The purpose of agriculture practiced by manufacturing companies was self-sufficient animal feed production and procuring milk and other foodstuffs for the factory employees. Their own food production even helped prevent actual famine. Furthermore, their own milk and cereal production kept local prices under control. In the 1920s, the United Jämsänkoski mills owned agricultural land on nine farms, 260 hectares in all. The largest company farms were Sahala, Patala, Rekola, Lavakorpi and Murto. Rekola farm, closest to the mill, concentrated on dairy production. Murto raised young cattle and Lavakorpi was a crop farm.

As owner of Rapala estate, General Rudolf Walden was interested in developing agriculture and was in favour of using artificial fertilisers. For example, ash was carted from Jämsänkoski works to be used as soil improver on local farms. In cereal growing, the focus moved to wheat, and production of AIV silage began in 1932. A refurbishment programme of agricultural buildings was implemented on all company farms in 1929 - 1936. At Rekola, a new cattle shed and stables building made of concrete blocks was completed in 1930. The dwellings and utility buildings were renovated to the design of architect W. G. Palmqvist.

Rekola was shown off to company visitors as the local model farm. It also helped spread new crop species; the first tomatoes in Jämsänkoski were grown at Rekola. In the early 1950s, the company market gardens had 200 fruit trees, three greenhouses and 350 square metres of growing frames, as well as soft fruit and flower plantations. The Rekola market garden was designed by architect Katri Luostarinen, who also produced designs for the Oinaala and Korentola residential areas.

As early as the 1930s, ½ - 2 are plots for growing were let to workers on company lands. During the war, allotment sizes increased, and staff were encouraged to become as self-sufficient as possible. Salads and vegetables were grown both in open frames and in greenhouses. Greenhouse crops included tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and flowers. Rekola gardens opened a flower shop in 1952. In the same year, the old Rekolankoski mill stopped, and the new company mill on the Jämsä road started up. This mill is still used for its original purpose.

Link: Rekolan asukasyhdistys [Rekola residents' association]