“Agrokoncerno grupė” is transforming its farms and entering a new stage of development – actively investing in animal husbandry. Currently, existing farms are being modernized, and construction of the largest, most modern, and unique dairy farm complex in Europe is nearing completion.
The complex will house around 10,000 cattle, including more than 4,000 dairy cows. The first heifers will arrive in November, and milk production is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
It is projected that within less than a decade, the total herd of dairy cows in “Agrokoncerno grupė” farms will grow from 4,000 to nearly 25,000 cows.
According to “Agrokoncerno grupė” owner Ramūnas Karbauskis, in order to ensure animal welfare, production quality, and sustainable farming standards, the company is developing an agricultural model with no equivalent in Europe, covering the entire chain – from crop production to animal husbandry.
“We have gained extensive experience in crop production. We have built an infrastructure that allows us to make the best decisions and ensure harvest quality. It works, it pays off, and therefore we will establish the same science-based farming model in animal husbandry,” he explains.
Cooperation with Scientists
For seven years now, the Innovation and Research Center “AgroITC” has been one of the key pillars of the group, fostering a data-driven farming culture. The center conducts trials and research, the results of which help make science-based decisions.
“AgroITC,” led by experienced scientist Dr. Eglė Pertraitienė, holds the European Plant Protection Organization Good Experimental Practice certificate, ensuring research reliability and data quality.
Technological solutions and innovations are tested at the Precision Testing Center “AgroTTC,” while the group’s digital platform “Agro247” integrates the entire information ecosystem, enabling farmers to monitor and manage all farm processes in real time, from soil analysis to harvest planning.
Building on this experience, the structure of the animal husbandry business is being developed. To ensure the highest standards of animal health, productivity, and welfare, “Agrokoncerno grupė” has established cooperation with the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU).
This partnership will cover research and innovations in genetics, feed composition and nutritional balancing, animal welfare, and emission reduction. Together with scientists, solutions will be developed to use resources more efficiently, improve herd productivity, reduce environmental impact, and ensure sustainable farming.
Strategic Investment in a Feed Factory
A key part of the future animal husbandry base is a strategic investment in feed production. According to “Agrokoncernas” director Edgaras Šakys, feed quality is directly linked to milk productivity and composition.
“Milk quality begins not in the barn, but in feed production. A precisely balanced diet in terms of energy, protein, and fiber allows yields of up to 40 liters of milk per cow per day,” says E. Šakys.
To ensure independence, the group has invested in upgrading and modernizing the Kretinga feed factory. It will produce about 110,000 tons of high-quality feed annually.
By entering the feed production market, “Agrokoncerno grupė” aims to become one of the leading and most reliable feed suppliers in Lithuania. The modern factory and science-based solutions will ensure top quality, while cooperation with global partners will secure leadership in this segment.
“Expanding feed production, we are starting strategic cooperation with global leaders ‘Pioneer’ and ‘Corteva Agriscience.’ These partners will supply us with seeds for corn silage and grain maize, as well as preservatives for corn and grass silage. This will ensure quality across the entire feed production chain – from seed to final ration,” says E. Šakys.
The factory will serve not only the farms owned by “Agrokoncerno grupė” but also other farmers. This will allow Lithuanian milk and meat producers to use professionally manufactured, reliable feed.
“Each feed component is tested in a laboratory and evaluated by nutritional value, energy, and protein balance. The Kretinga factory will enable feed to be adapted to specific animal groups, ensuring precise, data-driven productivity management,” adds E. Šakys.
Farmers can already choose from a wide range of professionally produced feed designed for different animals and poultry. If needed, universal recipes are also developed, suitable for farms of various sizes and those seeking to optimize production costs.
Expanding Agricultural Machinery Fleet
When building milk production infrastructure, “Agrokoncerno technika” invested in specialized and reliable equipment to ensure high-quality feed preparation and efficient farm operations.
The company represents machinery from global manufacturers, such as “SIP” mowers, tedders, rakes; “Lucas G” feed preparation, distribution, and manure management equipment; “Dinapolis” trailers, germinators, manure spreaders, silage rollers; and “Bednar” disc harrows, seeders, inter-row cultivators, and crop residue management solutions.
This machinery is known for high quality, reliability, and innovative solutions, important for both large and smaller farms.
According to “Agrokoncerno technika” representatives, all equipment is first tested in the “Farm of the Future,” allowing farmers to choose proven, field-tested solutions adapted to Lithuania’s climate and soil conditions.
Sharing Expertise with Others
According to R. Karbauskis, as the animal husbandry base is developed, a genetics and herd improvement program will be implemented, including the breeding of pedigree cattle. A high genetic-value bull semen supply center will be created, ensuring a local breeding base and helping farmers build more productive herds.
The largest dairy farm complex in Europe will also implement digital animal health monitoring systems, enabling real-time tracking of each animal’s condition, productivity, and diet efficiency.
“The collected data will help farm managers and veterinarians make quick and precise decisions. We will also share our knowledge with our partners and clients, because our goal is the same – strong dairy farms,” emphasizes R. Karbauskis.
The entire dairy production ecosystem will be complemented by a biomethane plant, where high-quality biomethane gas, certified with guarantees of origin, will be produced from organic cattle slurry. This process will not only make effective use of by-products but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to reducing imported natural gas consumption.
The plant, scheduled to begin operations in 2027, will supply biomethane to the common gas grid.
Thus, “Agrokoncerno grupė” is implementing the principles of a circular economy, where crop production, animal husbandry, and energy sectors operate as a single interconnected system.
