Lifestyle, which is based on nature

A farm located in Brīvzemnieki Parish, Aloja Municipality “Silvas” is a family-run agricultural enterprise where everyday life is interwoven with dreams, a conscious way of life and respect for nature. In 2015, Māris Bērziņš and Dina Avotiņa moved to the countryside to turn their hobby of sheep farming into a serious enterprise and a sustainable way of life.

The farm currently rears around 400 Latvian Dark-headed sheep, which produce high-quality lambs, as evidenced by its status as a breed farm. Work on the genetic resources of the Latvian Black-headed sheep is of particular importance at “Silva”, tthereby helping to preserve this important breed, which was developed in our country.

Management of natural meadows is one of the farm’s core values – in summer, the sheep graze freely in these ecologically valuable areas, whilst in winter they feast on the delicious and wholesome hay harvested there. This helps to preserve the meadows and maintain their rich biodiversity.  To ensure the sheep can graze the meadows safely, Silvās has devised unique solutions to protect them from wolf attacks – gas cannons, a car with a loud radio playing, but the most unusual solution is long-lasting Dubai perfumes, which, when “sprayed” on the sheep, make them less attractive to predators. This makes the “Silvas” flock a unique phenomenon in the Latvian countryside.

From October onwards, the farm owners welcome both groups and individual visitors to introduce them to life on a country farm and the day-to-day workings of sheep farming. The programme also includes a tasting of sheep meat products, which is a great opportunity for those who have not yet tried this flavour. Guests are also offered the chance to sample herbal tea made from plants gathered in natural meadows, as well as to try the farm’s own sheep’s fat spread, enriched with high-quality vegetable oils. And, should guests be feeling particularly peckish, the hosts will also serve up a hearty lamb soup.

Amongst natural meadow products, a special place is also held by sheep’s wool, which is showcased on the farm as an example of an unconventional yet practical application in thermal insulation, for therapeutic purposes and even as mulch, making it a modern and versatile asset. Thus, the meadow reveals itself not only as a source of fodder for sheep, but also as a source of inspiration and a sustainable resource for people. This offering organically complements the farm’s core value – the conservation and sustainable use of natural grasslands.

The meadows of Silvu and their bounty are an integral part of both the lives of sheep and people’s daily meals and lives.