More than 1.1 million tons of haylage need to be harvested in the Vitebsk region
As noted by the head of the region, Nikolai Sherstnev, today at a meeting of the regional executive committee, to achieve the required result, it is necessary to start addressing issues of feeding fodder crops, organize the plowing of unproductive grasses, and clearly consider staffing for mowing and the effective use of modern technologies.
According to Ivan Fedorov, Chairman of the Committee for Agriculture and Food of the Regional Executive Committee, taking into account the needs of public animal husbandry for pasture feed for the summer period, the first mowing of 260 thousand hectares of grasses is to be harvested, and at least 670 thousand tons of feed units are to be procured. To ensure a balanced nutritional feed base, it is necessary to harvest the first mowing of grasses in about two weeks, while strictly adhering to all necessary technological methods.
Special attention should be paid to the procurement of high-quality feed, for which agricultural organizations have 53 combined balers with simultaneous wrapping of feed with netting and stretch film. For the effective use of modern technology, the output per unit of such equipment should be at least 2.5 thousand tons of haylage. "These issues must be under special control, and the operation of balers must be organized around the clock," noted Ivan Fedorov.
During the procurement period, it is planned to involve 639 forage harvesters, about 1.3 thousand tractor mowers, and 686 rakes, with their readiness, as of April 27, being generally slightly above 60%.
Equipment must be prepared in a timely manner, and staffing issues with machine operators must be resolved. In addition, mobile teams and units of the most qualified specialists will be created for the feed procurement period to promptly eliminate equipment malfunctions in the field. They must be equipped with transport and provided with mobile communication.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION: The grassland area covers more than 577 thousand hectares, including perennial grasses – 155 thousand hectares, improved pastures – 318.3 thousand hectares. In addition, 70 thousand hectares of corn for silage and more than 34 thousand hectares of annual crops are to be sown.