Irrigation system boosts pasture reliability on organic dairy farm

Marianne Schönning runs a 130-hectare organic dairy farm in Härnebo, northern Sweden, with 50 cows. Droughts have threatened pasture production, prompting her to install an irrigation system four years ago, including pipelines, water posts, and an irrigation machine. The system applies 20–30 mm of water to temporary grasslands, improving fodder supply reliability. The nearby lake supports the system, and other local farms could benefit. Expanding to distant fields may increase electricity costs, but a second machine could boost coverage and yield. The interview, conducted by the Swedish Pasture Association and funded by the European Union, is available on YouTube.