Seven questions about Pamela the model cow

Do you know all your cows by name?
Yes. I can tell my 73 Swiss Fleckvieh cows apart pretty well. Not only do the patterns on their coat differ, but they each have a unique character too. I'm especially fond of Pamela. She's calm and gentle.

What do you do to make sure that your cows are well looked after?
My cows are out on the pasture every day from March to November. They can move around freely, eat when they want and lie down if they feel like it. Grass is the best food for them, and fresh air is also good for them in the winter. That's why I built an open-sided pen for them.

Have you invested in animal welfare in any other way?
Yes. Two years ago, we extended the well system in our pastures so that the cows have enough water to drink in every section. My herd needs at least 45,000 litres of water a day. The new system, which has cement wells, pipes and pumps that bring water up to the hills, cost me a sizeable six-figure sum.

How do you feel when one of your animals is slaughtered?
I can't say I'm unmoved, especially if it's an animal like Pamela, but a cow is cattle, not a pet at the end of the day. I know I've done everything I can to give my animals the best possible life.

How can you tell if a cow is unwell?
If a cow stops chewing cud, that's a warning sign. A sunken belly or dry nose may also point to illness. I also rely on technology: a sensor on the cow measures its body temperature accurately. An elevated temperature can be a sign of inflammation. If the temperature of a pregnant cow drops by half a degree, it's about to calve. All of this knowledge helps me to find faster and better ways of looking after my herd.

What do we need to bear in mind when eating meat?
We need to be mindful about our meat consumption which we very much are in my family. After all, every piece of meat was once a living being. Even my children know that.

Do you do things differently to how previous generations used to?
Yes. Running my farm efficiently and sustainably is really important to me, but you need room for manoeuvre too. My father and I run our farm together. That enables me to take time out. I take on some of the childcare, get involved with IP-Suisse and look at new business models, for example for renewable energy, like our solar roof, or increasing the biodiversity on our land. Ever since we installed nesting boxes, kestrels have been breeding here again.