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Vernatschhof. Kurt Prohaska

Visiting Happy Chickens at the Vernatschhof in Tanas

Situated at an altitude of 1,200 metres between Eyrs and Tanas, the Vernatschhof is home to Kurt Prohaska and his family. Together with the Psegghof and the Standlaierhof, the farm is part of the newly established Tschenglsberg Cooperative, which produces an average of 1,300 organic eggs every day.
“Every egg is stamped with the farm’s identification code, allowing customers to trace its origin and verify that it is certified organic,” explains Kurt.
“Our approximately 1,700 hens produce such high-quality eggs because we place great importance not only on animal welfare but also on their feed. The feed is free from genetically modified soy and pesticide residues, and the hens have access to both a covered outdoor area and open free-range pasture. Through the cooperative, we benefit from a reliable sales channel and joint marketing,” Kurt Prohaska adds.
The organic eggs are sold primarily to organic food shops, hotels, and restaurants. The hens are sourced from Austria and belong to the Sandy dual-purpose breed, which means that the male chicks are raised instead of being culled and are later marketed as roasting chickens.
Last year, the Tschenglsberg Cooperative was honoured with the Vinschgau Ecology Award. The jury praised the project, stating that it demonstrates how entrepreneurial courage and innovative forms of cooperation can lead to sustainable success. The cooperative’s joint production of organic eggs responds to the growing demand for regional and organic food while creating new opportunities and long-term prospects for local mountain farming families. It also strengthens the marketing of regional products in the Vinschgau and benefits from short transport routes thanks to the close connection between producers and consumers.
An Ethical Banking subsidized loan made it possible to purchase the organic-compliant chicken coop at the Vernatschhof.

 

 
 
Vernatschhof