Economy

The economy of Gornji Jelovac has traditionally been based on the agrarian lifestyle, shaped by generations of hard work, self-sufficiency, and craftsmanship. The local population has long been engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, poultry farming, fruit cultivation, viticulture, beekeeping, hunting, and fishing. These activities continue to form the backbone of the village's economy, reflecting a strong connection to the land and its natural resources.

In addition to farming, many villagers have practiced traditional crafts, which have been passed down through generations. These include:
- Carpentry, wheelwrighting, tub-making, blacksmithing, and bricklaying,
- Roofing, pottery, electrical work, welding, metal fitting, and mechanical trades (car mechanics, auto electricians), and
- Hairdressing, dressmaking, weaving, and embroidery.

Traditional Tools and Implements

The everyday life and work of our ancestors were supported by a wide array of handmade tools and devices, many of which are now considered part of our intangible cultural heritage. Among them were:
- Iron implements: baking pans, ash spatulas, pad headers, chains,
- Textile tools: distaffs, spindles (with and without rings), looms, flying shuttles, and trlica (a device for processing hemp or flax), and
- Agricultural and domestic devices: water buckets, scythe-grinding bowls (vodijer), and rolling machines for wet hemp.

These tools not only supported daily survival but also embodied the creativity and ingenuity of rural life in the pre-industrial era.

Modernization and Technological Advancements

The 20th century brought profound changes to village life through gradual mechanisation and electrification. Key milestones include:
- Cereal grain threshers (1948),
- Tractors and chainsaws (1964),
- Radios (1963) and televisions (1968),
- Washing machines (1970), - Cereal and corn harvesters,
- Landline telephones (2000) and mobile phones (2002), and
- Internet access, which has become an essential tool for communication and information.

These advancements significantly improved the quality of life and reduced the physical burden of agricultural labour. Today, the village boasts more than forty tractors equipped with specialized agricultural implements, alongside over eighty passenger cars owned and driven by its residents.

Industrial and Craft Production

Several mobile sawmills - circular saws powered by diesel engines - operated in the village and played a crucial role in building homes and farm structures. Owners included Marko Kovač Stojanović, Sreto Ćurin, Dragan Kunić, Rajko Mudrinić, and Predrag Ratković. In addition, a stationary bandsaw mill (bansek) operated by Zdravko Prodan contributed to local construction needs. As of 2021, the sawmill at Ratković's homestead remains in operation.
Another major development was the introduction of a mobile screw press for making raw bricks, also owned by Zdravko Prodan. Once dried, the bricks were fired in a kiln for 72 hours, providing essential materials for local building.

Retail and Commerce

During the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Gornji Jelovac had two retail shops, owned by Nikola Nidžo Aleksić and Rade Đaković. In the era of FPR/SFR Yugoslavia, a single store served the community, later joined by a second one opened by Ms. Bosa Macura at the end of the 20th century. Unfortunately, since 2015, the village has been without any food shops, marking a significant shift in local commerce.

Milk and Honey Production

For approximately two decades near the end of the 20th century, several residents engaged in milk production, with deliveries sent to the Banja Luka Dairy. Collection stations operated at the properties of Željko Vukić, Marko Pilipović and Zdravko Prodan. In more recent years, Rade Šormaz has emerged as the most prominent producer of milk and honey, continuing the tradition with notable dedication and quality. Draško Ćiverica, Radovan Macura, and Ostoja Šormaz have been engaged for an extended period in the breeding of pedigree bulls for sale throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Hospitality and Services

The development of hospitality venues has added to the economic fabric of the village. Noteworthy establishments include:
- Ribnjak - Restaurant Naš zavičaj (formerly Deleli 'Lad and Zavišić) on the Jelovačka River,
- Ribnjak - Restaurant Radukić, located along the Mlječanica River,
- Café-Restaurant Bukova Kosa (now closed), and
- Café-Restaurant Konoba Dukat, operational since 2022, situated on the right bank of the Mlječanica River.

In addition, "Asha Auto", a reputable used car dealership, offered high-quality vehicles and contributed to the local service economy for eight years (from 2017 to 2025).

This summary reflects the rich economic history of Gornji Jelovac - from subsistence farming to industrialization, and from traditional craftsmanship to modern entrepreneurial ventures. Despite challenges, the enduring spirit of the people remains evident in their ability to adapt, create, and preserve a meaningful way of life.

Churches in the Neighborhood

• Church of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Jelovac Donji
• Church of Our Holy Mother Paraskeva in Mlječanica
• Church of the Protecting Veil of the Most Holy Mother of God Knežica

Service Activities
 

• Ribnjak - restaurant Zavišić on the Jelovačka River
• Ribnjak - restaurant Radukić on the Mlječanica River
• Car Seller Asha Auto on the Road М-15

Old tools