Østermarksgården

Organic farming, dairy, and meat production

At Østermarksgården in Central Jutland, Anders and Mette run both organic farming, dairy production, and meat production. The couple took over the farm from Anders' father and converted it to organic farming in 1997; a decision they have not regretted for a single moment.

Animal welfare and no chemicals in the fields

At Østermarksgården, Anders and Mette focus on animal welfare and farming without chemicals. All organic animals are required to be out on pasture for at least 6 hours every day, but the animals at Østermarksgården spend much longer periods outside, sometimes around the clock. There's no doubt that both cows, heifers, and steers love to graze.

For the daily work, there are 16 employees on the farm, assisting in managing the approximately 1400 hectares of organic farmland. The farm produces over 20,000 liters of organic milk every day. When the dairy cows are done giving milk, they are fattened and slaughtered on the farm. Just like the steers, which are only slaughtered when the animals are fully grown, ensuring as much meat as possible from their lifetime.

Steers assist in marsh orchid and light-bellied brent goose conservation

The steers at Østermarksgården engage in nature conservation in several places, many of them in collaboration with the municipality. This includes areas along Mariager Fjord where the land cannot be cultivated. The nature conservation efforts contribute to the propagation of the endangered marsh orchid (a type of orchid). The flower spreads when the cattle have it on their feet and walk around, dispersing it.

In another area, the steers graze on wet meadows, creating favorable conditions for the light-bellied brent goose, which migrates to Denmark from Svalbard in spring and autumn. These areas are characterized by willow scrub, reeds, and partially rough grass, which thrive in the wet meadows. When the steers tread on the grass, they help build up carbon in the soil, as the plants they do not eat are trampled, contributing to the restoration of the bogland.