Elisabeth Hidén, an agronomist and dairy farmer from southern central Sweden, grew up immersed in agriculture on her parents’ farm. Combining pigs, forestry, and crop cultivation, her family’s farm instilled an early appreciation for the land. Now, she manages her husband’s family farm, home to 450 animals, including 200 cows, heifers, and calves. Together, they deliver over 2 million litres of milk annually, managing 200 hectares of grassland, 70 hectares of grazing land, and 150 hectares of forest.
Although Elisabeth’s career path is deeply rooted in tradition, it is also a testament to her own initiative. “I’ve been lucky to become a farmer,” she says, acknowledging how challenging it can be for those without direct ties to agriculture. Over the years, she has cultivated diverse experiences: starting her first green industry business at 15 years old, working on a Canadian farm, studying agronomy, and representing farmers in various agricultural organisations. Ultimately, she credits her husband’s family farm as the foundation for her life in agriculture today.
The joys and challenges of modern farming
For Elisabeth, farming is both a passion and a way of life. “It’s lovely in the summer to pack lunch bags, take the children, and drive the tractor to check the animals grazing on a sunny day,” she shares. She recalls the pivotal moment when she decided to become a full-time farmer as one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences.
However, modern farming comes with significant challenges. Elisabeth highlights limited access to credit, profitability issues, and the high costs of resource-efficient investments as persistent obstacles. “No money means no land,” she explains, referring to the difficulty young farmers face in acquiring arable land. Climate change has also left its mark on Swedish agriculture, with recent droughts and floods creating uncertainty. Balancing work and family life is another challenge, particularly with two young children. “Social sustainability is rarely discussed outside the industry,” she notes, stressing the need for better work-life balance in farming.
Despite these difficulties, Elisabeth finds immense satisfaction in her work. "Farming is complex, but it’s fun to work with nature and animals," she says. She also values the opportunity to innovate and improve. According to Elisabeth, every day feels meaningful on the farm. "It feels like a good childhood to be able to give your kids," she adds.
Elisabeth’s farm integrates innovative and sustainable practices to ensure longevity. From analysing feed and soil to DNA-testing calves and maintaining a biogas plant, every decision is rooted in efficiency and care for the environment. “If we’re not smart about resources, we won’t survive as entrepreneurs,” she explains. These methods not only benefit the farm but also contribute to the local community and Europe’s agricultural landscape. “We provide jobs, biodiversity, open landscapes, and 2 million litres of milk every year. That is vital for Europe’s self-sufficiency and food security,” Elisabeth says.
Elisabeth also encourages curiosity and dialogue between farmers and environmental advocates.
Too little is known about agriculture today. We need to talk more and challenge the idea that farmers and environmentalists are opposites.
Elisabeth’s farm integrates innovative and sustainable practices to ensure longevity. From analysing feed and soil to DNA-testing calves and maintaining a biogas plant, every decision is rooted in efficiency and care for the environment. “If we’re not smart about resources, we won’t survive as entrepreneurs,” she explains. These methods not only benefit the farm but also contribute to the local community and Europe’s agricultural landscape. “We provide jobs, biodiversity, open landscapes, and 2 million litres of milk every year. That is vital for Europe’s self-sufficiency and food security,” Elisabeth says.
Elisabeth also encourages curiosity and dialogue between farmers and environmental advocates.
A vision for young farmers and the future of agriculture
Elisabeth envisions a future where farmers are valued as solutions to climate and sustainability challenges. She emphasises the need to reverse the trends that have eroded farmers’ profitability over the years. "As a young farmer, access to credit and sufficient profitability are major challenges. We need to overcome the disconnect between rising costs and the difficulties of developing our businesses," she says.
She highlights the significant role of the EU in shaping the agricultural sector. Decisions made at the EU and national levels, she notes, have a long-lasting impact on farms like hers, even if the connection is not always obvious at first glance. “Much of our everyday life is affected by what happens in Brussels”. The tools, guidelines, and support provided by the EU help farmers build for the long term, with investments often planned decades ahead.
While EU tools and guidelines enable long-term planning, Elisabeth stresses that fair market conditions are crucial and should take precedence over subsidies. She also emphasises that trade agreements must align with climate goals and support farmers rather than undermine them.
For young people, Elisabeth sees endless possibilities in agriculture. “Even if you don’t want to be a farmer, there are so many opportunities in the sector,” she explains, listing careers in soil health, food safety, technology, finance, and research. Her message to aspiring farmers is clear: “People will always need to eat. You can make a real difference in one of the world’s most important industries.” She urges everyone to make conscious choices at the grocery store and explore opportunities in the sector.