A new generation of leadership at Norrmejerier sends a clear signal of confidence in the future of dairy farming in northern Sweden, the co-operative said in a press release following its annual general meeting on 5 May.
At the AGM in Umeå, Stefan Stolt, 49, from Junsele, was elected Chairman of the Board, while Emil Frölander, 28, from Sidensjö, was appointed Vice Chairman.
“Farming is deeply rooted in who I am. To me, the farmers of northern Sweden are heroes — not only because we produce world-class food, but because we are vital to Sweden’s food security and national preparedness. Northern Sweden has unique natural conditions that make it the best place in the country for dairy production, and that is something we must protect. I am genuinely passionate about strengthening farmers’ ability to continue doing exactly that,” said Stefan Stolt, the newly elected Chairman.
There are growing signs of renewed confidence among dairy farmers in the north. Over the past year, Norrmejerier’s suppliers have launched investments expected to increase herd sizes by at least 500 cows. Several projects have already been completed, while others are currently under way. Taken together, the developments suggest that more farmers are willing to invest and expand production — a strong indication that the long-term prospects for dairy farming in northern Sweden are improving.
Stolt has served on Norrmejerier’s board since 2020 and held the role of Vice Chairman between 2021–2023 and again from 2024–2026. He succeeds Göran Olofsson, who is stepping down after six years as Chairman.
Raised on a dairy farm outside Junsele, Stolt now lives on a forest farm south of the town and has spent the past two years running a beef production business at Holm estate east of Sollefteå. Dairy farming at Holm Manor dates back to the 16th century, and plans are now in place to restart milk production after it ceased in 2016.
As Chairman, Stolt aims to further develop Norrmejerier while maintaining a strong connection to its northern Swedish heritage, with a focus on commercial strength and decisive leadership as the dairy sector faces major investment decisions in the years ahead.
Joining him as Vice Chairman is Emil Frölander, a 28-year-old dairy farmer and business graduate from Sidensjö, outside Örnsköldsvik. Together with his brother, he runs an organic dairy farm they purchased from their former employer — a farm where the brothers first began working while still at school. Since taking over, they have invested more than SEK 25 million in the business.
Alongside the dairy operation, Frölander also runs a haulage and contracting company. He has previously held representative roles within the Swedish Farmers’ Federation (LRF) and Lantmännen, and has served on Norrmejerier’s board for the past two years.
Also newly elected to the board is Erika Larsson, 41, a dairy farmer from Överrödå outside Vindeln. She brings extensive experience from a range of representative positions, including on the regional board of LRF Västerbotten and within the Vindel River Biosphere Reserve.