Farmer instals aquaponics system - faces challenges
In the heart of the Upper Palatinate, pig farmer Simon Donhauser is pushing forward with his ambitious plan to integrate sustainable pig farming with aquaculture. Despite facing challenges along the way, Donhauser's determination remains unwavering.
Donhauser, who was inspired by an idea from his 2014 master's thesis, has been working tirelessly to make his vision of an aquaponics facility a reality. This innovative system combines fish farming and vegetable cultivation in a water cycle, promising a more sustainable and efficient approach to agriculture.
In 2020, Donhauser encountered difficulties with his pig-keeping business. However, rather than abandoning his plan for an aquaponics facility, he persevered. He travelled through Austria in search of resources for his project, undeterred by the permitting hurdles that slowed down construction.
The digital edition of our website offers a comprehensive look at Donhauser's progress since 2020. The detailed article "Pigs and Fish: Investing with Vision" in the September 2025 issue of Pig magazine provides more information on Donhauser's current situation.
Donhauser's focus is on Plan B for his aquaponics facility, which involves expanding fish farming operations to diversify income and reduce environmental impact. He remains open to new ideas, demonstrating a flexible approach to his project.
The modern facility design includes slaughtering and processing, reflecting Donhauser's commitment to a complete system. This approach ensures that every part of the process is utilised, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
For those interested in learning more about Donhauser's journey, we invite you to test our digital edition of the website for free. Join us as we follow Simon Donhauser, the pig breeder from the Upper Palatinate, as he advances his plan to revolutionise agriculture through aquaponics.
