Family reunification | Farm Holidays in Austria

I wasn't sure about Thomas Wirnsberger right from the start. Somehow, at first glance, he's not quite a typical farmer (whatever that might look like, the appearance of a farmer. That remains to be seen). The assessment is based solely on my possibly colored perception filter. But with his precise, considered and reflective manner, he is undisputedly a fully honorable ambassador for his profession. Is it the thoughtful style with which he initiates his sentences or the gentle emphasis with which he weaves the words into a thoughtful statement? Thomas is a sir of Carinthian agricultural culture, even philosophical and enlightening in a pleasantly intellectual way. Nevertheless, he also has the physical tension so typical of a young farmer. Not only an alert mind, but also a pair of no less energetic hands. A look that clearly tells me that this is someone who likes to get stuck in. Several times a day from early to late. With a few exceptions, almost 365 times a year.

Public image between picture book cliché and scandal

What primarily bothers the farmer from Trebesing is the fact that when it comes to agriculture at a social level, either strongly romanticized worlds of longing or demonic scandals are communicated and published. So either "to good" or pretty bad news. In his opinion, the truth lies in a self-confident, truthfulness that knows the truth. When applied to the Simon farmer, a colorful potpourri of mainstays that bring in income manifests itself. Dairy farming with 25 cows, a breeding farm, own marketing with the farm pigs, which are slaughtered in winter at two-week intervals in a species-appropriate and stress-free manner. There are also 30 to 40 sheep, a forestry offensive in the winter months and energy wood production (wood chips!) for nearby hotel complexes. With so much energy, it goes without saying that the Wirnsbergers want to live as self-sufficiently as possible. Period.

My parents exemplified this philosophy to me. I am grateful for that

It's impressive what happens up here in the Liesertal. It's not as if there were a sea of signs leading from the Tauern highway, which is a good distance away but acoustically and visually imperceptible, to the Vorzeigehof. No. I can't even imagine all the signs that would be needed. But it's nice to think that people like Thomas and his family could be part of an education system that teaches young people who are not so rural and perhaps only know agriculture from clichéd TV commercials about real life as the antithesis of the media's soft soap.

After four days of vacation, I'm ready to go home

The Adriatic wouldn't be that far away from the Simonbauer from Upper Carinthia. But the family seems to agree on that. They don't need an endless beach on the nearby Mediterranean bay somewhere between Grado and Jesolo to relax. Simply disturbing the rhythm from time to time is enough. A change of perspective from stable and farm work. The "time out" can also be the farm's own alpine hut or the nearby Katschberg, which separates the Liesertal valley from Salzburgerland. Basically, it doesn't take much if you don't see what you do as a burden. A brutally local Upper Carinthian plea for more contentment in the now. Please copy-paste into your own life.