EkoNiva, Russia's largest milk producer, announces the commissioning of Bortnikovo dairy farm in Stupino district, Moscow oblast. The project investments totalled 4.1 billion rubles, with Rosselkhozbank being the financial partner. The launching ceremony was attended by Andrey Vorobyov, Governor of the region, Denis Konstantinov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Rosselkhozbank, and Stefan Dürr, President of EkoNiva Group.

Photo by Konstantin Semenets

Bortnikovo dairy has been under construction since 2020. Designed for 3,550 milking cows and 5,100 head of young stock, the farm has a production capacity of 34,000 tonnes of raw milk per year. It has created 135 new jobs for the region.

The infrastructure of Bortnikovo dairy comprises four barns, three young stock lots, a warehouse, silage storage area, hygiene station, rotary milking parlour and other facilities. The herd is mainly represented by high-yielding Holstein cows. Modern efficient programmes are used for herd management, including EkoFeed, an in-house software for animal nutrition.

The dairy is open to the public as part of EkoNiva's tour project. The visitors can see around the farm, take a close look at the housing conditions for cows of all ages and operation of the rotary. By tradition, tours end with a tasting of EkoNiva's own dairy products. Besides, the guests can take part in workshops or active outdoor games.

‘Stefan Dürr has been successfully implementing his business ideas in many regions of our country. Here in Stupino, there used to be an abandoned state farm. Thanks to Stefan’s team and dedication, as well as use of cutting-edge technologies, we now have a new milk production facility – a large one, with growth prospects. And it's nice that EkoNiva Group is expanding its operations both in Moscow oblast and in other regions, the federal soft loan programme being one of the key factors. Today, we have met with young employees engaged in genetics and agronomy. I hope that the agricultural mortgage initiative will play its part in encouraging more of them to join the company – they can move here with their families, plan the future and fulfil their career ambitions’, says Andrey Vorobyov, Governor of Moscow oblast.

‘In 2023, Rosselkhozbank allocated 55.8 billion rubles in support of the dairy industry, which is 5.5% more than last year. The Bortnikovo project will make a valuable contribution to the development of milk production in Russia and provide the market with fresh, natural products. Its implementation is another example of effective partnership between Moscow oblast authorities, EkoNiva Group, Rosselkhozbank and the Ministry of Agriculture’, comments Denis Konstantinov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Rosselkhozbank.

‘The commissioning of Bortnikovo dairy is of great importance for strengthening the presence of EkoNiva Group in Moscow oblast. Its residents, along with those of neighbouring regions and our partners, will now be able to come to the farm and see for themselves how natural, high-quality milk is produced based on the ‘from field to shop shelf’ principle. As an industry leader, we strive to present the ins and outs of modern dairy production to citizens. By doing so, we both emphasise the openness and transparency of EkoNiva's activities and increase people's overall interest in dairy products and trust in their quality’, says Stefan Dürr, President of EkoNiva Group.