Location: Litene Parish, Gulbene Municipality, Nature Reserve “Sita and Pededze Floodplain”
Farm Size: 400 ha
Activity: Deer farm and beef cattle breeding
Project Activities:
- Restorative grazing on 265 hectares of floodplain meadows
- Expansion of the cattle herd with 104 Angus and Hereford cattle
- Construction of a winter shelter
- Installation of grazing infrastructure – fencing
- Improvement of access roads
Jurijs Prokofjevs is one of Latvia’s largest owners and managers of natural meadows, a true steward of nature. His entire farm lies within a protected nature area, making him aptly known as a “nature farmer.” His work is deeply influenced by the rhythm of the River Pededze and the seasonal floods that sweep across his meadows in spring and sometimes even in winter. In spring, the areas that provide lush grass and grazing land in summer transform into a vast mirror of water, and in winter, they become a nearly 10-kilometer-long skating rink.
Managing floodplain meadows poses challenges for any farmer, with more restrictions in protected areas compared to others, requiring both adaptation and constant innovation. Jurijs greatly values the support from the project, which provides a crucial boost to his farming practices, helping him continue his stewardship in this unique landscape.