The Nesvizh district was one of the first in the MINSK region to start an active harvest. Despite the surprises of the weather, the prospects for the harvest in the region are good. Excellent results are shown by the staff of OJSC "17 September". We looked at how local farmers are fighting for the harvest.
The main part of the revenue is MILKArtem Shestaperov has been the HEAD of JSC "September 17" for about three years, previously he worked in the SEC "Agrokombinat Snov". In a short time, the company under his leadership made a huge increase.– If you look at the results of 2022, they turned out to be very good, – the head of the business brings up to date. – We have completed all the tasks brought to us, achieved both a quantitative and qualitative increase in the main indicators. This applies to both main industries: crop production and animal husbandry.
Animal husbandry is a strategic branch of the enterprise. it is milk that provides the lion's share of the proceeds, which is subsequently used to develop the enterprise. In 2022, it was possible to milk 14.8 thousand tons of raw materials, which is almost 2 thousand tons more than a year earlier. High and medium milk yield - 9.6 thousand kg. Increased indicators for the cultivation of cattle .
- The average milk yield per cow per day is 26.9 liters of milk with a fat content of about 3.8%. The indicators are good, but we are striving to improve them. Of course, in a qualitative way, - added Artem Shestaperov.
The structure of JSC "September 17" includes two dairy complexes, a dairy farm and a complex for growing heifers. The total herd of cattle exceeds five and a half thousand heads.
Dairy farms are equipped with the most modern equipment.
The construction of livestock facilities is actively underway. Recently, a new dairy complex for 500 heads of cattle was put into operation , and special equipment was purchased at the same time.
Artem Shestaperov draws attention to the fact that in order to improve quality indicators, it is necessary to increase the dairy herd. Recently, the company laid the foundation for another dairy complex, which will house 800 heads of cattle.
This approach solves several problems at once. First of all, we will completely move away from the tethered management of the herd. Secondly, we will get the most modern infrastructure. And, in the end, we will be able to increase both the volumes and the quality of the raw materials received, - the head of the agricultural enterprise is sure.
His subordinates regularly attend relevant courses. Specialists even go abroad for new skills.
- Animal husbandry does not stand still. Today it is a high-tech industry that requires high competencies. I believe that every specialist should develop in the profession, then there will be a result, - the head of the enterprise shares the secret of success.
They worked as they should!In these hot August days, the attention of the leadership of "September 17" is focused on the harvest. In short moments of respite, we communicate with the chief agronomist Alexander Antonchik, who notes that the harvesting campaign has started according to the deadlines.
“During the spring drought, there were certain unrest,” the chief agronomist admits. – If winter crops felt good, then the state of spring crops forced us to worry. However, we have experience and a good material base. Together we overcame difficult moments and started harvesting.
The basis of the grain wedge in the economy is winter wheat. Among oil plants, rapeseed is the leader - every year the area of crops is increased by 70 hectares. Spring crops are represented by barley.
– The process of crop growth, excluding drought, was normal. All fertilizers were applied on time, chemical weeding and other manipulations were carried out. Their success is shown by the numbers. On the second of August, the total threshed is about 5.6 thousand tons with a yield of 66 centners per hectare, - Oleksandr Antonchik cites the figures and notes: the crop will be harvested on time and with high quality. Then the specialists of the enterprise will start harvesting corn and mowing grasses.
– Intensive work will continue. And there it’s not far to sowing winter crops, - the chief agronomist concluded.
We continue the conversation with Pavel Yaroshevich. The young man works at JSC "September 17" as a chief engineer. When asked about the preparation of equipment for harvesting, he answers succinctly and briefly: they worked as they should!
Of course, not without difficulties. Still, technology requires close attention. Before the harvest, all combines, tractors and other auxiliary equipment underwent a full technical service. It is necessary to minimize the likelihood of breakage during work. The process is very important, - the expert notes.
Pavel Yaroshevich is one of many young cadres. A few years ago he graduated from BGATU and went to work at JSC "September 17". Happy with my choice.
“After all, these places are dear to me,” the chief engineer admits. – The second aspect is the trust of the management. It is very captivating, because in this way I can show my best skills and gain the necessary experience. Of course, for a young specialist, wages are important. At our enterprise, if you work responsibly and fulfill the assigned tasks, you can earn much more than the average salary in the country with your skills.
