Our Way 1
effects for farming,” adds Segerström. Their stro
ng commitment and desire to make a difference has contributed to Menhammar becoming the successful story it is today, because it takes more than horse breeding to become one of Sweden’s leading stud farms. “Although horses are at the core of our business here at Menhammar, it is important to see the overall view. I am absolutely convinced that wildflower meadows, beautiful sunflowers, grazing deer and flourishing oaks on the land provide added value that everyone at Menhammar appreciates no matter whether they work here, come to buy a horse or are simply passing by,” says Markus Nilsson. SUSTAINABILITY IS AN obvious focus for a business built on animals and nature. “Although Menhammar covers a large area, because we utilise the land fairly intensively for our large amount of livestock we need to use smart working methods. We need to manage our soils wisely and this means making the least negative impact possible. This is a challenge for Menhammar as a whole; however, it is something that we find very stimulating to work hard at,” concludes Ulf Segerström. NATURE MANAGEMENT • Forestry management: approx. 1,000 ha, of which 870 ha productive woodland – Environmentally certified according to FSC and PEFC – The forest produces wood chips that, along with horse manure, power the farm’s boiler. • Game management: 1,900 ha of land and waterways – Wildlife Estate Labelled – Cloven-hoofed game on the land are elk, roe deer, wild boar and the occasional fallow deer. • Game and landscape conservation: to provide birds, game and insects with good conditions for reproduction, thereby increasing the biodiversity of the cultural landscape. • Land leases: such as fishing waters, hiking trails, bridle paths, bee colonies, etc. The vegetation is thriving in one of the strips between the pastures. The objective of forestry at Menhammar is the long-term maintenance and development of forest value. The soil is prepared for the strips that are created to increase biodiversity by encouraging environments for plants, insects and game. AGRICULTURE • Total arable land and pasture 580 ha, divided into: – 320 ha pasture (of which 50 ha natural pasture) – 160 ha grazing – 100 ha cereals • Employs 11 staff in the operational divisions Farming, Parks and Gardens, and Buildings and Property. • A service function for Menhammar’s other operations. • 50 cattle, of which 25 suckling cows. OUR WAY MENHAMMAR 19 PHOTO: MARKUS NILSSON