Swiss farmer prioritizes animal welfare and regional products

In the heart of the old town of Berthoud, Switzerland, Natascha Eberhart, a 29-year-old mother of two, has taken on a dual role: managing a farm and a shop selling seasonal regional products. Her farm, the 101g Eberharts, supplies its own produce, a few meters above the town.

Eberhart's path to becoming a farmer and running a medium-sized Swiss farm was not initially planned. Six years ago, she married a farmer who had taken over his family's farm. Tragically, he passed away two years later, just a year after their daughter was born. The young widow decided to continue the farm's operations, partly for her child.

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Animal welfare is my absolute priority.

Her husband had transitioned the farm from dairy to beef cattle over a decade ago, a decision Eberhart fully supports, stating, "Animal welfare is my absolute priority." Under her care, calves remain with their mothers for ten months, and the barn doors are kept open, allowing animals to be outdoors 24 hours a day in good weather. Even in winter, animals have access to an outdoor enclosure.

Eberhart has diversified her herd, which includes 41 cattle, 23 of which are beef cows she affectionately calls her "moms." She also raises fattening pigs, laying hens, and three sheep she calls her "lawnmowers." She describes her herd as "multicolored," guided by aesthetics, with cows of various colors, including a "leader," "nannies," and a "tail-ender" named Blüemli who ensures the herd stays together. She likens the calves to children, always running around.

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The calves are like children, they run everywhere.