Most reindeer in Finland are semi-domesticated. Reindeer husbandry is a traditional livelihood and a way of life for herders and their families. Semi-domesticated reindeer are iconic to Lapland. The livelihood is based on meat production, reindeer-related tourism activities and byproducts used in handicrafts.

The herding area covers 36% of Finland and includes 54 cooperatives. The maximum population is 203,700 reindeer (winter herd), owned by approximately 4,400 private owners. Reindeer ownership is not tied to ethnicity. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry regulates reindeer numbers, though the limit is often unmet due to predation and other causes of reindeer losses. Additional feeding is needed for reindeer survival, despite increasing costs of feed and energy.

Luke’s research focuses on bioeconomic modeling, pasture conditions, reindeer nutrition, and predation with two full-time and many part-time reindeer researchers. They have data on reindeer economy at https://taloustohtori.luke.fi/en/reindeer-economy/. University of Lapland and its Arctic Centre (https://www.arcticcentre.org/EN) study impacts of climate change on reindeer herding and well-being;  adaptation, resilience and future scenarios in reindeer husbandry, not forgetting social anthropological and cultural aspects. Both organizations study the impacts of land use such as wind power, mining, forestry, and tourism. Related research topics for the Arctic Centre are the evolving norms for reindeer governance, decision making and potential Earth System feedbacks. The University of Helsinki and the Finnish Food Authority contribute to research on animal welfare, meat hygiene, parasites, and nutrition.

The Sámi Education Institute (https://sogsakk.fi/en) provides vocational training, and Lapland University of Applied Sciences offers a "professional bachelor” degree for reindeer herders. Both institutions are involved in many applied research and development projects. 

Finland also hosts wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus) in two areas south of the reindeer herding area. Metsähallitus leads conservation efforts, particularly through the WildForestReindeer LIFE project. (https://www.metsa.fi/en/project/wildforestreindeerlife/).