Rauhala Farm Oy is an organic pedigree Aberdeen Angus breeding farm located in Leppävirta, North Savo. The farm focuses on high quality beef cattle breeding and represents long term, goal oriented work with genetics, animal welfare and grass based production. International cooperation and continuous learning are an important part of the farm’s everyday life.
Farm overview
Approximately 75 pedigree Aberdeen Angus cows
Beef cattle breeding and beef production
140 hectares of arable land
Extensive pasture areas used for grazing
Farming practices
Focus on pedigree breeding and genetic development
Use of imported embryos and artificial insemination
Emphasis on good maternal abilities, calm temperament and meat quality
Cattle selected for strong grass utilisation and robust structure
Cultivation
Organic grass 100 ha for silage and hay
Pastures used extensively for grazing
Grass fields are renewed every 4 to 6 years and managed according to organic farming practices. Fields are ploughed in autumn, fertilised with manure in spring and sown with grass seed mixtures together with grain. Grass is harvested either into bunker silos or as round bales.
Goals and development
Continuous improvement of breeding lines
Increasing farm size in the future
Possible expansion to another beef cattle breed
Supporting generational change on the farm
Maintaining strong Finnish and international networks
What you will learn as a trainee?
Practical work on a pedigree Aberdeen Angus breeding farm
Beef cattle breeding and herd management
Working with cattle in challenging Nordic conditions
Understanding grass based beef production systems
Learning from an internationally connected breeding operation
Leppävirta is a small municipality in Finland surrounded by lakes and nature. It is located about 55 km from Kuopio. The area offers a calm rural environment with easy access to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and cycling.
A well known local attraction is Sport & Spa Hotel Vesileppis, which includes spa and sports facilities as well as the Moomin Ice Cave, featuring ice sculptures inspired by the Moomins.
What makes North Savo special for an international trainee
North Savo offers an authentic experience of Finnish everyday life, combining agriculture, nature and a strong regional community. The region is known for its welcoming atmosphere, safe environment and high quality of life. It is easy to settle in, get around and feel part of local life.
Nature is an essential part of daily living in North Savo. The region is surrounded by lakes, forests and open countryside. Outdoor activities are accessible all year round. Swimming in lakes, hiking, cycling, berry picking and enjoying quiet nature are typical Finnish experiences that many international trainees find memorable.
Sauna culture is deeply rooted in the region. Lakeside saunas, public saunas and sauna evenings with locals are common. Sauna is not only about relaxation but also about social connection and sharing time together.
Kuopio is the largest city in North Savo and an important university city. It offers cafés, restaurants, a market square, cultural events and sports facilities. The Kuopio Market Hall is a great place to explore Finnish food culture. Even trainees living in rural areas often visit Kuopio for leisure and services.
Tahko is one of Finland’s best known leisure and holiday destinations and is located within the region. It offers skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking, mountain biking, lake activities and events in summer. Tahko also has restaurants, cafés and seasonal festivals.
North Savo is well connected to the rest of Finland. Helsinki and other cities are easy to reach by train, making it simple to travel during your traineeship.
Why choose Finland and North Savo for an agricultural traineeship
Finnish agriculture differs clearly from Central European farming systems. Lower production intensity, clean natural conditions and strong biosecurity practices create a unique learning environment.
Finland has one of the best animal health situations in the EU. Many animal diseases common elsewhere in Europe are rare or absent. This is based on strict hygiene, preventive practices and careful monitoring at farm level, offering valuable practical experience in responsible livestock production.
In North Savo, farming is strongly based on grass production, on farm feed and sustainable land use. Compared to the Netherlands, farms typically have lower stocking densities and more land per animal, supporting animal welfare and long term soil health.
A traineeship in North Savo offers hands on experience of Nordic agriculture, combining modern technology, high food safety standards and a close connection to nature.
About the project The Hollannista Savoon (From the Netherlands to Northern Savo) project fosters cooperation between Dutch agricultural students and Northern Savo farms in Finland. It aims to strengthen international exchange, enhance awareness and skills, and build pathways for traineeships and work placements on farms. The project also compiles information about regional agriculture in English to support international engagement. The initiative is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the Pohjois-Savo ELY Centre, with additional support from Olvisäätiö and participating farms.
.png?width=400&height=500&name=Nimet%C3%B6n%20malli%20(1).png "Nimetön malli (1)")