Both Øystein Aasvik (32) and Christina Skog (28) grew up on farms that raised sheep. When an abandoned farm came on the market in Øystein’s home village, they decided to turn their dream into reality. Now they’re raising sheep – a hardy, independent-minded breed that dates back to the Vikings – and they have great plans for their farm in Aldersundet.
“The farm hadn’t been in operation for 20 years, so there’s a lot to do. We’ve been fortunate to receive great support from other sheep farmers, who have graciously shared their knowledge and skills. They have even lent us equipment. So far we only have a small tractor of our own,” says Christina.
Although she is originally from Ballangen near Narvik, her family used to have a holiday home in Aldersundet. She and Øystein met each other ten years ago in the town of Mo.
“I grew up on a farm, and I have always wanted to return to this life. We have a large farm, but it has so many possibilities! Øystein and I are setting strict priorities and taking one step at a time, careful not to bite off more than we can chew. We both have full-time jobs and two small kids, so the farm-work comes on top of that. Every vacation now consists of work on the farm,” says Christina with a smile.
While she is bringing us up to speed during a short coffee break, Amalie (4) and Johannes (3) are running around with broad grins as they throw tufts of grass at each other. Amalie gleefully brushes the dirt from her pink dress. Clearly the two youngsters are enjoying this life as well.
RE-ESTABLISHING A FARM, ONE STEP AT A TIME
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Amalie (4) and Johannes (3) love life on the farm in Aldersundet, and they often lend their mom and dad a helping hand.[/caption]It’s a year and a half since they bought the farm. The house, dating from 1892, was moved here in 1927. It needs serious rehabilitation before the family can move in. For now, they’re living in the nearby house that Christina’s family still owns.
Christina is an education supervisor at a childcare centre in Konsvik, a village roughly 20 km away. Øystein works as a special-needs trainer and caretaker. They themselves were educated at Nesna and in Namsos, the towns where they lived before returning to Aldersundet. Both of their children attend a childcare centre here.
“Sure, I wanted to come home to Aldersundet, but Christina was the one who dreamed of a farm. I needed some convincing. We’re not in a hurry, but are building our farm one stone at a time, so to speak,” says Øystein.
The big project this summer was putting up almost 500 metres of fencing around the farm, so that sheep could safely be put out to pasture before the season ended. They’re almost done.
GRAND POSSIBILITIES
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Their farm is beautifully situated at Aldersundet.[/caption]In the future, they want to add highland cattle and poultry to their livestock. They envisage exploiting their animals to the full – hides as well as meat. Christina and Øystein dream of opening a farm shop where they offer pinnekjøtt (dried mutton, which many Norwegians steam for their traditional Christmas dinner), cured lamb and other farm produce.
“We want to restore our house to its former glory, making its beautiful log-built construction and original roof beams visible once more. Our dream is to make our farm a community nexus, hosting small events in the barn, in addition to offering farm products and produce in a small shop. We’ll see how long it takes to make that dream come true. For the time being we’re both working full-time jobs, trying to put aside money to realize our various plans,” says Christina.
This year saw the birth of 24 lambs, bringing the woolly population to 56.
“The sheep like to stay close to home. We’ve tried to show them higher and greener pastures, but for the most part they prefer to graze in the woods right above the farm. Perhaps that’s why we don’t have problems with predators, at least not yet. The neighbouring farms lost nine lambs to foxes and crows. This spring has been a difficult time, and every farm has seen its share of challenges, be it with livestock or machinery. It’s wonderful how supportive the farmers are, helping each other find solutions. We could never have done this without
FEELS LIKE HOME
For Christina it felt more natural to move to Aldersundet than to return to Ballangen where she grew up. After all, after spending her holidays for 18 years here, this really does feel like home.
“It just felt right for us to move here with our kids, and give them a good, safe upbringing on a farm. We’re taking things as they come, finding our sense of place, discovering our own way of doing things. Every farm has its own methods – and we need to develop ours,” she says.
“Do I recommend this life for other young couples? Most definitely! Provided you love hard work,” says Øystein with a satisfied grin.
“There is lots of work to be done here, no doubt about it. But it’s inspiring work, because this is something I’ve always wanted to do. When you cherish a dream, you want to find a way of making it reality. That, of course, means you need to take care of each other, and to relax between the bouts. I am eager to see the results. We don’t tell other people too much about our plans, in case we are unable to realize them. But I honestly think we’re in the process of creating something really beautiful,” says Christina, looking out over green fields and envisioning the future.
