EkoNiva Group, the largest raw milk producer in Russia, has expanded its organic herd size. Savinskaya Niva farming enterprise located in Kaluga oblast received Simmental cattle: 108 bred heifers, 115 heifers and 6 bulls. This will increase milk yields on the organic farm by one and a half times in the long term.

The animals were delivered to the farm at the end of July from the conventional dairy facility within the holding. Upon relocation, the cows must be quarantined for one month. Moreover, they already feed on organic fodder – their conversion period that will last for six months has already started. During this time, the heifers will be kept separately from the main herd and adapt to the clean environment of their new home. The animals will graze on natural and cultivated pastures and eat the organic fodder grown at Savinskaya Niva.

In 2022, the organic project was expanded with 139 heifers. Due to this fact, the milk yields were increased up to 35%. Now, 350 milking cows are housed on the farm, and its daily output is is 4.5 tonnes of organic raw milk.

‘The calving season is expected to begin after the conversion period. Newborn calves will be given organic milk. We assume that the daily gross milk yield will increase by 40-60%, so it will be possible to receive 6-7 tonnes of milk on the farm every day’, says Valeriy Gushchin, Director of Savinskaya Niva.

The organic raw milk is transported from the farm to MosMedynagroprom plant in Kaluga oblast. The plant has been certified to produce EkoNiva Organic drinking milk. An increase in the herd size will make it possible to boost the production volumes of this line. The specialists of the holding have noticed the growing consumer demand for organic products in recent years. For example, Stars Coffee shop visitors really liked the Organic Summer joint programme launched by EkoNiva and the above-mentioned chain of coffee shops. Till the end of August, all guests can enjoy beverages in Stars Coffee made with EkoNiva Organic UHT milk with a fat content of 3.2%. As for the retail segment, EkoNiva Organic line is popular with customers too.

Savinskaya Niva is engaged not only in milk production, but also in organic beef cattle breeding and crop farming. The enterprise is operating in full compliance with organic production standards, which is annually confirmed by the certificate from Roskachestvo — the Russian Quality System.