OUR PARTNER FARMERS


WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE WELL-BEING OF ANIMALS.

  • Familie Studer Schüpfheim
  • Familie Schöpfer Escholzmatt
  • Familie Herzog Beromünster

More information about the Wiesenschwein


OUR PARTNER FARMERS

Without our partner farmers there would be no Wiesenschwein pigs. They share our vision and passion…


OUR PARTNERS

In collaboration with our competent partners, we have developed and implemented the Wiesenschwein…


OUR SERVICES

Wiesenschwein AG is a system provider with comprehensive services.


WIESENSCHWEIN IN THE MEDIA

Animal husbandry and animal welfare are issues of public interest. Here you find what has been…


OUR CONTACT

Wiesenschwein AG has its headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland.


THE WIESENSCHWEIN TEAM

Wiesenschwein AG was founded in 2017 and is based in Lucerne, Switzerland. Oliver Hess is the…


FIND OUR PRODUCTS


WIESENSCHWEIN PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE AT MIGROS. AND FOR RESTAURATEURS online.

WIESENSCHWEIN PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE AT MIGROS:

Caterers and restaurateurs order Wiesenschwein meat here:
Kloster-Metzgerei Haas
Murhofstrasse 2
4915 St. Urban

TO THE ONLINE STORE FOR GASTRONOMY

More information about the Wiesenschwein


FIND OUR PRODUCTS

Good for the animal, good for the producer, good for the consumer – Wiesenschwein pork means…


FOR PRODUCERS

Good for the animal, good for the producer, good for the consumer – because Wiesenschwein pork…


FOR CONSUMERS

Good for the animal, good for the producer, good for the consumer – because meat from Wiesenschwein…


FOR PRODUCERS


WIESENSCHWEIN PIGS NEED YOU AS FARMER

It is a real pleasure to work with the Wiesenschwein pigs. The animals are healthy, happy, and full of life. It is fun to do good for them. It is true that the Wiesenschwein system requires a little extra work compared to other pig farming systems. But this effort is fairly paid. This fairness in pricing is a key element of the Wiesenschwein system: prices generate a fair income. Every year prices and quantities are firmly agreed with the buyers – and are therefore plannable. Thus, the payback period for the investment in the Wiesenschwein system is foreseeable. And this in turn reduces the investment risk. You and Wiesenschwein – that might be a very good idea. Talk to us.


AUTOMATION AND WORKLOAD

Of course, farmers ask how much additional work is required in the Wiesenschwein system. The rummaging areas regularly require new bedding, the wallow must be cleaned, etc. Cleaning, maintenance, repair work – as in any barn system.
It is important that the price includes the additional effort. We don’t want that attendance is required to monitor the freewheels. Therefore, automation and detection control and monitor the freewheels independently. If the feeds are right, the return processes and automation are also right.
Only emergencies remain: sickly pig maybe that prefers to stay outside rather than go into the barn to eat; or one that – out of sympathetic perkiness – doesn’t want to follow the rules. In this case, the farmer receives an error message on the smartphone. And additional work is required until the system can be restarted.
The reason for an alarm can be checked directly on the smartphone. A false alarm is quickly detected – and the control system can also be restarted via smartphone without having to be on site.


FAIR PRICES, FAIR TRADING-CONDITIONS

Stock exchange determines the prices for many agricultural products. The farmer has little influence on these prices. Also, the individual production costs of each farmer are not considered. In addition, prices can fluctuate strongly throughout the year. Agricultural production is difficult to plan.

With Wiesenschwein it is different. Fair pricing and fair trading-conditions are important to us, they are essential for the Wiesenschwein system. In cooperation with IP-Suisse and the purchasing partners, we plan the production quantities on a fixed basis. Farmers can only switch to the Wiesenschwein system if these sales are secured.

Wiesenschwein AG and IP-Suisse take over negotiations on services and prices with the purchasing partners. For us, “fair” means that each farmer can calculate in advance whether Wiesenschwein production will be profitable; and it means that they can rely on a fair income, because the agreed basis is fixed. At Wiesenschwein AG we will do everything to establish the IP Wiesenschwein label on a sustainable basis. That is our promise for the future.


