Sörmland's Sheep Farming Faces Crisis Amid Growing Wolf Attacks and Economic Struggles
The decline of sheep farming in Sörmland is driven by wolf predation and economic issues, leading to calls for policy reform.
Key Points
- • Sheep farmers in Sörmland dropped from 409 in 2021 to 314 in 2022.
- • The Swedish sheep farm total decreased from 8,479 in 2021 to 7,763 in 2022.
- • Nine wolf attacks occurred in Sörmland since May 2025, prompting calls for hunting measures.
- • Farmers are demanding better compensation for protective measures against wolves.
The sheep farming industry in Sörmland is in a precarious situation due to a combination of wolf predation, economic challenges, and an aging farmer demographic. According to reports, the number of sheep farms in Sweden has seen a sharp decline, falling from 8,479 in 2021 to 7,763 in 2022. Specifically in Sörmland, sheep farmers decreased from 409 to 314 within just one year. This significant drop reflects deepening concerns over farm viability.
Anna Kristoffersson, chair of the Sheep Breeding Association, points out that persistent issues such as profitability decline and predator threats are driving farmers away from the industry. "We need better compensation for protective measures against wolves," Kristoffersson stated, indicating that the financial burden of installing wolf-proof fences is not sustainable given current compensation rates. Furthermore, there have been nine documented wolf attacks on sheep in Sörmland since May, which has intensified calls for protective hunting measures to manage the wolf population more effectively.
Gustaf Wedén, a local sheep farmer, voiced his apprehensions regarding the looming threat of wolves, acknowledging that while his flock has yet to experience an attack, the anxiety it brings is a heavy toll on livestock management. The urgent need for policy reforms to secure the future of sheep farming in the region is becoming increasingly evident.