Next Level Producer -concept
We have been concerned about the decline in sheep farms. In our sector, we believe that sheep farming holds significant potential: sheep utilize grasslands efficiently and, through grazing, increase biodiversity.
In collaboration with these partners, we created the ‘Next Level Producer’ concept. The consultation package is cost-effective for farms, especially when Neuvo funding can be applied. It includes a farm visit by a professional in sheep and goat production, financial advice from an expert familiar with sheep farming, and guidance from a veterinarian specializing in sheep.
There is demand for domestically produced lamb, and domestic production covers less than half of total consumption. This means there is room for new sheep farmers. Sheep farming offers solutions to many societal goals: grass cultivation improves soil productivity, sheep maintain traditional biotopes, and existing buildings can often be utilized. The biggest bottleneck is expertise: training is fragmented, there are few specialized advisors, and new producers are often left on their own.
Next Level Producer – an effective and impactful solution
The Next Level Producer concept directly addresses this need. In this model, experienced sheep farmers act as mentors to new producers, and a multidisciplinary expert network is built around them from the very beginning. The package includes:
– An expert farm visit and assessment of the farm’s resources and goals
– Financial advisory services
– Consultation from a sheep veterinarian
– Peer support and fast information sharing via a WhatsApp group
– Joint study trips to deepen knowledge
The model has proven its effectiveness: since 2023 up to June 2026, 32 farms have participated in the NLT program, of which 25 actively engage in sheep or goat farming. The program fosters entrepreneurship and vitality in sparsely populated rural areas.
The goal is to provide basic knowledge about sheep farming as a business and to support farms in decision-making regarding potential future sheep production, or to assist in starting or expanding production.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re considering a career as a sheep farmer! Contact us!
Customer story
The NLT program of the Finnish Sheep Cooperative has above all given us the opportunity to network with other sheep farmers who are starting or expanding their production. I feel our WhatsApp group is extremely valuable—a place where you can easily ask questions that are on your mind, and representatives from the slaughterhouse are also easily approachable there. The involvement of “mentor farms” is also important, as they bring years of experience and insight into everything related to sheep.
Planning support (calculations, veterinary and expert Teams meetings) was also very important during the expansion phase, and the calculator they developed is still in use on our farm whenever we plan something new.
Mari Paju, Posio