SUSTAINABILITY AND RESOURCE-EFFICIENCY

At Wiesenschwein AG we strive to develop a system that is as sustainable as possible and uses resources efficiently. The system should meet the demands of future generations. We have already achieved and implemented many things, others are planned.

Yes, we are resource-efficient: We allow the pigs maximum freedom of movement with minimal use of soil, a scarce resource. The solid surfaces are covered with a rooting substrate that binds nutrients and thus significantly reduces emissions. The water from the wallow is purified and reused in a circuit.

And we have developed our own system to compost and reuse the rooting substrate. In the end, it can be used as a high-quality compost fertilizer in the field.

We also have future plans: the further development of automation, automatic weighing of slaughter animals with direct connection to the purchase partners. Perhaps the further development of our slaughter truck, which would make live animal transport unnecessary. Also, the processing and use of food leftovers from food production to feed the Wiesenschwein pigs. Future generations’ demands on animal protein consumption will challenge the entire value chain.

We are facing these tasks – in cooperation with innovative farmers

More information about the Wiesenschwein


FIND OUR PRODUCTS

Good for the animal, good for the producer, good for the consumer – Wiesenschwein pork means…


FOR PRODUCERS

Good for the animal, good for the producer, good for the consumer – because Wiesenschwein pork…


FOR CONSUMERS

Good for the animal, good for the producer, good for the consumer – because meat from Wiesenschwein…


FOR CONSUMERS


WIESENSCHWEIN PIGS NEED YOU AS A CONSUMER.

Wiesenschwein meat – a product that is really good for everyone. Good for the pigs, because they finally get the exciting and rich life they deserve. Yes, they can fully live out their needs before serving humans as animal food. Good for the farmers, as they receive a fair price for the meat and the system makes their work easier.
And last but not least: good for the consumers. Because the meat from Wiesenschwein pigs is particularly tasty and tender. We owe this super good quality to the special feeding of the pigs: there are herbs and linseed, daily. And we owe it to the free running, which brings plenty of exercise. The ripening process is also sophisticated.
By buying meat from Wiesenschwein pigs, consumers are making an important contribution to the spread of pig farming in Switzerland that meets the pigs’ needs – and at a squeaky-clean fair extra price.


MOVEMENT

Wiesenschwein pigs move significantly more than all other pigs. Perhaps even more than their wild counterparts. Free running is limited in time, and so Wiesenschwein pigs use their free running time intensively.

By the way, this can be observed very impressively: They run, play and romp like crazy. And they also have permanent outdoor exercise, as standard with constant access, plus there are the two free-range areas, the covered playground and the meadow. This makes their life really varied.

Whether and how this species-appropriate life affects the meat quality and health, we cannot yet scientifically prove. But common sense provides the answers.

Taking responsibility by giving the animals an exciting life that meets their needs is non-negotiable.


FEEDING

It has been known for a long time: Feeding has a major impact on meat quality, especially for omnivores like pigs. Also well known are the benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as those found in flaxseed. Just as flaxseeds are recommended in the diets of humans, they also have a positive effect in pig production: the proportion of healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids in meat increases, and so does the nutritional importance of pork for humans. You can find out more at www.tradilin.ch.

The feed of the Wiesenschwein pigs contains extruded linseed and various herbs. Through this feeding, combined with the intensive movement of the animals – we get fragrant and tender pork with the best taste.

Not to be underestimated is also the additional feed supply: Hay, grass, branches, also corn and deflection cubes make an important contribution to the balanced nutrition of our Wiesenschwein pigs.


STORAGE

When it comes to the craft of the meat specialist, the correct maturation period has a great effect on the quality of the meat, especially on the tenderness regarding animals that have really had a chance to move around a lot. Processors of Wiesenschwein meat are committed to storing and maturing the meat properly. Only then is it sold as a valuable and fair source of protein.


TASTE

Only a few decades ago, pigs in Western civilization served not only as recyclers of all kinds of leftovers, but also as a valuable source of meat. The meat of field-raised pigs was the most expensive and sought-after meat.

