hand, the cattle need feed in the stable which has to be procured first, while on the alpine pasture it can simply graze. The farmers also have less work in the stable and the cattle can recover. The high altitude air and sun make the cattle fit, it eats healthy alpine grasses and herbs, and it has less stress.
The Rittner Alm has been managed for many, many centuries (documented since 1370), possibly even earlier. Around 370 Ritten farmers bring about 900–950 head of cattle to the alpine pasture. It is a dry alpine pasture, so only dry cattle are here. With cattle breeding, there were most likely alpine pastures in the Alpine region. Almost certainly, the Romans in South Tyrol bred cattle and since the Middle Ages so have the Ritten farmers.
Why is the cattle brought to the alpine pasture? There are many reasons: on the one hand, the cattle need feed in the stable which has to be procured first, while on the alpine pasture it can simply graze. The farmers also have less work in the stable and the cattle can recover. The high altitude air and sun make the cattle fit, it eats healthy alpine grasses and herbs, and it has less stress.
The Rittner Alm has been managed for many, many centuries (documented since 1370), possibly even earlier. Around 370 Ritten farmers bring about 900–950 head of cattle to the alpine pasture. It is a dry alpine pasture, so only dry cattle are here. With cattle breeding, there were most likely alpine pastures in the Alpine region. Almost certainly, the Romans in South Tyrol bred cattle and since the Middle Ages so have the Ritten farmers.
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