Ever stopped to think about how farms adapt? Thorshøjgaard is a prime example of agricultural innovation. It thrives as a biodynamic farm and visitor attraction.
Thorshøjgaard focuses on old Danish livestock and grain varieties. The Thorshøjgaard Foundation actively manages this living farm. It aims for self-sufficiency and practices extensive farming. The farm showcases high biodiversity in soil plants microorganisms and livestock.
Herbs and oats flourish in the fields. This vegetation mixed with nature’s wild growth becomes animal feed. The flavorful milk reflects this diversity. The meat from sheep pigs and oxen has a wild taste. Chefs often prepare it accordingly.
Maintaining old breeds means honoring natural instincts. Calving occurs in spring. Calves stay with the herd all summer. The bull remains with the herd ensuring future generations.
Biodynamic preparations are key at Thorshøjgaard. They create these preparations mostly from their own plants. For example they press juice from valerian flowers that grow near the stream. Valerian is rich in phosphorus. Combined with other elements from other plants it nourishes soil plants and animals strengthening the whole system.
Thorshøjgaard participates in the Arkegård concept and the SAVE-Foundation. Niels Stokholm bought the farm in 1975. He converted it to biodynamic farming immediately. The biodynamic foundation Thorshøjgaard Fonden has owned the farm since 1995. In 2020 Niels K. Stokholm the previous owner passed the management to Rita Hansen. She has been his partner since 1997. Rita Hansen manages the farm with her son Simon.
Humans entered an agreement with livestock thousands of years ago. It is like the fox said to the Little Prince: If you tame me we shall be friends. Thorshøjgaard values this relationship. They care for animal herds as complete units. Slaughtering mainly happens in the fall to maintain herd sizes.
Animals are euthanized on the farm. Then they go to a local butcher. Kødsnedkeren butchers the meat after aging. He cuts it into portions and packages them. Each package indicates contents.
Restaurants and individuals can purchase meat milk fruits vegetables and other goods from Thorshøjgaard. Special cuts can be arranged. Customers can also cut the meat themselves by arrangement.
Friends of Thorshøjgaard can join a club. The club organizes events throughout the year. These events include lectures and work tasks.
You can purchase the documentary Så meget godt i vente and Songs from the Soil by Phie Ambo. The book Kærlighed til alt levende by Carsten Graff in conversation with Niels Stokholm is also available. Contact Thorshøjgaard to purchase these.
Consider visiting Thorshøjgaard a farm demonstrating a deep connection to nature. It is a place where biodiversity and traditional practices meet.