An organic farm in the Vogtland region has been awarded the 2026 Saxon Animal Welfare Prize for its innovative cattle barn. The open, circular barn—a so-called “roundhouse”—improves animal welfare and health thanks to its design, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs. It provides an excellent barn environment without drafts. The animals are kept on straw, which also gives them comfortable, dry resting areas. The prize is worth 4,000 euros and was presented to farmer Marcel von Trieben on Monday. According to the information provided, he keeps 80 Charolais beef cows with their calves on his farm, as well as 400 laying hens in mobile coops. The award-winning barn provides shelter for the cattle during the winter months; otherwise, they are kept on pasture, it was reported. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved