Step into the world of wild sheep with Kystgaard AS
By Celina Tran | Photos: Terry Haugvaldstad
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In a small corner of Norway’s rugged coastline, Kystgaard is doing something extraordinary. This family-run farm, steeped in history, produces premium products from wild sheep, offering a taste of Norway’s coastal heritage in every bite.
Pressed up along the coast of Stavanger, an old family farm stands nestled against the green land. There, you’ll find an abundance of wild sheep that are perfectly suited to the rugged coastal landscapes. They graze on seaweed along the shorelines and thrive through the challenges of winter, and more than anything, they are the heart of the day-to-day life at the Kystgaard farm.
After remaining in the same family since the 1600s, Kystgaard AS was born out of a desire to keep the family farm alive and thriving. After years of raising livestock and working in agriculture, farmer and founder Dag Kristian Rosnes saw an opportunity to introduce something special. “Wild sheep are much closer to how nature intended livestock to be,” he says. “They’re incredibly hardy and instinctively gather in flocks for protection. They’ve been part of Norway’s coastal ecosystems for centuries, and they’re an ideal fit for our farm.”
The wild sheep breed is one of the oldest farm animals in Norway, dating back to the Iron Age. They are perfectly adapted to Norway’s harsh coastal environment. These resilient animals graze on seaweed along the shoreline and thrive in nature year-round, producing meat and wool that are truly unique. “Our wild sheep are different from the typical breeds. The flavour of their meat is milder; without the strong, gamey taste, people sometimes associate with lamb.”
The KYSTGAARD®️ products include pinnekjøtt, sheepskins, cured delicacies like fenalår, and fresh cuts of meat. Each product is handcrafted, cured, and prepared on-site, ensuring the highest quality and an unmistakable connection to the land where it all begins. In addition, the sheep graze naturally, without the use of industrial feed, and the farm relies on natural fertilizers to maintain its pastures. “Our sheep live off the land,” says Rosnes. “They eat what nature provides, from grass to seaweed, all of which influence the taste of the meat. It’s a closed-loop system that works with the environment.”
As a niche business, Kystgaard AS is focused on quality over quantity. The farm’s limited production ensures that every item, from their world-class pinnekjøtt to their elegant sheepskins, is crafted with care and attention to detail.
“Our goal isn’t to be the biggest,” says Rosnes. “It’s to offer something authentic and special. When people taste our products, they’re tasting a piece of Norway’s heritage.”
Facebook: shoyu.riga
E-mail: post@kystgaard.no
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