Nikolai Sherstnev's visit to Glubokoye: results of spring sowing and preparation for the fodder harvesting campaign
– During the plenary session and the practical part of the seminar in the fields of the agricultural branch "Proshkovo" of OJSC "Glubokoye Agroservice", we identified the main aspects on which the efficiency of agricultural production largely depends, – noted the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Nikolai Sherstnev in a conversation with journalists. – The Vitebsk region is an agrarian region, land is the foundation of our economy. Therefore, we should pay more attention to the existing resources in crop production, and grow primarily the product that brings maximum income.
The lands in different parts of the Vitebsk region differ significantly from each other. It would be a mistake for agricultural enterprises in, for example, Orsha, Tolochin, Glubokoye, and Sharkovshchina districts to, as they say, lump them all together. On some fields, rapeseed or peas grow better, on others – flax, perennial and annual grasses.
– This is what we should focus on in order to have an effective economy, to learn to earn money from agriculture, – emphasized Nikolai Nikolaevich. – Making competent decisions guarantees not only high profits but also the opportunity to develop regions and raise the village to a higher level.
The meeting was attended by chairmen of district executive committees, representatives of the regional agricultural committee, Vitebsk Concern "Meat and Dairy Products", heads of integration structures included in it, and heads of district agricultural committees. A wide range of issues were discussed, including the fact that thanks to the use of high-performance equipment with wide-cut combined trailed units, the farming culture in the fields of the Vitebsk region has significantly increased.
Analyzing the results of the spring sowing, Nikolai Sherstnev drew the attention of those gathered to the implementation of the regional executive committee's decision to increase sown areas and organize coordinated work in the fields.
The region's agricultural enterprises consumed significantly less fuel for spring field work than planned. Incidentally, fuel consumption per hectare of sown area in average integration structures was about 33 liters, while in some districts, twice as much was spent. This indicator indicates shortcomings in the organization of spring sowing.
Flagships of agricultural work
Mikhail Pridibailo, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee's Committee for Agriculture and Foodstuffs, characterizing the activities of Vitebsk region's integration structures, called them a strong support for agricultural districts, enabling the completion of agricultural work in the shortest possible time.
– It is a difficult task to switch from a directive management method to an economic one, – emphasized Mikhail Petrovich. – Issues of control, software, and some other aspects have not been fully worked out within the structures. It is very important that they act in accordance with the decisions of local authorities. Then we can talk about high production indicators in animal husbandry and crop production.
An important issue is the timely mowing of pastures. Eight districts of the region have started this work, and others will soon follow their example. Vladimir Mashero, First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee's Committee for Agriculture and Foodstuffs, listed the main technological requirements for livestock production, and separately focused on issues related to cattle population and production indicators of dairy farms built within the framework of the republican program for the development of the dairy industry.
– For the second year, we have been actively cooperating with lyceums and colleges, providing students with the opportunity to gain practical skills during fieldwork, and training highly qualified professionals, – continues Nikolay Sherstnev. – To this end, the practice period has been changed and extended to 5 months. However, out of 500 young people with the necessary documents, only 166 worked independently on the equipment. They need to be trusted more, given maximum attention, and provided with comfortable conditions.
At the same time, Nikolay Nikolaevich emphasized that the best motivation for rural workers is a high salary. And this, moreover, enhances the image of both the region, a specific agricultural enterprise, and this profession.
Consider All Nuances
Mikhail Pridybailo noted that there are no trifles in fieldwork, especially when it comes to harvesting silage in stretch film.
– The quality of forage crops is more important than the quantity, – emphasized Mikhail Petrovich. – To create a one-and-a-half-year supply, Vitebsk region farmers need to harvest more than 1.1 million tons of feed units, including 130 thousand tons of hay, more than 2 million tons of silage, 1.8 million tons of corn silage, and also 315 thousand tons of feed in polymer packaging. At the fields of the "Proshkovo" branch, we discussed all the nuances related to the storage of feed, which should not lose quality during storage. Moreover, we propose to introduce material liability for poorly harvested feed and to organize a strict quality control system. It is noteworthy that compared to last year, feed harvesting began three weeks earlier.
The practical part of the meeting took place at the field of the agricultural branch "Proshkovo", where the latest forage harvesting equipment was presented, including a mower made by Tiraspol Agrotechservice. This year, a modern technology of strip sowing of winter rapeseed and winter rye for silage is being tested in this farm.
The 100-hectare plot resembles a colorful mosaic. However, this simple technology, as assured by specialists, helps to prepare balanced feed with the necessary protein and sugar content. Previously conducted studies have shown that introducing 5 kg of such feed into the diet resulted in an increase of 2 liters of milk per cow.