At the Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin (SAHSWI) 2025 March Fika meeting member and Vasa Order Linde Lodge President Brent Erickson made a presentation about Fäbodar and the practice of Summer Farming that has existed in Sweden and Norway for thousands of years. Fäbodkultur is a UNESCO-Listed Heritage of Traditional Summer Farming.
Summer Farming refers to the practice of moving livestock to outlying lands in late spring. It entails knowledge concerning animal husbandry and herding, dairy production, land management and handicrafts. It also involves herding calls, songs, storytelling and rituals. Summer farms may be private or collectively run, and some organize sustainable tourism and sell dairy products. The practice has inspired literature, performing and visual arts. It is a source of pride, continuity and identity for many Scandinavian societies.
Brent discussed his family ties to this unique culture. He is a descendent of Der Erik Jakobson, (Der referred to the farm named Dergården). Der Erik Jacobssons daughter Sarah was Brent’s father’s Grandmother and she lived on a Fäbod during the summers. Dergården is located in Myrbacka, which is close to Noret where Sarah was born. Brent’s father’s grandfather lived in Järna (also called DalaJärna). All these places are close and located in Dalarna, Sweden. The entire Der Erik Jabobsson family emigrated to Jackson County, Wisconsin in 1883. (Brent has also contributed a story about his ancestor’s emigration available on this website My Swedish Heritage.)
Brent’s presentation included several videos of practices part of the Summer Farming tradition. The Cow Horn (Swedish Kohorn) was used to call the cows home for milking. (This is a link to a YouTube video and may include advertising)
Another method for calling cows is kulning, a herding call and vocal technique practiced by Scandinavian women. (This is a link to a YouTube video)
Scandinavian Summer Farming or Swedish Fäbodskultur was included in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2024.
Swedish Fäbodskultur video.
Below is a link to Brent’s whole presentation, including more information, pictures, and videos and also about the Fäbod established by immigrants at Bishop Hill, Illinois
Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin 