<\/p>\n\n
To gain insight into what everyday life looks like after the storm, we visit contractor Emil Perjans of Perjans Skog & Jord, who is working in the heart of the storm-damaged forests of H\u00e4lsingland.<\/p>\n\n
As we meet in the forest, the scale of the destruction quickly becomes apparent. Before us stretches a vast area of uprooted and fallen trees. <\/p>\n\n
\u201cThis is just a small part of the aftermath of Johannes. Overall, a very large area has been blown down,\u201d says Emil. <\/em><\/p>\n\n Despite the months that have passed since the storm, it is still difficult to comprehend the extent of the damage.<\/p>\n\n \u201cWe knew trees would come down, but no one could have imagined the scale of it,\u201d Emil explains.<\/em><\/p>\n\n He clearly remembers the day the storm arrived. At home in Alfta, he followed the weather developments together with his family. <\/p>\n\n \u201cWe were sitting at the dinner table that evening when the wind really started picking up. We wondered what things would look like when we woke up the next morning. But we had no idea how bad it would actually be,\u201d Emil recalls. <\/em><\/p>\n\n For many forest owners, the consequences have been significant. The loss of forest assets represents not only a financial setback but also a major emotional blow. <\/p>\n\n \u201cMany landowners are deeply saddened. For some, the forest was part of their retirement plan. They intended to let it continue growing for a few more years before harvesting. When a storm comes along and changes everything overnight, of course it\u2019s difficult to accept,\u201d says Emil. <\/em><\/p>\n\n The cleanup work will continue for a long time to come. For Emil, that means windthrow harvesting dominates his working days. <\/p>\n\n \u201cThis will be our workplace for quite some time. There\u2019s still a lot left to do,\u201d he explains. <\/em><\/p>\n\n At this particular site, however, the crew is assisted by so-called root cutters\u2014manual chainsaw operators who work ahead of the machines, cutting the stems free from the uprooted root plates.<\/p>\n\n \u201cThat makes the work much smoother for those of us following behind with the machines,\u201d he says.<\/em><\/p>\n\n But forestry is only one part of Emil\u2019s daily life. Alongside his contracting business, he also runs a grain farming operation. <\/p>\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re about to enter a busy period there as well. In another week or so, cultivation will be in full swing, so things are pretty hectic right now,\u201d says Emil. <\/em><\/p>\n\n Despite the workload, he appreciates the variety.<\/p>\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s nice to switch things up from time to time. And besides, we\u2019re heading into what I think is the best season of the year.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n Inside the cab, Emil operates his trusted harvester, a machine he has owned since 2022. It is equipped with an EC 561 harvester head, one of the first units of its kind to be delivered from the factory in S\u00f6derhamn. <\/p>\n\n \u201cIt has performed very well. The measuring system is stable, it requires very little calibration, and the head is both fast and versatile. It handles both smaller and larger trees with ease, so it suits my needs perfectly,\u201d says Emil. <\/em><\/p>\n\n The harvester head has proven particularly effective in windthrow operations.<\/p>\n\n \u201cWhen the forest looks like this, it\u2019s a really good combination,\u201d he says.<\/em><\/p>\n\n As the workday draws to a close, we take the opportunity to get to know Emil a little better with a few quick questions.<\/p>\n\n The choice between ice hockey and bandy is an easy one. Although Alfta is well known for its strong bandy tradition, hockey holds a special place in his heart. <\/p>\n\n \u201cHockey, without a doubt. I played myself until fairly recently, although these days it\u2019s mostly a bit of veterans\u2019 hockey. But bandy is fun to follow as well,\u201d says Emil. <\/em><\/p>\n\n When asked to choose between crayfish and fermented herring (surstr\u00f6mming), his answer is somewhat unexpected.<\/p>\n\n \u201cI\u2019ll say surstr\u00f6mming. A big reason is the Surstr\u00f6mming Festival here in Alfta. It\u2019s a fantastic event,\u201d Emil explains. <\/em><\/p>\n\n At the same time, he admits that his taste buds might actually favor crayfish over the famous fermented delicacy.<\/p>\n\n Finally comes the question we ask every forestry contractor we visit: What is the best meal to bring along in the machine?<\/p>\n\n The answer comes without hesitation.<\/p>\n\n \u201cCreamed macaroni and sausage. You can\u2019t really go wrong with it, and it won\u2019t burn when you heat it up in your lunchbox, so it always works,\u201d says Emil. <\/em><\/p>\n\n We thank Emil for his time and for giving us a glimpse into the reality following Storm Johannes. The work is far from over, but thanks to contractors like Emil Perjans, the cleanup continues\u2014tree by tree, stand by stand. <\/p>\n\n A big thank you to Emil Perjans for a pleasant and informative visit!<\/p>\n\n