In the heart of Sweden’s agricultural landscape, Annika Palmér is challenging outdated perceptions of what a farmer looks like, and how modern dairy farming is done. Together with her husband, she manages a third-generation dairy farm that is home to 165 Swedish Red Breed (SRB) cows. But what sets her apart isn’t just the herd, it’s her passion for animals, her embrace of innovation, and her quiet determination to reshape the image of rural entrepreneurship.
“I have a big interest in animals”, Annika says simply. “That’s why I started”. Her farming journey wasn’t inherited or expected, but rather a personal calling to work with nature and livestock. Though the farm has been passed down on her husband’s side, the couple now co-manages the daily operations, blending tradition with cutting-edge practices.
When asked what she enjoys most about her work, her answer comes easily: “The freedom to work with animals and nature. To be able to develop your business, see it improve, and know that you’re making a difference”.
Like many contemporary farmers, Annika integrates technology into her daily routine. “We use GPS in our tractors and have a robot that milks the animals”, she explains. They’ve also adopted AI-powered activity tracking to monitor the health and behaviour of their herd. While she downplays the novelty of these tools— “Not very innovative”, she says modestly— they reflect a forward-thinking approach that prioritises efficiency and animal welfare.
Still, not all challenges are technical. Annika notes that the biggest obstacle she faces as a female farmer isn’t physical labour or complex machinery—it’s perception. “People have preconceived ideas about what a farmer is like”, she says. “That can be a challenge. I am not the stereotypical image of a farmer”.
Her concerns also reflect broader issues in Swedish agriculture. “There is a huge shortage of skilled labour”, Annika explains. “We need more training opportunities so that we can employ competent staff and make the business more sustainable”. She emphasises the need for financial support and community-based solutions to help farms like hers thrive.
Annika is active in several organisations, including LRF (the Federation of Swedish Farmers), the SRB breeders’ association, and a dairy cooperative. For her, these networks provide not only practical support but also connection and inspiration, especially in initiatives that bring together women in the agricultural sector.
She also joined the GRASS CEILING project. “It has been fun and interesting”, she says. “Meeting others in the green industries, especially women, and getting inspired by their stories—that’s been the best part”.
In a field often dominated by traditional expectations, Annika Palmér Werthén is a reminder that farming today is as much about innovation and mindset as it is about land and livestock. With her commitment to animal care, openness to technology, and grounded leadership, she is helping build a more inclusive and resilient future for Sweden’s rural economy.