The barn (Ladugården) at Jamtli belongs to Näsgården and shows what a barn could look like about 1895. During the Historyland-season, the animals and the staff participate as actors in the different historic milieus. For the rest of the year, the visitors can meet the animals and hear about them and the agriculture at Jamtli in the barn. It’s even possible to visit us during milking.
The animals at Jamtli belong to traditional breeds that have been living in Sweden for centuries. They are hardy animals that feed well on what is produced in the Nordic climate. Several of these traditional breeds are today threatened by extinction. Jamtli participates in the efforts to keep them alive.
The North Swedish is one of two national breeds of horses, the other one being the Gotland pony. As a breed, the North Swedish has been around for about a century, but its roots go hundreds of years back in time. In the 19th century, heavier as well as lighter horses from the south were crossbred with the traditional horse in a rather random fashion. Specimens with the original qualities became rare. As a reaction, a project to conserve the original North Swedish was initiated around 1900.
Today, the North Swedish is a cold blooded horse, with an average height of 154-157 cm. It is well suited for riding as well as for driving.
Presently, there are three horses at Jamtli:
Una, Blacka and Rimma.
Presently, there are three horses at Jamtli:
Una, Blacka and Rimma.
“Fjällkon”: The mountain cow
In 1892, the mountain cow was officially acknowledged to be the best suited breed for the conditions in northern Sweden. In the latter part of the 20 century, the breed went through a genetic crisis, and crossbreeding with other dairy breeds was necessary. “Projekt Rädda Fjällkon” (Save the mountain cow) was initiated, and with the support of the WWF, sperm from pure bulls was collected as a foundation of a gene bank.The breed is a typical dairy breed. Historically, it was important that the animals quickly gained fat in order to survive the long, dark winters. The animals’ capacity to produce meat was not considered very important. The “fjällko” is fairy small, with an average weight of 430 kilos. It has strong legs and resistant hoofs, which make it able to find pasture in difficult terrain. The average mountain cow milks about 5500 kilos a year. As of December 2006, 1498 males and 3758 females of the race were registered. Three of them live at Jamtli. They are called Snäcka, Svarta and Krusidull.
Jämtgeten
This traditional breed of goat is well adapted to the kind of extensive farming that was the norm in Jämtland and Härjedalen. The goats that presently live at Jamtli are a mix of a herd from Skåne Zoo and a herd that lived on a farm in Aspås in Northern Jämtland. The Jämtget is slimmer and more slender-limbed than for instance the Göinge goat, which is a more common breed to the south. It also has a more slender head. The colour is normally white or white with markings in brown, black or grey. Horned animals are most common, though polled specimens do exist.
Hedemorahönan
The Hedemora hen is the northernmost of the preserved traditional breeds. They have lived in the region of Hedemora as long as people can remember, and have a long tradition as bridal gifts. The breed is normally bluish, black, white or almost white, but wheat-coloured animals exist. The Hedemora hen is well adapted to the cold climate, with a dense and downy plumage. The legs may or may not be covered by a light layer of down. A hen weighs about 1, 5-2 kilos, a cock about 2-2, 5 kilos. 
At Lillhärdalsgården 1785, there are three small parcels where rye, hemp and flax are grown. Two parcels are used for pasture. We normally also grow a few potatoes – it was during this era that this exotic vegetable was introduced in the area.
At Näsgården 1895, the fields are larger. Barley, grass for haymaking and potatoes are grown. Green fodder and oats is grown occasionally, and there is a small vegetable garden.
At Näsgården 1895, the fields are larger. Barley, grass for haymaking and potatoes are grown. Green fodder and oats is grown occasionally, and there is a small vegetable garden.
At Per Albin-torpet (The croft) 1942, we grow potatoes, grass for haymaking and vegetables. If we are able to find seeds from traditional plant types, we use them. Some of these are not certified for organic agriculture. Apart from this, we grow organically as far as possible. All work is done by horse and hand.
With the support of Landstinget (the county council) and the dairy company Milko, it has been possible to build a rest stable for the animals at Jamtli. Consequently, it has been possible to obtain permission to open the barn to the public. We have chosen old breeds for two reasons: Partially because we demonstrate historic agriculture, partially because it is important to contribute to biodiversity. As several of the old breeds are classified as threatened, Jamtli serves as a display-window for these breeds and the organisations behind them.
Another goal is to show children and adults alike where milk comes from and what can be produced from this raw material. Supported by Milko, it has been possible to construct Milkoland with a dairy, where we can demonstrate for instance cheesemaking.
The barn is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 12:00-14:00.
Welcome! To book a guided tour, please call Jamtli's booking:
+46 (0) 63 150 107.
The barn is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 12:00-14:00.
Welcome! To book a guided tour, please call Jamtli's booking:
+46 (0) 63 150 107.