... As the elder Zuika reasons, trees in the forest and grain in the fields are influenced by the same factors — soil, moisture, warmth, and light. Therefore, forestry is the same kind of business as grain cultivation, only slower — not with a yearly cycle, but one of decades. It is precisely for sustainable management that Dārznieki received the highest award in the forestry sector, the "Zelta čiekurs".

To work in the forest wisely, one must learn a great deal and at times take risks by trying less conventional practices. The cultivation of energy wood is one of these. Dainis went to learn and master the Swedish experience in cultivating fast-growing tree species. On his farm, he established forest plantations of willows, poplars, grey alders, and birches on over one hundred hectares of meadows unsuitable for agriculture. They grew deciduous seedlings themselves and gave advice to other forest plantation enthusiasts at seminars...