Managing wolves in lamb production at Bengtstorp

Bengtstorp farm in central Sweden, managed by Gudrun Haglund-Eriksson and Bengt Görán Eriksson, raises 300 ewes on 150 hectares of mixed arable and pasture land. Facing persistent predation from wolves and pine martens, the farm installed a 20-kilometre, wolf-proof electric fence in 2018 with five wires and underground barriers. This high-cost measure, costing 80–100 SEK per metre, has significantly reduced livestock losses. The farmers advocate for improved national predator management policies, including faster response times and expanded licensed hunting. They also seek subsidies through the County Administrative Board, which may cover up to 50% of fencing costs. Gudrun is active in the Swedish Sheep Farmers’ Association, promoting sustainable lamb production and predator coexistence.