Due to the industrialized keeping of pigs, pork became a cheap product. This also affected the taste and the actually excellent quality. This happened to the chagrin of the animals, the farmers and the consumers. Together we want to change this. Try a piece of Wiesenschwein meat. Taste is more than a matter of taste.

More information about the Wiesenschwein


FIND OUR PRODUCTS

Good for the animal, good for the producer, good for the consumer – Wiesenschwein pork means…


FOR PRODUCERS

Good for the animal, good for the producer, good for the consumer – because Wiesenschwein pork…


FOR CONSUMERS

Good for the animal, good for the producer, good for the consumer – because meat from Wiesenschwein…


OUR PARTNERS


WE ARE STRONG TOGETHER WITH OUR PARTNERS.

We count on a network of great partners. Together we bring the Wiesenschwein pigs through the entire value chain to the consumer. Among our partners is IP-Suisse. They develop the guidelines for IP Wiesenschwein and they are the first contact point for farmers. The trade organizations Phanta Porc Schweinevermarktungs AG and ASF Schweinevermarktung Sursee are in charge of transport and accounting.

On behalf of Migros, Micarna AG takes over the slaughter of the pigs, cuts them up and stores them professionally. MGB ensures the nationwide establishment of this type of animal husbandry and the successful sale of Wiesenschwein products.

More information about the Wiesenschwein


OUR PARTNER FARMERS

Without our partner farmers there would be no Wiesenschwein pigs. They share our vision and passion…


OUR PARTNERS

In collaboration with our competent partners, we have developed and implemented the Wiesenschwein…


OUR SERVICES

Wiesenschwein AG is a system provider with comprehensive services.


WIESENSCHWEIN IN THE MEDIA

Animal husbandry and animal welfare are issues of public interest. Here you find what has been…


OUR CONTACT

Wiesenschwein AG has its headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland.


THE WIESENSCHWEIN TEAM

Wiesenschwein AG was founded in 2017 and is based in Lucerne, Switzerland. Oliver Hess is the…


THE STABLE


WARM, SOFT AND SAFE.

The Wiesenschwein barn is designed in such a way that the pigs can rest and move around at the same time without disturbing each other. The area calculation follows a simple formula. It corresponds to the same specifications that apply to other label barns (Bio Suisse, IP-Suisse). Thus, it is easy to realize an IP meadow pig facility from an IP-Suisse barn.

An example: For a group of 40 animals, each weighing 60 to 110 kilograms, the total area for the barn and balcony is 64 square meters.

More information about the Wiesensschwein


THE STABLE

The barn or lying area of the Wiesenschwein pigs is very softly laid out with sawdust and straw.…


THE BALCONY

The balcony offers the Wiesenschwein pigs some run and fresh air at any time. They can reach it…


THE PLAYGROUND

The playground is covered and deeply bedded with an earth-like rooting substrate, for example with…


THE MEADOW AND THE FOREST

And even more, because it is so beautiful. The meadow area with the shady trees is so big that the…


OUR SERVICES


TOGETHER WE ARE CHANGING THE FUTURE OF PIG FARMING.

We organize the purchase of Wiesenschwein pigs through selected partners. In co-operation with IP-Suisse, we support farmers in converting to our system of animal husbandry.
We strengthen our brands. Together with our partners, we provide technical support and we operate a hotline.
We see ourselves as a link between agriculture, trade, butchers, retailers, and consumers. We bear responsibility – with our partners, IP-Suisse and Migros. We adhere to our guidelines, we push the further development of our animal husbandry, and we ensure absolute transparency together with the farmers.
We organize the feeding guidelines, because they have a massive influence on meat quality and resource efficiency. Also, as a consumer you are welcome to contact us directly. We are always happy about it.


ADVICE FOR FARMERS

In most cases, the first contact takes place through the IP-Suisse office. They maintain the list of interested parties. Together with external experts such as accredited pig farmers or trade organizations, the Wiesenschwein team provides comprehensive and free-of-charge support to farmers who wish to convert their farms to the new husbandry system.


