At Framtidsgården Viken, Lantmännen works to promote the development of the sustainable agriculture of the future. On the farm, new solutions are tested that improve production, land use, animal welfare, climate mitigation measures and fossil freedom. The new partnership with Arla takes further steps on the way: through joint expertise and research, the partnership focuses on showing how new technologies and innovations can benefit actors in the milk value chain. Already today, the farm is a platform for knowledge sharing that inspires farmers, advisors and salespeople. Collaborating with Arla opens up more opportunities to develop a milk production where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. Although the collaboration is still in its early stages, several steps have been taken in 2024 to drive new projects forward. 

One area they have collaborated on during the year is feed efficiency. Feed efficiency can be explained as the more efficiently a certain feed is converted into milk, the lower the climate impact and the improved profitability. To spread knowledge and inspire more efficient feed use, Arla arranged 24 physical and seven digital meetings for its members around Sweden during the year. Lantmännen participated as invited experts, and the events attracted over 1,000 participants. These meetings brought together farmers and feed experts to discuss how feed efficiency affects the entire production system. The discussions have highlighted that feed is not just an isolated factor but part of a whole and the reception has been positive, which highlights the potential of the collaboration to reach out with knowledge.  

Viken receives around 25 visits annually to share insights and experiences with stakeholders. The farm has an experimental department that enables accurate measurements and in-depth studies of the cows. From the turn of the year, all milk produced at Viken will also be delivered directly to Arla.  
 
Planning for 2025 is in full swing and a new single-cow barn for 100 cows on deep litter beds will be inaugurated in the spring. The new barn creates better conditions for the cows' recovery, optimal conditions for calving and the opportunity to adapt feed needs during their period. Furthermore, the collaboration between Lantmännen and Arla will continue to carry out practical development projects that will strengthen the work for a more sustainable, profitable and efficient milk production.