RDP project database
Modernisation of a Dairy Farm in Lithuania
Summary
EAFRD support for investment in new livestock housing, milking machinery and manure management equipment enhanced productivity and improved the profitability of a dairy farm in Lithuania in line with EU environmental and animal welfare standards.
Background
The main economic activity of this farm has been dairy production, thus the largest proportion of revenue comes from selling milk. In 2007 as the annual production capacity was increasing it was decided to build a modern dairy farm.
Objective
The applicant planned to build a new dairy farm with modern equipment. The investments in new technologies aimed to reduce the workforce in milking by 30% and to increase the productivity of cows that would positively impact on the health of the livestock and the quality of milk.
Main activities
The investment to the farm was made in the following three stages: i) building of a modern dairy farm for 150 cows, ii) acquisition of a new automated milking technology along with the installation of manure disposal equipment, a milk cooler, telescopic gates, drinkers, feeding and other equipment and iii) planning for additional milk quota.
Results & Benefits
The project achieved its expected results: (i) the farm was modernised; (ii) the new automated milking technology, which was successfully applied in the farm, was an innovation in Lithuania; (iii) labour requirements were reduced in the milking process, the cows’ productivity was increased, the health of the livestock and the quality of milk were improved; (v) the farm has been producing around 60 tons of milk per month.
Lessons learnt
There is always a fear of been committed to a strict contract or been constrained by it, however the achieved results reduced this fear. Also the documentation required for the application was rather excessive, and it might be too difficult for a rural resident to fill it.
Project location and other information
Plungė Discrict Municipality, Jovaišiškės village, Lithuania
Region
Telsiu apskritis
RDP Territory
Lithuania
Total project cost (€)
200 000
Contact name
Edvardas Kesminas
Telephone
+370 61224734
Languages for contact
English, Lithuanian
At a glance
Country
Lithuania
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/05/2008
End Date:
30/11/2008
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
121. Modernisation of agricultural holdings
Keywords:
Dairy sector, Livestock, Manure, Milk, Fertiliser
Last update
25/08/2011