What motivates young farmers in Sweden to invest in dairy production today? This question lies at the heart of Malin Astrell’s master’s thesis at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), for which she has been awarded Landshypotek Bank’s dissertation scholarship.
-I wanted to turn the perspective around. We often discuss the difficulties and challenges facing Swedish agriculture, but I wanted to understand what inspires people to commit to dairy production. Among the farmers I’ve met, there is a great deal of optimism, drive and joy, says Malin Astrell in an SLU news story.
For her research, Astrell conducted in-depth interviews with newly established dairy producers across Sweden to explore what motivates farmers to start and develop dairy enterprises at a time of major structural change within the sector.
Her findings show that becoming a dairy farmer is seldom the result of a single influence. Rather, it stems from a combination of personal motivations, social relationships and local circumstances.
- The businesses are complex and shaped by both personal and relational factors. Economics naturally matters, but in my interviews, social connections emerged as at least equally important – everything from family and relatives to landowners and local networks that make it possible to get established, she explains. Astrell also highlights the strong bond farmers have with their animals.
- I was struck by how natural and profound their commitment to the animals is. Animal welfare is one of the key reasons farmers enjoy their work and want to continue developing their farms,” says Astrell.
The jury praised the thesis for its strong focus on the people behind new dairy enterprises.
- The study clearly illuminates the motivations of newly established dairy producers. Understanding these drivers is essential for the future of Swedish dairy production, and this work offers valuable insights, says Agneta Hjellström of Landshypotek Bank.
LMW
Read the full thesis HERE