The harvested grain is delivered to the grain drying complex of the enterprise. Vitaliy Grebenko tells about the specifics of the ZSK-30 dryer:
– The drying process directly depends on the moisture content of the incoming grain. If the indicator is in the range of 18–19%, then one download takes an average of three hours. If the humidity is higher, then it will take much more time. In general, when the harvest starts, we work almost around the clock. On rare days, the dryer stops at two or three in the morning, the specialist explains.
The young man has been working at the enterprise for several years. He says that there are all opportunities for development, career growth and high salaries. All domestic problems of the team have been resolved.
– Our work from the outside may seem rather monotonous. In fact, many factors influence the ultimate success. And every year is special for us. Suffice it to recall how events unfolded this spring. The prolonged drought seemed to spoil the harvest greatly. But by joint efforts we managed to turn the situation in the right direction, - says Vitaliy Hrebenko.
Seven crews of combines are involved in grain harvesting at JSC "September 17". Almost all equipment is of domestic production. Senior combine operator Alexander Demidovich notes the reliability of Belarusian samples.
– From my own experience I see how our technique is changing for the better. Manufacturers are now thinking not only about increasing the efficiency of harvesting or introducing new technologies, but also about the convenience of machine operators. Compared to previous models, the ergonomics of the workplace is much better thought out. There are also air conditioners. Even in the hottest weather, being in the cab is comfortable.
Each harvest, the combiner notes, is akin to a small battle.
“Our business is to harvest the grain in a quality and timely manner. We understand how important this is for the country and people. In our turbulent times, we need to make sure that Belarusians are provided with their own bread. We do everything in our power, - the mechanic summed up.
Dinner is served!What is the most important thing during a harvesting campaign? The majority will answer: serviceable equipment and decent wages. But it is equally important to feed the field workers tasty and satisfying. With what in JSC "September 17" - full order. It has its own recently renovated dining room, new equipment has been purchased for it, with the help of which chefs can prepare about a hundred delicious meals every day - personally verified.
- We compose the diet in such a way that dishes are repeated as rarely as possible. Of course, we rely on their satiety and taste. Suffering requires a lot of strength, which must be replenished in time. And our men are very fond of eating, - the head of the dining room smiles.
Machine operators deliver food directly to the workplace - to the fields. By the way, the cost of lunch is quite small, employees pay only 10% of the total amount.
With thoughts of the futureNow the whole team is focused on the harvesting campaign. It, however, if weather conditions permit, will be completed in a fairly short time. Artem Shestaperov is already making plans for the future.
“There are a number of important issues that need to be addressed by the end of the year. Harvesting corn, mowing grass, sowing winter crops are capacious and strategic goals that we cannot neglect. Therefore, painstaking work will continue after the harvest. We will do our best to make our contribution to the country's food security, - concluded the DIRECTOR of JSC "17 September".
Animal husbandry is a strategic sector of the economy. It is milk that provides the lion's share of the proceeds, which is subsequently used to develop the enterprise.
The company takes care of retaining staff in the field. The construction of a 4-apartment building in the agro-town Vysokaya Lipa has recently been completed. In addition, JSC "September 17" is famous for its social policy.
For employees, various payments are provided for significant holidays and state dates. The enterprise actively participates in the life of the region, next year the agro-town Vysokaya Lipa will host the regional Dazhynki.
In 2022, agrarians of 17 September OJSC managed to harvest 14 thousand tons of haylage and more than 33 thousand tons of silage. Artem Shestaperov notes that this is one of the fundamental components of the company's success.
- There will be high-quality feed - there will be high-quality milk and MEAT . For a modern agricultural economy, the livestock sector is important. After all, it makes up about 80% of the total profit of the enterprise.
A large part of the company's land is occupied by SUGAR beets. This year they went on an experiment, sowing 10 hectares with varieties of Russian-Belarusian selection. By the way, in 2022, the sugar beet harvest amounted to more than 18 thousand tons. Almost the entire volume is sent for processing to neighboring Gorodeya, where one of the country's largest plants for the production of sugar and related products operates.
Nicholas SNOW
Photo by Ramil NASIBULIN