– We enjoy the everyday life we have with the animals. And then we are happy to work. It gives great pleasure to do this job, says Agnete Hansen (49). For farmer Agneta Hansen, the daily proximity to her own animals is an important part of the job. Photo: Bård Wormdal She and her partner Henry Ole Larsen (48) have recently built a brand new barn with a lot of their own effort. They have also invested in a completely new robotic technology for milking. In the last 15 years, the couple has not had a single holiday. Larsen says that he thrives as a farmer, even though he works between 80 and 100 hours each week. – In terms of money, it’s not worth it. But it is all taken back in well-being. We do what we want to keep doing, he says. Farmer Henry Ole Larsen thrives with 80 to 100 hours of work each week Photo: Bård Wormdal At the same time, the farmer says that they both have a greater meaning to their work than they are happy to pet cows and drive a tractor. The couple believe that producing food is a socially critical and important task. – Every self-respecting country should be self-sufficient in food to the greatest extent possible. We do what we can for that goal, says Henry Ole Larsen. He believes the authorities should do more to facilitate Norwegian agriculture. The farm with Russia on the other side of the Pasvikelva has had fewer and fewer neighboring farms. The number of farms in Pasvikdalen has halved in the last 20 years. Photo: Bård Wormdal Two farms are closed down every day in Norway In the last 20 years, the number of farms in the home municipality of Sør-Varanger municipality has halved, although the amount of milk has been maintained. Calculations show that two farms are closed every day. Thorhild Gjølme is director of agriculture at the State Administrator in Troms and Finnmark. She says that most farmers work more than the normal working day. – There is no great economy for most farms. Then there will be too many long working days. Especially for those who do not combine farming with other professions. Director of Agriculture at the State Administrator in Troms and Finnmark Thorhild Gjølme admits that for many farmers the working days are longer than for most others. Photo: Marius Fiskum / Marius Fiskum The farm of Agnete Hansen and Henry Ole Larsen is located on the banks of the Pasvikelva. Here they have a view of Russia and Russian settlements on the other side of the river. Recently, a police helicopter with a heat-seeking sensor has frequently flown low over the farm to detect illegal border crossings. The married couple believe that the uncertain times internationally underline the importance of Norwegian self-sufficiency in food. With a lot of their own effort, the farming couple have built a new and modern barn. Photo: Bård Wormdal Award for quality milk As the only farm in Finnmark, the cohabiting couple recently received an award from Tine for milk deliveries. The farm in Pasvik received the distinction for having delivered high-quality milk every year continuously for 15 years. Agneta Hansen believes the explanation for their receiving the award is simple: – There are 365 days a year. And there are four cares a day. Constant follow-up, focus on the tasks. That is what is needed, says Agneta Hansen
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Works 365 days a year and hasn’t had a holiday in 15 years – news Troms and Finnmark
