As part of a study tour organized on the occasion of the AGRA International Fair in Gornja Radgona, around thirty journalists from Serbia visited one of the most advanced farms in Slovenia – ŽIPO Lenart. The visit was arranged in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia, and the hosts presented how agricultural production looks when tradition, innovation, and environmental responsibility come together.
Livestock Production Base
ŽIPO Lenart operates on about 870 hectares of land and raises approximately 1,400 head of cattle. The diet is based on corn silage, ground grain, straw, and mineral-vitamin supplements. Livestock farming is fully integrated with crop production, creating a closed cycle in which every resource is utilized.
The farm employs 25 workers year-round, with the number rising to around 40 during the season. What particularly distinguishes this farm is its ability to provide jobs throughout the year – a rarity in traditional agriculture.
Innovation – Straw Processing
One of the farm’s most striking activities is straw processing, initially launched as an idea to provide work during the “dead season.” Over time, it has become an independent branch operating 365 days a year.
Straw is processed into specialized products – bedding for horses, as well as feed supplements. A 20-kg bale sells for around €7.5, and over 90% of production is exported to Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, with a smaller portion reaching the Slovenian and Croatian markets.
Crop Production and Heavy Soil Challenges
Beyond livestock, crop farming plays a key role. The majority of fields are heavy clay soils with 45–70% clay content. This soil type retains moisture well during drought but becomes difficult to work in wet years.
Over the last decade, the farm shifted from traditional plowing to subsoiling and shallow tillage, reducing fuel and labor use by 50%, increasing humus levels, and lowering erosion risks.
Precision Agriculture – The Future of Farming
ŽIPO Lenart has fully embraced precision agriculture. With SoilOptics technology, soil is analyzed every 12 m², providing detailed maps of pH values, humus content, and nutrient composition. Based on this, variable sowing and fertilization are applied, ensuring optimal use of seeds and fertilizers.
All combines are equipped with yield mapping systems, allowing for post-harvest analysis of field performance. Real-time monitoring systems track fuel consumption and machinery efficiency, maximizing productivity.
Crop Rotation and Green Cover
In line with EU ecological standards, fields are never left bare. After harvesting wheat or corn, cover crops such as buckwheat, alfalfa, or mixed blends are sown, providing a green cover during winter. This protects soil fertility and is also a requirement for subsidies.
This system has delivered strong results:
-
wheat yields increased by about 10%,
-
corn by 15–20%,
-
Soy, previously unsuitable for heavy soils, now achieves excellent results.
Regenerative Agriculture
ŽIPO Lenart is recognized as a pioneer of regenerative agriculture in Slovenia. This model goes beyond sustainability – not only preserving resources but actively regenerating them.
Soil is managed to increase organic matter and biodiversity, while reliance on chemicals is reduced. Instead, manure and green cover crops ensure natural soil fertility.
This approach creates a closed-loop system: crop production feeds livestock, livestock provides manure for fields, and by-products like straw gain added value.
Science and Development
The farm also serves as a research and development center, employing PhDs and master’s graduates who work with universities and institutes across Slovenia and Europe.
Lessons for the Region
For visiting Serbian journalists, ŽIPO Lenart offered a valuable lesson: agriculture can be profitable while respecting nature and applying cutting-edge technology.
ŽIPO Lenart proves that the future of farming lies in smart resource management – ensuring every hectare and every kilogram is turned into value.
