When Mogens Anholm took over the care of the area at the tip of Røsnæs some 25 years ago, it was farmland cultivated using pesticides and fertilizers. Instead of continuing this type of farming, Mogens made the decision to develop the area into preserved natural land without the application of nutrients, in agreement with the Danish Nature Agency.
By letting livestock graze year-round, in combination with other nature conservation measures, the area has developed into a very unique natural scenery with rare species of animals and plants.
“Since I took over the land, there have been no mechanical activities at all,” says Mogens. “The maintenance and conservation of the area is done entirely by the cattle. They don’t receive supplementary feeding and the grazing pressure is adjusted to the level of resources provided by nature.”
Mogens Anholm has managed to combine economically viable farming with creating room for nature, and is happy to see an increased interest in combining agricultural production with nature conservation.
Today, Mogens practices agriculture and nature conservation with up to 150 cattle, by taking care of the daily surveillance of the animals and the general upkeep of the area. He believes that the concept of combining traditional farming with nature conservation measures can be spread more widely, and he has been central in developing a “Nature and Agriculture” handbook, together with farmers’ advisory service Gefion.
National winners of the 2015 Baltic Sea Farmer Award
In 2015, Mogens Anholm received the national Baltic Sea Farmer Award in recognition of his efforts to reduce nutrient runoff on his farm.
“I’m very grateful to be acknowledged for my efforts to combine nature conservation with agricultural production,” Mogens says.
“Winning the Baltic Sea Farmer Award in Denmark gives me an opportunity to show other farmers and the general public that nature conservation measures add value for everyone."
FARM FACTS
Location: Kalundborg on the northwestern coast of Zealand
Type of farm: Conventional crop farm with grazing agreements (210 ha)
Main production: Wheat, rape, spring and winter barley
Key practices: Fertilizer plans, catch crops, crop rotation, buffer zones and lakes, nature conservation measures including livestock grazing agreements
National jury motivation: "Mogens Anholm is a farmer by heart and has been working with nature and agriculture for a great number of years. As such he is a really good ambassador and can cooperate with everyone. In the Røsnæs area close to Kalundborg he works very close with the local municipality, the landowners in the area and the advisory service. He has a balanced view of nature and agriculture and knows how to combine both worlds in a constructive way for all stakeholders. Mogens Anholm is a first mover on stewardship of nature and has, together with the advisory service Gefion, made a handbook about nature conservation."