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
How to apply for a traineeship
If you are interested in a traineeship, please contact the farm directly. The farm owner will provide more information about the traineeship, practical arrangements and availability.
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.
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.
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