At Grimstorps farm in Sandhem, 36-year-old Emma Hartelius is leading a quiet revolution. As the head of an organically certified beef production business, she is building not just a farm but a new way of living—rooted in sustainability, resilience and community.
“I started in 2019 because I wanted to keep farming on my parents’ land”, Emma explains. From that desire grew a multifaceted business that now includes direct meat sales and even a restaurant run by her siblings. “We sell meat directly to the customer, and we’ve also started a farm restaurant. My brother is the chef, my sister grows the vegetables, and I deliver the meat”, she says with pride.
Her business stems from a deep respect for animals and the land. “We’re organically certified, and our production is based on letting the animals graze outside as much as possible”, she says. This method ensures high animal welfare standards and supports biodiversity on the farm. It also aligns with growing consumer interest in sustainable and ethical food sources.
But Emma’s work doesn’t stop at the gates of the pasture. She’s also innovating in how she brings her product to market. “Some say it’s an innovation that I sell some of my meat through a box system via social media”, she says. Customers place orders online and receive meat packages directly from the farm, eliminating intermediaries and fostering a stronger connection between producers and consumers.
Like many rural entrepreneurs, Emma faces the constant challenge of balancing work and life. “I don’t know if I have any challenges as a woman specifically”, she reflects. “It’s about combining the puzzle of life with entrepreneurship”. She adds that in her field, she’s treated equally: “In the green industries, I feel that I am treated just like my father, who is also involved in the company”.
Still, the workload is intense. When asked what kind of support she would need, Emma answers candidly: “Am I allowed to say ‘an extra mum’? Someone who can take care of my family?” She quickly adds, “No, but better profitability so I can hire someone and not have to work quite so many hours”.
Emma finds the greatest joy in the hands-on nature of her work. “Working outside with the animals, and that I get to learn so many new things—that’s what I love most”, she says.
Her sense of connection extends beyond the farm. She is active in multiple organisations that support the local community, including farmers’ groups and producer associations. Her involvement in the GRASS CEILING project has been particularly valuable. “Being able to be honest and open about how you feel and what you think, without feeling labelled as weak—that’s been the best part”, she says.
Her story is one of quiet determination, steady innovation, and deep respect—for tradition, for family, and for the land. In building a modern farm rooted in organic principles and family collaboration, Emma Hartelius is showing that sustainable farming is not just possible—it’s powerful.