The Sheep Farmer with a Passionate Heart for Nature, Culture, and Animals
In the forests of Småland, specifically in Långasjö, lives 53-year-old sheep farmer and entrepreneur Malin with her husband Karl-Johan on a family farm from the 1600s. Their four children represent the tenth generation on the farm in a direct line. Their website says, “Nature, culture, and animals in harmony,” which became evident in our conversation. But it wasn’t always clear that Malin would become a sheep farmer.
Malin originally trained as a primary school teacher and worked with children for 16 years. The transition to sheep farming wasn’t obvious, but one specific person made the opportunity possible.
– My father-in-law had sheep on the farm, and when he retired, I got the chance to buy 120 Gotland ewes from him 17 years ago. At that time, I knew hardly anything about sheep, but I felt it was important to preserve and maintain the heritage. Not breaking the farming chain that has existed for hundreds of years has been and still is one of my biggest motivations.
Switching from a primary school teacher to a sheep farmer without experience was a big change. How did you manage?
– For many years, I worked as a teacher and a sheep farmer simultaneously. But in 2012, I took the big step to become a full-time sheep farmer. My father-in-law, from whom I bought the sheep, helped me with the management until I could take over and shape the work my way. I also attended many courses and training sessions in business and animal husbandry.
Malin happily adds:
– In the beginning of my career as a sheep farmer, I was very stubborn and wanted to do everything myself. My husband, who isn’t interested in animals, helped in other ways, especially with the business side since he runs his own company. He also helps in the fields now.
Malin thinks it’s important to address the issue of women in business and the challenges they face.
– Many women with ambitions to start their own business can often be bad at standing up for themselves; there’s a mentality of ‘I shouldn’t…’ Women often start up slowly alongside something else as a backup. They proceed cautiously, prioritizing safety first.
And the fact that Malin worked as a primary school teacher for many years has given her many advantages.
– Since I’m a trained teacher and have worked with children for so long, I can use my educational skills in my farming career. I want to convey the meaning of being an organic farmer to our customers. That’s why I do educational visits to schools, nursing homes, and similar places. It’s very important to highlight that we need to buy and grow more organic food; it’s the only sustainable way over time. We must look ahead and visualize what the agricultural landscape will look like in 30 years.
It is clear that Malin is passionate about the climate. In every decision she makes, she wants it to be for the best of the animals and nature.
– My animals are in good health, which I believe is due to their lifestyle. Since our entire production is organically certified, we place high demands on animal welfare, health, social responsibility, and reduced climate impact. The sheep grow up naturally and gently. My lambs have drunk the ewe’s milk and eaten herbs and grass in Långasjö throughout their lives. They are outdoors year-round but have the option to go into the barn during the winter if they want. This feels like the most correct way to raise animals.
Malin has been an active sheep farmer for 15 years and is outdoors every day. She has noticed a huge difference in the climate compared to 15 years ago and worries a lot about the future.
– As a farmer, you notice climate changes directly. We are so few in Sweden, so it goes slowly. Being a consumer isn’t easy today; it’s easy to be blind. I want to encourage everyone to choose organic and think through their decisions at the grocery store an extra time.
Malin sells everything herself – meat, wool, skins, and has an open farm. She never sells to a slaughterhouse but handles all sales on her own.
– It feels right to use the whole animal. They are not born to be slaughtered; they have a job to do and a higher purpose. I have a close relationship with the sheep, and that’s the charm of being a farmer, being close to animals and nature. When an animal is to be slaughtered, of course, you should use the whole animal. Many people ask me how I can eat my own lamb meat. I turn the question around: how can you eat anonymous meat? It’s a privilege and luxury to be your own food producer.
As an active farmer on an organic farm, it’s clear that there are high demands for good work clothes. They need to be comfortable, allow freedom of movement, and be durable.
– The clothes have to withstand walking through fields and terrain without getting damaged or causing discomfort. Finding work clothes for women has not been easy, though. They are often designed for men, but over the years, I have learned what I need.
She had known about Farmerrain for a long time and became curious when she read about them in the local newspaper. When Malin turned 50, she received money to buy something she had long wanted, and then she decided to buy a rain suit from Farmerrain.
– I ordered a sailing jacket and overalls in lime green, and their sou’wester hat. My children sometimes laugh at me for looking like a preschooler when I work, but you need overalls that go all the way up, or you get wet immediately.
The early summer of 2024 has been wetter than usual, and Malin has had to use her rain clothes a lot.
– I’ve had to use them now at the beginning of summer when the rain has been here. It’s a durable material!
Malin wished the clothes were a bit more flexible and comfortable for her work. She also hopes that Farmerrain develops more useful garments.
– Gloves that are flexible and waterproof are something I really need. My fingers get cold quickly, and it’s uncomfortable to get wet hands. Waterproof and flexible gloves would be perfect because hands are a priority in my work; they take the most wear and tear.
We thank Malin for this interesting interview and encourage everyone to follow Långasjölamm on → Instagram.
Photo: Tanja Muratova
