Presentation and discussion of possibilities for the co-existence of wolves and grazing animals at the Herd Protection Day in Nürtingen

How can effective livestock protection be achieved now that the wolf is once again an integral part of the local wildlife? The second Herd Protection Day at the University of Applied Sciences (HfWU) on Friday, June 12, aims to provide answers to these questions. Basic knowledge about the wolf, the changed legal situation, herd protection with livestock guarding dogs, the importance of vocalizing livestock and special grazing locations are among the topics of the day.

Questions to be answered

The reason for the event is the recent decision to downgrade the protection status of wolves in Germany, which reorganizes the coexistence of wolves and livestock farming. What are the specific consequences of the lowered protection status for wolf populations in Germany – and what will livestock farmers have to prepare for in the future? How will the inclusion of wolves in hunting legislation change the everyday life of farms and their herd protection measures? And what current research findings will help with livestock protection? The Livestock Protection Day will address these questions in presentations and discussions.

Experts from research, authorities and agricultural practice will explain the facts about wolves and give livestock farmers guidance on what their future with wolves could look like.

The Herd Protection Day is organized by the HfWU together with a group of students from the sixth semester of Equine Management. The focus is on scientific findings on livestock protection, legal developments relating to hunting law and practical experience in dealing with wolves. The event aims to pool existing knowledge, promote exchange between livestock farmers and experts, take concerns seriously and jointly identify solutions for effective livestock protection.

Program preview

The lecture program starts at 9 a.m. and brings together specialist contributions from experts from the HfWU and the Forest Research Institute (FVA). The first thematic block will provide legal background knowledge on current hunting law and explain what the changes mean for dealing with wolves.

In the second block, the speakers will present key findings from the university’s own research projects on livestock guarding dogs, livestock guarding fences and the vocalization of livestock.

A detailed presentation of the southern Black Forest livestock protection project rounds off this section and provides livestock farmers with new ideas for their own livestock protection.

In the afternoon, a panel discussion entitled “Wolves: New protection status and inclusion in hunting law” will revisit the most important points of the morning. Affected livestock farmers can actively participate in the discussion, ask questions and raise their own concerns and worries about wolves and livestock protection. The round table also offers the opportunity to talk directly to experts such as Klaus Lachenmaier from the State Hunting Association.

The Herd Protection Day will end at around 4 p.m. with space for personal discussions.

Participation in the Herd Protection Day is free of charge. Please register at herdenschutztag26@hfwu.de.

Event details

Friday, June 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

HfWU Nürtingen, Building CI6 Old gymnasium

Heiligkreuzstraße 3, 72622 Nürtingen