Sheep Mower: Over 400 Sheep Successfully Trim Overgrown Thorny Brush

In the heart of the Remstal region, an innovative solution is being implemented to address the decline of viticulture and the proliferation of uncultivated vineyards. The concept of using sheep as natural lawnmowers in vineyards is gaining traction, with promising results in Korb and Kleinheppach.

The influx of imported wine has driven prices down, leaving many local vineyards struggling to cover their costs. This, coupled with a lack of interest in traditional viticulture, has led to a significant increase in uncultivated vineyard parcels. In Korber Kopf, for instance, the proportion of uncultivated parcels has doubled within a year, a sight that is becoming all too common in the region.

However, a test run with sheep grazing in vineyards was conducted in Korb last July and August, and the results have been encouraging. The grazing concept has proven successful, transforming the remaining area into a green meadow and providing natural fertiliser for the soil.

In Kleinheppach, 8.7 hectares of the original 35 hectares of vineyard area are now plowed under or left to their own devices. To manage these fallow areas, sheep are now grazing on the Kleinheppacher Berg as part of an initiative. Coburg sheep, an old breed known for consuming brambles, nettles, and small shrubs like hazelnut or dogwood, are being used for this purpose.

The idea of using sheep as a sustainable solution in vineyards was inspired by the successful traffic solution in Backnang. The B14 is being expanded to Backnang and will be four-lane by 2030, with the Murrtalviaduct being the core section. Traffic jams are expected in the Backnang area due to the expansion, prompting the need for creative solutions.

The promotion of the grazing project in vineyards is being considered, with contiguous areas being desirable and a sustainable funding model being crucial. Shepherd Jochen Bacher envisions a fee of three euros per square meter for grazing in Korb. A donation account has been set up under the Korb Civic Foundation for individuals and companies to support the grazing project, with more information available on the Singer-Bader winery's website.

While the decline of viticulture is a notable issue in the Remstal region, the introduction of sheep grazing in vineyards presents a promising solution. Joggers, cyclists, and walkers observe more and more abandoned vineyards, but with the implementation of this innovative approach, the landscape may soon change. Only a few winegrowers continue to cultivate vineyards as a side job out of love for tradition, but with the success of the sheep grazing project, there may be hope for a sustainable future in viticulture in the Remstal region.