Rudbārži family farm grows from 10 to 400 hectares, hopes for good harvest
A family farm in Rudbārži parish has expanded from 10 to 400 hectares over 37 years and is growing durum wheat for the first time this year, though rising costs threaten profitability.
The Vilbrants family farm in Rudbārži parish, run by Aldis Vilbrants together with his wife Valentīna and brother Dzintris, started 37 years ago with just 10 hectares of land and a single small tractor. Today the farm cultivates 400 hectares, including plots in Kalvene and Nīkrāce parishes.
The farm mainly grows grain crops — winter and spring wheat, rapeseed and peas. This year, for the first time, the family began growing durum wheat under a contract with Dobeles dzirnavnieks. The Vilbrants also produce seed and work with several major agricultural companies in the region.
Unpredictable weather, average yield
This year's weather brought a string of challenges: a rainy autumn, frost and dampness in winter, and drought in spring. Despite these conditions, the yield for both regular and durum wheat has turned out average — though the farmers believe it could have been better. Rapeseed and peas have not yet been harvested.
Rising costs outpacing produce prices
The farmers say costs for fertilizer, fuel and grain drying have risen sharply over the past year, with fuel prices nearly doubling compared to last year. Meanwhile, prices for their harvest have stayed roughly at last year's level, creating an imbalance between investment and returns. This has also affected the farm's ability to invest in new machinery — plans to buy a larger sprayer have been put on hold.
Work during harvest season stretches from 9 a.m. until as late as 1 a.m. The farm operates from a base in a formerly abandoned site in the center of Rudbārži village, purchased at auction, which includes a grain receiving point, an elevator and a grain tower. Over the decades, the farm's equipment has evolved from a single small T-25 tractor to modern John Deere and Claas machinery.
