Eight sheep farmers and an agricultural consultant in construction, Erik Motzfeldt, went on a study trip to learn about modern barn construction, better workflows, and new feeding and fertilization methods.
In Norway, the group visited barns with three-day feeding and heavy feeding methods for pregnant sheep, a barn undergoing renovation, and an insulated winter barn that is particularly relevant for Greenlandic conditions. They also saw modern feed mixes and barns with effective ventilation, which provides a better working environment.
In Iceland, they visited several sheep farms and Hvanneyri Agricultural University of Iceland. The focus was particularly on: Effective ventilation and better workflows in the barns. A barn where the manure falls into a separate area next to the barn – this saves time and effort in daily work. Finally, they visited a horse farm, where equipment and working methods were reviewed to see what could also be used in Greenlandic conditions.
Agriculture must be developed – to attract more people to the profession
“Sheep farmers in Norway work under conditions like ours. If agriculture is to be developed, we must adapt to our way of life and build simple, modern barns that can both attract new sheep farmers and increase quality.”
The following sheep farms participated: Tasilikulooq, Tasiluk, Ipiutaq, Inneruulalik, Qassiarsuk, Tasiusaq, and Qorlortorlu.
The Agricultural Advisory Service helped secure funding for the trip, which is supported by the Self-Government’s development fund. The sheep farmers’ association SPS will also contribute, while the participants will finance part of the trip themselves.
