About Us
For many years, we have been growing high-quality willow rods for weavers who value natural authenticity, durability, and aesthetics. We work responsibly—from soil care to harvest preparation—to ensure you receive only dependable raw materials for your craft.
In the village of Jankai (Kazlų Rūda municipality), farmer Raimedas Kantautas, has been growing basket willows for rods since 2000. It is a crop rarely seen in Lithuanian fields today. The farmer’s family prepares the willow rods for sale over the winter—part of the harvest is purchased by Lithuanian weavers, while the majority is exported to neighboring countries.
I am Raimedas Kantautas, a farmer from Jankai village in Kazlų Rūda municipality, fostering willow growing traditions for more than 20 years. My journey began at AB Kauno „Žilvitis“, where I gained invaluable experience that later helped me build my own farm.
Since 2000, basket willows have thrived in our fields, making willow rod cultivation the farm’s core focus. Currently, our willow fields cover around 10 hectares, and we produce over 2 million rods per season. Most of them are exported abroad—to Italy, Poland, Latvia, and Germany.
Growing willow is a meticulous, labor-intensive craft: from planting, weeding, and harvesting to steaming, stripping the bark, drying, and grading. Every rod is prepared with passion and dedication to deliver the highest quality to weavers and artisans.
Our willow rods are used not only for traditional basketry and woven wares, but also for landscaping—living fences and ornamental accents. They are also chosen for creative projects, such as the unique Easter installation in Kėdainiai, for which we supplied the willow.
Although willow growing is becoming an increasingly rare trade in Lithuania, we believe in the value of this heritage and strive to preserve and nurture the tradition. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in our willow products or wish to learn more about this craft.
