Ousdal Farm
Nes on Hedmarken
Ousdal Farm
Nes on Hedmarken
HISTORY
Ousdal's history goes way back and the farm has been a significant gathering place in the village, both in pre-Christian and Christian times. We do not know the exact age of the farm, but there have been settlements and farming here for several thousand years. This is indicated by, among other things, the many burial mounds and cairns that are on the farm. The first known written mention of the farm name is in 1330. Since 2022, Nordre Løsset has been our forest and outland property. It is beautifully situated by the lake Storsjøen in Åmot and Rendalen.
With respect for the old and knowledge of the new, we practice Debio-certified organic production based on regenerative principles across 130 hectares of grain, 20 hectares of grass, and 40 grass fed beef cattle. We manage 4.000 hectars of forest, offer rental of houses and hunting grounds, and produce renewable energy.
Organic Grain
At Ousdal we are passionate about cultivating and delivering top quality organic grain to bakers with an appreciation of excellent ingredients.
Organic Grain
At Ousdal we are passionate about cultivating and delivering top quality organic grain to bakers with an appreciation of excellent ingredients.
Spelt
We cultivate solely the spelt strain called Oberkulmer, which is considered to be one of the original spelt strains. It is sown in September, rests under the snow in the winter and starts to grow again in the spring. It is then threshed in early August. With deep roots drawing nourishment from as far down as 80 cm and lengthy growth period, it is no wonder that the taste is fantastic.
OATS
We cultivate oats in alteration with spelt as these two cereals utilize the soil in different ways. In this way, we take into account both the soil and what is grown in it. Oats are one of our healthiest cereals, and an excellent combination with spelt when it comes to preparing food. All our oats are delivered to Kolonihagen, and sold in Rema 1000 stores across norway.
CULTIVATION
In order to grow quality organic grain, we depend on our trusted employees to ensure that the job gets done and at the right time. Proper storage and drying is essential in maintaining top quality grain. The Ousdal farmland lies to the south-east with natural drainage and is full of lime and minerals from a time when this was a seabed. This gives wonderful taste!
“Our organic spelt is processed and sold directly to bakers and bakeries through the company Norsk Spelt as. This is an important part of our business and we work hard to create top quality organic spelt for both the baker and the consumer.”
Organic Telemark cows and calves
At Ousdal we still have a livestock of telemark cows - Norway's oldest breed of cow.
Organic Telemark cows and calves
At Ousdal we still have a livestock of telemark cows - Norway's oldest breed of cow.
History
The Telemark cow is the oldest Norwegian breed of cow and provides excellent milk and meat. The Telemark cow disappeared largely from Norwegian agriculture before World War II, as other new breeds could produce more milk. Fortunately, there were a few animals left, but today the breed is greatly threatened by extinction. In total, there are now about 400 adult animals remaining, of which 40 are here on the farm.
Our cows
We would like to have a viable organic strain of 40 telemark cows that utilize the farm's own resources throughout the year. We are privileged to have a fantastic cultural landscape that the animals can enjoy. In winter, the cows can stroll straight out of the barn and in to the forest. Each cow calves about once a year. To ensure a viable herd, some of these calves will become new cows with us, and some will be sold for slaughter.
Beef
The meat from the telemark cow has a fantastic marbling and taste. Our organic cows will only have eaten grass and used the organic pastures on the farm. It is our policy not to slaughter any animals until we have secured deposing of the entire animal. To ensure this we take orders before an animal is slaughtered.
Forest
Our forest currently stores 775.718 tonnes of CO2 and will capture an additional 29.866 tonnes in the year ahead.
Forest
Our forest currently stores 775.718 tonnes of CO2 and will capture an additional 29.866 tonnes in the year ahead.
Facts
Our forest consists mainly of spruce and birch, but we also have pine. Trees, especially spruce, can be used for anything, from planks to paper, clothing and fish food. Anything that can be made from oil can in principle be made from trees. As trees grow, they absorb CO2 from the air. The tree then uses carbon as building material, binding the carbon while releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. This is photosynthesis! And natures own way of capturing carbon. When timber is used for houses and products, the carbon remains bound for the entire lifetime of the product.
CO2
Our forrest stores 775.718 tonnes of CO2, with an annual uptake of 28.866 tonnes of CO2. When we harvest trees, we plant new ones. Active and sustainable forestry is about making the best possible use of resources while protecting nature and natural values. That is why all our forest is certified under the PEFC forest standard. The UN Climate Panel points out that using wood as a substitute for other energy-intensive and fossil-based products is an important climate measure.
Forestry
We manage our forest with a long-term perspective. Active management and use of forest resources is an important contribution to the climate, and to ensuring that future generations also have a renewable resource to use. Active and sustainable forestry is about making good choices today so that the resources can still be used in 10, 50 and 100 years. We must therefore keep several things in mind at once while managing the forest. We plant new trees after harvesting, tend the young forest and future timber trees, facilitate careful and proper harvesting. This in turn provides renewable raw materials that society need - not least to replace other non-renewable resources.
Rental property
We rent cottages and other accommodation with links to the farm.
Rental property
We rent cottages and other accommodation with links to the farm.
PROJECT
The Torudstua cottage is currently uninhabited. This cottage is idyllically situated by itself in the forest, on Solbergåsen hill opposite the Stavsjøen lake. It comprises living quarters with a barn and a small outhouse. There is no electricity or running water, only an outside toilet and a well. It is not accessible by car. We are considering renovating the space and renting it out for fixed periods. Please contact me if you are interested.
AVAILABLE FOR RENT
Available housing will be listed on the platform finn, the descriptions of the homes will contain search word “Ousdal gård”. Give our farm name a search and feel free to make contact if any listing is interesting.
Our houses
Our houses/ cottages are preferably rented out on a long-term basis.
Contact
You are very welcome to purchase products directly from the farm. Please call in advance so we are sure to be at home when you arrive. Otherwise, our spelt products are sold by Norsk Spelt as. www.norskspelt.no
Contact
You are very welcome to purchase products directly from the farm. Please call in advance so we are sure to be at home when you arrive. Otherwise, our spelt products are sold by Norsk Spelt as. www.norskspelt.no