Before the animals return to the pastures and alpine meadows, existing fences must be checked and repaired. This often involves walking along miles of fences and repairing or replacing sections damaged over the winter. It may seem like a minor detail, but fences play a crucial role in the life of a mountain farmer. They not only mark the boundaries of grazing areas but also protect livestock from wild animals. Therefore, fence work in spring, along with regular inspections, is an essential task to secure the herd and protect the natural environment.

With the arrival of spring, the moment of turning out the animals is also drawing closer. The sun increasingly displaces the frost, and the animals can finally return to the pastures. This is a long-awaited moment for both animals and humans, as the transition from the barn to the green pastures marks a turning point in the agricultural annual cycle. The cows, who often greet the moment of turning out with joyful leaps, can now finally graze in the pastures again and live out their natural instincts. This joy is clearly visible in the young animals of the Maurer family. For mountain farmers, this change not only brings relief from the hardships of winter, but also has an important economic and ecological effect: using pastureland allows farmers to save on feed and reduce costs. At the same time, it contributes to the preservation of ecological diversity in mountain regions by promoting natural grazing and supporting landscape maintenance.

Once maintenance, fertilization, and reseeding are completed in late April or early May, the grassland is mowed for the first time. This first cut is crucial for our mountain farmers, as it often accounts for half of the total grassland yield and significantly influences subsequent cuts. Furthermore, the timing of the cut determines the nutrient content and fodder yield: if harvested too early, the yield is low but of very high quality; if harvested too late, the yield is high but of low quality. This is a challenging decision, often requiring experience and intuition, and is highly dependent on the current weather conditions. It's advantageous to own the necessary equipment oneself, allowing effective use of often narrow windows of ideal conditions without having to consider rental periods for mowers or similar restrictions. Michael Maurer therefore emphasizes the independence they gain through self-sufficiency: "We do everything ourselves. If we decide in the morning that we're going to mow, we hitch up the equipment and mow what we've planned for the day." With proper storage, for example in an airtight silo as practiced by the Maurer family, year-round fodder supply for the animals is guaranteed.

Optimal animal care also includes regular examination and maintenance of their hooves, as healthy hooves are crucial for the animals' mobility and well-being. This is the only way to identify and treat potential problems early. For the Schreyer family, a visit from the hoof trimmer twice a year is therefore an essential part of animal care, ensuring the health and performance of the herd. Despite the seemingly formidable equipment and devices, it's noticeable that the cows remain very calm during the procedure, and the pedicure seems like a pleasant change for them.