Lantmännen’s From field to fork scholarship awarded to thesis on a longer grazing season
This year’s scholarship is awarded to Erik Berge for his master thesis “Alternative forage crops under Swedish conditions for an extended grazing season – strategies for increased pasture production during spring and autumn.”
“Erik Berge addresses an issue that is becoming increasingly relevant for the future of agriculture: how we can make better use of the growing season and create more value from every hectare. His work clearly demonstrates how an extended grazing season can contribute to stronger farm economics, more efficient use of arable land, and increased sustainability from field to fork,” says Peter Annas, Managing Director of Lantmännen Machinery.
The thesis explores how alternative forage crops can be used as a complementary strategy to extend the grazing season and thereby reduce the need for harvested winter feed. The study is based on a literature review and interviews with Swedish farmers and shows a method with clear potential, particularly through lower feed costs, strong animal growth, and greater flexibility in grazing management.
“What makes this thesis interesting is the combination of a strategic perspective and practical application. It shows a clear connection between climate change, resource efficiency, and how we can strengthen Swedish food production through better use of existing resources. It also demonstrates how agriculture can adapt to changing conditions,” says Patrik Myrelid, Director of Group Strategy at Lantmännen.
Practical solutions for the farming of the future
Results show that alternative forage crops can play an important role during periods when traditional pastures have limited growth. The study also highlights that factors such as crop variety selection, sowing date, and well-regulated grazing pressure are crucial to a successful outcome.
The farmers who participated in the study described several positive experiences. Reported benefits included more efficient land use, weed suppression, and beneficial synergies within crop production.
“I have long been interested in the synergies between crop production and livestock farming because I see them as key to the future of sustainable agriculture. I have personally experienced how vulnerable feed supply can be, which sparked my interest in alternative forage crops as a way to extend the grazing season. I hope this thesis can inspire more farmers to try new grazing strategies that both strengthen farm economics and make agriculture more resilient,” says grantee Erik Berge.
More information
Motivation: “The grantee’s master thesis addresses one of agriculture’s most pressing future challenges – how to make sustainable and profitable use of a longer growing and grazing season under Swedish conditions. By combining sustainability, economics, and agronomy, the study demonstrates how an extended grazing season can improve resource efficiency, reduce feed costs, and enable better use of arable land.
The thesis stands out through its strategic long-term perspective, practical applicability, and focus on an area where the need for new knowledge is substantial in order to adapt to a changing climate. By highlighting alternative forage crops, the thesis provides valuable insights into how Swedish agriculture can develop and strengthen both productivity and sustainability over time.”
Scholarship Committee: The committee includes the following members: the chairman, secretary, inspector, and industry liaison of Ultuna Student Union, as well as two representatives from Lantmännen.
Thesis: Erik Berge’s master thesis can be downloaded here.
Photos: A collection of images is available in Lantmännen’s image bank.
For more information, please contact:
Lantmännen’s Press Office
Phone: +46 10 556 88 00
E-mail: press@lantmannen.com
