Hemnes is one of the largest agricultural municipalities in Nordland, with a significant production of sheep, pork and beef in addition to milk. A total of 170 million has been invested in new farm buildings since 2006, which is as high an investment as the entire Troms and Finnmark combined. Many young people have taken over the operation of the family farms and several of the farms have invested in modern production equipment.
There are over 30 farms in Hemnes that raise sheep, and together they have about 4500 sheep in the winter and almost twice as many after lambing in the spring. In the summer, there are actually almost twice as many sheep and lambs in Hemnes as there are pigs, cows, goats, horses and chickens combined.
The animals contribute to a vibrant and beautiful cultural landscape throughout Okstindan Nature and Cultural Park.
In 2008, the Nortura slaughterhouse was added to Bjerka, and this is now one of the municipality's largest workplaces.
The watercolor below was created by artist Hilde Strand, and the motif is the finest lamb in Hemnes in 2017, voted for by our kindergartens.
