Description
A short distance between producer and consumer pays off
When the dairy in the county Värmland closed down, there was a lot of discussion among farmers and consumers, who missed their local dairy. The milk crisis a few years ago also resulted in many articles in the press and more interest in Swedish milk.
Profitability was low, so it was time to see how to get more money for milk. This resulted in a discussion on getting Wermland’s dairy establishing. The dairy had five co-owners, one of whom was the dairyman, which was important when they decided to start up. Around 10 farms agreed to supply some of their milk production to the dairy, one of which was Guterud farm. The rest of their milk goes to Arla. That is one of the reasons why several farms had decided to deliver to the dairy, because they wanted stronger local links. The farms have to be near their customers and thus must be located within the county.
Now different products are produced and the farmers display them in grocery stores. The added value is of course very important, but the demonstration work in the shop also pays off. It has to run at a profit, while it also brings the benefit of better contact with consumers.
Reason for the innovation
Local links and better returns for milk by supplying the local dairy
Close connections between producers and consumers are im-portant in meeting local demand.
Farm description
Environment
- Soil types: Soil type varies but is mainly clay loam
- Climate: Temperate continental climate
- Altitude: 120 m a.s.l
- Slope: 1 %
- The farm is located in Värmland, central Sweden.
Grassland management
- Grazing: Yes
- Temporary grassland with red clover, white clover, timothy and meadow fescue. Silage in a bunker silo with a roof.
Structure
- Owned by three farmers à 25 %, and the dairyman and Johansson & Söner à 12.5 %.
- Annual Work Unit: 9, working on the farm and its businesses.
- 650 ha arable land area, of which
- 350 ha temporary grassland area for cutting
- 120 ha temporary grassland area for grazing
- 150 ha semi-natural grassland.
- Undersowing in whole-crop barley/peas or wheat/peas gives good establishment of the ley.
Animal performance
- 400 dairy cows (Holstein and Swedish Red), producing 11,000 kg milk per year.
- Fed a total mixed ration and milked by robot.
Why it is working
Everyone has different areas of responsibility on the farm. Some of the milk is delivered to the local dairy. Consumers want to buy local food and have an interest due to articles in the press during the milk crisis. Having a number of farms spread throughout the county is important in meeting local demand.
