Nestled in the picturesque village of Engan, overlooking the Kobbelvvågen fjord in northern Norway, lies a tale of tradition and perseverance in the realm of sheep-farming. Rakel Nystabakk, a 35-year-old shepherdess, tends to her flock amidst the verdant landscape, embracing the age-old practice of sheep rearing in the region.
A Vanishing Way of Life
Engan, once abuzz with the activity of numerous farming families, now witnesses a solitary presence in the form of Nystabakk and her wife, Eida, managing their modest 14-hectare farm. The prevailing agricultural landscape in Europe has gravitated towards larger, more intensive farms, leading to a drastic decline in the number of traditional establishments. In Norway, this shift has been particularly conspicuous, exacerbating the dwindling interest among the younger generation in inheriting their parents’ agricultural legacy.
Preserving the Tradition
Despite this overarching trend, Norway’s unique topography, predominantly unsuitable for arable farming, has kept the allure of traditional grass-based livestock rearing intact. Nystabakk fervently advocates for leveraging local resources sustainably, especially in a global milieu marked by conflicts and environmental challenges. Emphasizing the intrinsic value of preserving their age-old farming practices, she underscores the significance of nurturing the land in harmony with nature, steering clear of the detrimental impact associated with intensive agricultural methodologies.
The Allure of a Rustic Lifestyle
Contrary to the prevailing notion of rural migration, Nystabakk notes a burgeoning sentiment among her contemporaries for a simpler, unhurried way of life, often aspiring to own smallholdings. Her personal journey from a stint as a musician in the bustling city of Kristiansand back to her roots exemplifies this magnetic pull towards a more serene existence. Nonetheless, she acknowledges the dearth of opportunities for individuals, especially in urban settings, to gain a firsthand understanding of the profound responsibilities and gratifications inherent in the
farming lifestyle.
A Generational Concern
The diminishing number of farms not only stifles the prospects for aspiring farmers but also casts a shadow over the continuity of such venerated traditions. Nystabakk’s own foray into farming was made possible by her parents’ unwavering commitment to entrust the legacy of their 130-strong sheep flock to a worthy successor. Their steadfast resolve to safeguard the farm’s agricultural heritage, instead of succumbing to the lure of lucrative real estate prospects, underscores the resolute dedication to their time-honored vocation.
Challenges and Conviction
In the face of policy inclinations favoring larger agricultural setups, Nystabakk remains resolute in her determination to uphold her family’s farming legacy, albeit amidst the formidable challenges posed by contemporary agricultural paradigms. The prevailing ideology advocating for the consolidation of farms runs counter to her belief that smaller-scale operations, with meticulous stewardship of both land and livestock, offer a more rational and sustainable approach. Undeterred by the political currents, she draws strength from her predecessors’ enduring connection to the land, inspiring her to persevere despite the demanding rigors of her vocation.
The Enduring Love for the Land
Amidst the early morning rituals and the toil that accompanies tending to her flock, Nystabakk finds solace in the profound bond with her ancestral land. The profound joy of witnessing her sheep thrive amidst the same fields that have sustained her family for generations eclipses the inherent challenges and uncertainties, reaffirming her unshakeable love for the timeless traditions of sheep-farming in the breathtaking Norwegian fjord countryside.
In conclusion, Rakel Nystabakk’s indomitable spirit embodies the enduring legacy of traditional sheep-farming in Norway and serves as a poignant testament to the profound allure of a rustic way of life amid the stunning natural beauty of the Norwegian fjords.
