Heumilch

Hay milk is the most natural and traditional form of milk production. The dairy cows are fed in accordance with the changing seasons. In summer, they graze on lush grasses and herbs in meadows and pastures, and in winter they are fed with hay produced on the farm and mineral-rich cereal meal. Silage (fermented grass or maize) is never used. This distinctive hay-making method was awarded the EU guaranteed traditional specialty (Guaranteed Traditional Speciality) quality label in 2016. The term Heumilch applies only to milk, not to processed products such as cheese, butter or yoghurt. Since 2019, goat’s and sheep’s Heumilch have also been permitted to bear the guaranteed traditional specialty label. Compliance with the criteria for Heumilch production must be certified on the farms by an accredited inspection body. Furthermore, organic Heumilch is subject to the strict and monitored animal welfare guidelines set out in the EU Organic Regulation.