PLANNING FOR CONVERSION

Farmers who have decided to convert to the meadow pig system are provided assistance and support by Wiesenschwein and its partners – from planning to building application.

The farmers are charged only for external partners’ expenses; the support provided by Wiesenschwein AG is free of charge. Of course, farmers are free to organize the plans and approval procedures on their own, as long as they comply with the IP-Wiesenschwein guidelines. After the building permit has been granted, the the acceptance contract with IP-Wiesenschwein is concluded. After the reconstruction, the inspection body will inspect the facility and the farmer can start his Wiesenschwein pig farm.


TECHNICAL SUPPORT

We ensure first-level support to the farmers and provide them with all necessary interfaces to the feeding system. This support is financed through a license fee.


HANDLING OF SLAUGHTER VOLUMES

Based on the automated weighing, the total slaughter volume of all meadow pig producers can be visualized at an early stage and made available online to the purchasing partners (shortly before implementation). Our accredited trading partners function as central interface for this.


FEEDING

Wiesenschwein pig farmers’ feeding partners are obliged to mix and deliver the pig feed according to the Wiesenschwein recipe.

More information about the Wiesenschwein


OUR PARTNER FARMERS

Without our partner farmers there would be no Wiesenschwein pigs. They share our vision and passion…


OUR PARTNERS

In collaboration with our competent partners, we have developed and implemented the Wiesenschwein…


OUR SERVICES

Wiesenschwein AG is a system provider with comprehensive services.


WIESENSCHWEIN IN THE MEDIA

Animal husbandry and animal welfare are issues of public interest. Here you find what has been…


OUR CONTACT

Wiesenschwein AG has its headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland.


THE WIESENSCHWEIN TEAM

Wiesenschwein AG was founded in 2017 and is based in Lucerne, Switzerland. Oliver Hess is the…


WIESENSCHWEIN IN THE MEDIA



SRF

10 vor 10

ZUM BEITRAG

Nachfrage nach tiergerechtem Schweinefleisch geht zurück
Allgemein wird immer weniger Schweinefleisch konsumiert. Auch ein Label für artgerechte Tierhaltung ist keine Garantie für bessere Verkaufschancen.


SRF

Reporter

ZUM BEITRAG

Wie ein Schweinemäster die Tierhaltung verbessern will: Schweinemäster Oliver Hess konnte nicht länger zusehen. Schweine in verkoteten Ställen, die Schnauze im Ammoniakgestank, der Himmel durch kleine Fenster sichtbar. Er kaufte zusammen mit seiner Frau Esther eine Tierfabrik, die sie zum artgerechten Vorzeigehof umbauen wollten. Doch es kam anders.


SRF hat einen interessanten Podcast produziert, in dem der Schweinehaltung in der Schweiz auf den Zahn gefühlt wird. Wirklich lohnenswert, da die verschiedenen Schweinehaltungssysteme und Labels erklärt und verglichen werden. Ab Minute 19 geht es auch um die Wiesenschweine.


SRF

Persönlich

Zur Sendung

Christian Zeugin begrüsst in der Radio-Talksendung «Persönlich» den Obwaldner Schwinger Benji von Ah und Oli Hess, der seinen Traum vom glücklichen Wiesenschwein verwirklicht.

More information about the Wiesenschwein


OUR PARTNER FARMERS

Without our partner farmers there would be no Wiesenschwein pigs. They share our vision and passion…


OUR PARTNERS

In collaboration with our competent partners, we have developed and implemented the Wiesenschwein…


OUR SERVICES

Wiesenschwein AG is a system provider with comprehensive services.


WIESENSCHWEIN IN THE MEDIA

Animal husbandry and animal welfare are issues of public interest. Here you find what has been…


OUR CONTACT

Wiesenschwein AG has its headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland.


