Bouncing Back After the Devastating Storm: The Kild family in Tukums district raises cattle, rabbits, and chickens
The Kild family in Tukums, Latvia, is recovering from a devastating storm as they expand their farm and dream of boosting local tourism.
In the Tukums district of Latvia, the Kild family is gradually rebuilding their farm after suffering severe damage from a recent storm. Their 25-hectare farm, known as 'Zvirgzdiņi', consists of dairy cows, beef cattle, chickens, and rabbits. The family has worked hard to rehabilitate the land, which was previously abandoned and overgrown, and to restore the infrastructure that was left in ruins after the storm. Mairita, a member of the family, recounted how it was once a desolate place where valuable materials had been stripped away, and the buildings had deteriorated significantly.
With their farm expanding, the Kilds faced space limitations at their parents' home and sought to purchase additional land from the previous owners of a former farmstead. This decision was spurred by the need for space to store grains and cattle, as the family found themselves lacking room to operate efficiently. Their persistence to acquire the farm and land has allowed them to stabilize their operations, and they have plans for future developments, including the potential for tourism, to benefit from their location and unique agricultural setup.
The resilience of the Kild family reflects broader themes in rural Latvia, where many local farmers are striving to overcome obstacles posed by nature while also enhancing their livelihoods through diversified offerings. By turning their focus towards tourism, they hope to attract visitors and create a sustainable business model that supports their community and intensifies interest in local agricultural practices.