Mårby Ekogård
Fredsberg, Töreboda
Managing a farm giving animals and nature proper respect is in Stina and Erik Henningsson’s DNA. They each have KRAV-certified family farms and run both together.
Do not be surprised if you see a group of cows wandering around the Mårby farmland in the middle of winter. They can go out whenever they please and often choose the outdoors even at the coldest time of year. During the summer months the herd roams large natural pastures along the river Friaån. Some of the animals also become a popular tourist attraction for cyclists and boaters in the summer: when they move to extra lush natural pasture along the Göta Canal.
The family farm in Mårby, near Hajstorp, has been KRAV-certificated since 1989 and is now run by the fourth generation. Since 2006, it has been Erik and Stina Henningsson who have carried on the organic tradition, among other things through beef and lamb production. Happy animals provide good food is Mårby Ekogård’s motto.
Happy animals provide good food
In addition to about 40 beef animals, there are also about ten ewes on the farm. The ewes and their lambs also enjoy natural pastures; they are out during the summer half year and otherwise eat the hay that is grown on the farm. Slaughter is undertaken at a small-scale farm abattoir and the couple drive the animals there themselves in the farm’s own animal transport. All meat is hung – beef for two weeks and lamb for one – before it is returned home to the farm.
Farm shop with meat and hides
In addition to meat production, there is organic cultivation for both man and beast at the farm. In the stables one of the couple’s daughters also runs horse breeding and training. As if that wasn’t enough, the Henningssons also work the land on Stina’s parents’ farm, which is a few minutes’ drive away. It is lucky there is work that each of them enjoys – Stina with the animals and Erik on the tractor.
If you wish to shop at Mårby Ekogård organic farm you can do so in the farm shop, generally they are open on Fridays. There are all types of beef and lamb cuts – often frozen but sometimes fresh. You can also buy sheepskin coats from the farm and other seasonal goods. At special events, food from the farm’s kitchen is also served.
