The Herdern Castle Cheese Factory is to be converted into a show dairy, similar to the one in the picture at Engelberg Monastery.
zvg
PreviousNext
In order for the old cheese dairy to be converted into a show dairy, the approval of the members’ meeting of Schloss Herdern was required. The members approved the project and approved a loan of around 5.4 million francs, as can be read on the institution’s website. Visitors will be able to observe the production process in the new show dairy through a large window.
In order to facilitate financing, the project has been revised in recent months. Specifically, instead of the originally planned 1.8 million kilos of milk, only 600,000 kilos will be processed into cheese and dairy specialties. This will reduce the renovation costs, says Schloss Herdern manager Armin Strom. “This means that we will need smaller equipment and less space,” says Strom.
Robot replaces carousel
An important part of this renovation project is the sustainable energy philosophy. A biogas plant, solar panels and wood chips are to replace heating oil, it is said. At the beginning of July, the members of Schloss Herdern also approved a gross loan of around 1.1 million francs for the conversion of the dairy barn and the barn. A milking robot is to replace the existing milking carousel.
Managing director Armin Strom sees this as a time saver, but also a relief for his employees. “In future, no one will have to get up at 3:30 a.m. to milk the cows, because the robot ensures that the cows are milked automatically,” says Strom. In addition to the dairy barn, a renovation of the barn is also planned. One half will be used for mother-calf breeding, and deep bedding for the calves and cubicles for the mother cows will also be installed.
Social facility for 80 adults
Schloss Herdern is a social institution that specializes in the care and support of people with mental, social or alcohol-related problems. It offers housing, work and employment opportunities for around 80 adults who live and work in a protected environment.
There are various work areas, including agriculture, gardening, forestry, cheese making, gourmet crafts, operational maintenance, industry, carpentry, dining kitchen, laundry, cleaning service, office work, castle shop and creative studio. The company makes it possible to offer a wide variety of activities in a protected environment in order to provide residents with meaningful employment.
Since 2018 only hay milk products
The castle itself has a long history, dating back to the 12th century. It originally served as a defensive tower and has been rebuilt and expanded several times over the centuries. Since 1895 it has housed the current institution, the “Schloss Herdern” association.
The castle cheese dairy in Herdern Castle also has a long tradition and is known for its high-quality products, says the Schlosskäserei website. Since 2018, the cheese dairy has produced exclusively hay milk products. The cows are fed with fresh grass and herbs in summer and dried hay in winter. The cheese dairy produces various types of cheese, including Tilsiter, Schlosskäse, Kümmelkäse and Mutschli. In total, around 100 tons of cheese are produced annually, according to the Schlosskäserei website. They also produce yoghurt and curdled milk.
