On the southeast coast of Sweden, near Västervik, three brothers – Mathias, Henrik, and Gabriel Jonsson –are proving that large-scale dairy farming can go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. Their farms, Ogestad Estate and Hyllela Farm, are among the largest in the country. This year, their dedication to minimizing their environmental impact has earned them the title of Baltic Sea Farmers of the Year in Sweden, awarded by WWF.
Building a Farming Legacy: The Jonsson Brothers’ Journey
Mathias, Henrik and Gabrial Jonsson grew up on a small farm with 30 dairy cows. In 2005, they took the bold step of purchasing the historic Ogestad estate – once a noble manor – and began transforming it. Milk production had long been central to the farm, and under the brothers’ leadership, the business grew rapidly – doubling production roughly every five years through strategic farm acquisitions.
A key factor to their success was their ability to divide responsibilities and specialize. “Being three brothers and partners working together makes it possible to focus on different areas and take a broad approach to developing the farm,” they explain. Today, Ogestad is one of Sweden’s largest milk producers, delivering around 20 million kilograms of milk annually to Skånemejerier. The farm grows its own feed – not as a primary goal, but as a strategic choice to gain control over the entire production chain and reduce vulnerability.
In 2014, the Jonsson brothers took on a new challenge: reviving Gamlebygymnasiet, an agricultural high school on the brink of closure. Driven by a strong belief in education and skills development, they chose to maintain both cultivation and animal husbandry at the school. Today, the best 80 cows from Hyllela farm and Ogestad estate are housed there.
Turning Local Challenges into Environmental Solutions
Faced with nutrient-rich bottom water in the nearby Dynestad Bay, the Jonsson brothers became acutely aware of their farm’s environmental footprint. Motivated by a desire to reduce their impact on the Baltic Sea and minimize waste of valuable resources, they decided to act.
Their farm, like many others, has been increasingly affected by droughts, threatening crop yields and increasing nutrient leakage into surrounding waters which worsens eutrophication. They saw a clear need to reduce both drought and flood risks on their land while improving water and nutrient management.
In response, they launched a three-year project in collaboration with researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Västervik Municipality, and the local catchment officer to recirculate nutrient-rich water from the bay. Each year, 100,000 cubic meters of water containing 1,000 kg och nitrogen and 100 kg of phosphorous are pumped and used to irrigate 350 hectares of farmland. This innovative approach not only fertilizers their crops but also cleans the bay’s waters and increases oxygen levels.
The results so far are promising: improved crop yields, high cost-efficiency, and no observed negative effects. The system also supports climate adaptation by helping crops withstand longer dry spells during the growing season.
Collaboration and Innovation at the Core
The Jonssons’ success is built on strong collaboration with Västervik Municipality and local stakeholders, as well as a willingness to test new methods. Their farms feature eleven constructed wetlands, year-round green cover on nearly all arable land, two-stage ditches, buffer zones, and structural liming – all aimed at reducing nutrient runoff.
Their feed production is equally forward-thinking. By incorporating legumes and experimenting with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, they reduce the need for mineral fertilizers and improve soil health. The brothers have also restored large areas of natural pasture, supporting biodiversity and preserving valuable habitats.
Looking Ahead: A Biogas-Powered Future
As one of Sweden’s larger farms, the Jonsson brothers feel a deep obligation to lead by example. “We know we have a large responsibility to do more than others, since our production and impact are bigger than most other farms in Sweden – we want to minimize our effects on the environment and the Baltic Sea.” The brothers are now preparing to take their sustainability efforts even further with an upcoming investment in a biogas facility. This initiative will help reduce the farm’s climate footprint and contribute to Sweden’s renewable energy goals.
FARM FACTS
Location: Ogestad estate and Hyllela farm, Västervik Municipality, Kalmar County, Sweden
Type of farm: Conventional dairy and beef cattle farm (2,100 ha)
Main production: Milk, beef cattle, and their own feed for the animals
Key practices: Maintain year-round plant cover, Protect soil structure from compaction, Use catch crops and intercrops, Add organic matter to the soil, Maintain buffer zones along waterbodies, Established constructed wetlands, Practice water management, Use nutrient balance and practice balanced fertilization, Apply fertilizers at the correct time and right conditions, Use careful manure application techniques, Use manure in plant production, Practice precision farming equipment or techniques, Implement practices for nutrient recycling at the farm.
Jury motivation: "Mathias, Henrik and Gabriel Jonsson demonstrate a long-standing and great commitment to improving the aquatic environment in their local area. Despite operating one of Sweden’s largest dairy farms – with a significant impact on the local environment – they have taken impressive steps to minimize nutrient leakage. Their openness to innovate, willingness to collaborate with local stakeholders, and proactive testing of new methods reflects a forward-thinking approach to large-scale farming. The brothers are not only reducing their environmental footprint – they are actively working to improve the landscape around them, and their continued efforts are encouraged." (Read more)
OPINION
Mathias, Henrik, and Gabriel Jonsson on the future of farming
Q: What positive changes have you seen since adopting sustainable practices?
A: People in our village Gamleby find that the water in the Dynestad Bay is much better now than it was only 5 or 10 years ago. We believe this is because of our irrigation project.
Q: What advice would you give to farmers starting their sustainability journey?
A: Identify and calculate your farm’s impact on the environment – such as nutrient leakage, climate, water use – and then try to identify measures and investments related to this that are profitable. Don’t forget to also be curious, ask questions and share experiences. You can also always look at other sectors for ideas and solutions for your challenges.
Q: What kind of support do farmers need to adopt sustainable practices?
A: We need to simplify and change some rules and restrictions that hamper the work, including making it easier to apply for funding schemes and available subsidies. Additionally, every municipality or region needs a local catchment officer and agricultural advisor – they are key to implementing measures.