Ogres Piens bets on data, technology and cow comfort
Facing volatile dairy markets, SIA Ogres Piens uses data-driven management, forward procurement and cow-welfare innovations to stabilize costs and boost milk output.
The dairy sector is under pressure from global price swings, unpredictable weather and high input costs. SIA “Ogres Piens” is responding to these challenges by making decisions based on data rather than intuition.
Financial analysis and procurement planning
Nils Bergmanis, head of production and board member, says that relying on gut feeling is no longer safe. The company regularly reviews its performance to identify inefficiencies. Financial director Egija Boka-Beķere adds that data helps spot problems early, both in animal health and in finances.
Even a one-kilogram change in daily milk yield per cow can make a significant difference to revenue, measured in tens or hundreds of thousands. Every month, the company analyses feed and milk costs, compares historical data and builds forecasts for the coming period.
To reduce price risk, Ogres Piens typically fixes 50–70% of input prices through forward contracts, while the remaining 30% is bought on the spot market. According to Bergmanis, this approach keeps the cost structure predictable.
Feed and expert support
The farm follows an intensive production model. Around 50–55% of the feed is grown on-site, while the rest is purchased. Growing grain domestically is not cheaper than buying it, so the company sources grain externally, with rapeseed and flour coming from Latvia and soy imported from countries such as Argentina.
Samples are taken from all 12 silage bunkers to create an optimal feed mix. Fermentation quality directly affects the taste of milk. The farm also works with a Spanish consultant who visits four times a year. The consultant receives daily milk yield data and weekly reports on animal activity.
Technology for animal welfare
Barns are equipped with thermal sensors and fans that automatically adjust ventilation. Even when the temperature outside dropped to -30°C, the barn remained at around +2°C. New mattresses and massage brushes improve cow comfort, contributing to a two-kilogram increase in daily milk yield for productive groups — roughly 30 extra tonnes per month. Initially, the company installed 110 new resting places and, after seeing positive results, plans to expand the investment.
The farm also uses a liquid manure injection system that reduces transport needs and diesel consumption while limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
Breeding and sector cooperation
In breeding, the company uses sexed semen for top animals, producing replacements, while lower-performing cows are bred with Angus semen for beef calves. Newborn heifers undergo genomic testing, and about 30% of animals that do not meet high standards are exported, for example to Turkey.
Ogres Piens hosts seminars and encourages other farmers to share knowledge. The management believes that stronger cooperation helps the entire Latvian dairy sector become more competitive.
