That is how far Tittus Poulsen walked during the sheep roundup in Nuugaarsuk – an average of 21.5 km per day.
When the autumn sheep round-up begins, sheep farmers and their helpers travel enormous distances across rugged terrain. High mountains, steep slopes, and long fjords must be crossed to gather the sheep for slaughter – and often there are still animals deep inside the fjords that need to be retrieved afterwards.
Tittus’ steps provide an insight into a profession where sheep farmers can easily cover up to 700 km in a month during the sheep gathering period. Many also use horses and ATVs, and sheepdogs are an indispensable part of the work. It is one of the busiest months of the year in the sheep farmers’ annual cycle, where cooperation is essential.
In one day, Tittus walked 36 km, and the day before 22 km – a feat that requires strength, endurance, and great passion for the profession.
Sheep gathering takes place on sheep farms from mid-September to the end of October.
