Agriculture

The soil was most fertile along the river valleys and the lakes.

Apart from food and materials, cattle breeding also contributed to rich harvests. Namely, all the animals provided plenty of fertilizer for the fields. When all the available land close to home went to sowing seeds and hay before the winter, the animals were sent out to graze around huts (fäbobodar) out in the forest.

Young women – farm girls – (fäbodstinta) guarded against predators and took care of the milk they would later make into butter and cheese. It was hard work - but also free - with a lot of responsibility. Every farm had its hut. Often, the huts of several farms stood close together and became their own small villages out in the forest.