THE WIESENSCHWEIN TEAM

Wiesenschwein AG was founded in 2017 and is based in Lucerne, Switzerland. Oliver Hess is the…


OUR CONTACT


Adresse

Wiesenschwein AG
Sternmattstrasse 3
6005 Luzern

Tel: +41 (0)41 202 12 22

o.hess@wiesenschwein.ch

Kontaktformular

    More information about the Wiesenschwein


    OUR PARTNER FARMERS

    Without our partner farmers there would be no Wiesenschwein pigs. They share our vision and passion…


    OUR PARTNERS

    In collaboration with our competent partners, we have developed and implemented the Wiesenschwein…


    OUR SERVICES

    Wiesenschwein AG is a system provider with comprehensive services.


    WIESENSCHWEIN IN THE MEDIA

    Animal husbandry and animal welfare are issues of public interest. Here you find what has been…


    OUR CONTACT

    Wiesenschwein AG has its headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland.


    THE WIESENSCHWEIN TEAM

    Wiesenschwein AG was founded in 2017 and is based in Lucerne, Switzerland. Oliver Hess is the…


    THE WIESENSCHWEIN TEAM


    WE ARE THE WIESENSCHWEIN TEAM


    Oliver Hess

    E-MAIL

    Oli Hess is the inventor, founder, and CEO of Wiesenschwein AG. As a serial entrepreneur, he has already founded several successful companies and realized many projects and visions. His career shows great enthusiasm. He has a real feel for people and for using their skills in the right way in teams. Oli Hess is a trained offset printer, has been a sheep herder, federal herd protection officer, tree house builder and founder of a large outdoor specialist shop. In 2009 he started to dedicate himself entirely to pigs and their species-appropriate husbandry. In 2012, he bought a pig fattening, and breeding farm and ran it himself until 2018.


    HANS-JÖRG BRUN

    E-MAIL

    Hans-Jörg Brun studied business administration at HWV Lucerne. He has a lot of experience in finance. At Wiesenschwein AG he is responsible for finance and administration.


    Laura Marty

    E-MAIL

    Laura Marty studied agronomy at ETH Zurich. She worked at Bio Suisse/ICB in the field of international certification of farms and later at Swiss Re Ltd. with a focus on agricultural insurance and market development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Laura is now increasingly focusing on Swiss agriculture. After a summer on the alpine pasture, she started working at Wiesenschwein AG in 2018 and is involved in a variety of projects concerning research, market development, policy development, etc. Laura is working part-time for Wiesenschwein AG. With her husband she also runs a farm in the canton of Zug.


    Adrian Iten

    E-MAIL

    Adrian Iten studied agronomy at ETH Zurich. After graduating, he worked at Mutterkuh Schweiz where he was responsible for brand programs. He moved to Coop as project manager for animal welfare and got to know the retailers’ perspective. Adrian has been working part-time at Wiesenschwein AG since September 2020 and is responsible for sales. He is also a committed farmer and father.


    Markus Kurmann

    Markus Kurmann studied electrical engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Lucerne and has been running his own engineering office since 2016. Since summer 2019 Kurmann Engineering has been responsible for the development and maintenance of the Wiesenschwein automation (hardware and software).

    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


    BRUNO AMBERG (CONTRACTOR)
    OLIVER HESS (FOUNDER AND CEO)
    MARK IMHOF (ENTREPRENEUR AND SPATIAL DEVELOPER)
    IVO ROOS (ENTREPRENEUR AND ASSET MANAGER)
    JOST WINDLIN (LAWYER)

    More information about the Wiesenschwein


    OUR PARTNER FARMERS

    Without our partner farmers there would be no Wiesenschwein pigs. They share our vision and passion…


    OUR PARTNERS

    In collaboration with our competent partners, we have developed and implemented the Wiesenschwein…


    OUR SERVICES

    Wiesenschwein AG is a system provider with comprehensive services.


    WIESENSCHWEIN IN THE MEDIA

    Animal husbandry and animal welfare are issues of public interest. Here you find what has been…


    OUR CONTACT

    Wiesenschwein AG has its headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland.


    THE WIESENSCHWEIN TEAM

    Wiesenschwein AG was founded in 2017 and is based in Lucerne, Switzerland. Oliver Hess is the…