OAO "Shaiterovo", which recently celebrated its 95th anniversary, is among the best in the northern region in terms of yield, gross grain harvest, and livestock farming. The agricultural enterprise has been inscribed on the Honour Board of Verkhnedvinsk district, multiple times on that of Vitebsk region, and twice on the national one. In the four months since the beginning of the year, it has generated a net profit of over 400,000 rubles. The profitability level from the sales of pig farming products is 11 percent, and from milk – about 30 percent. There is always room for growth, believes the farm's director Mikhail Gusnenkov, referring to the increase in processing capacities, systematic modernisation, and the introduction of new promising facilities.
Balance of opportunities and prospects: JSC "Shaiterovo" of Verkhnedvinsk district
The staff of OJSC "Shaiterovo" numbers over 400 people, the majority of whom live in the settlement of the same name. The company specialises in the production of meat and dairy products, and grain, as stated by the head:
— Our agricultural land covers more than 5.7 thousand hectares, including about 3.7 thousand hectares of arable land. We have sufficient grain and leguminous crops to meet the needs of our livestock farming: a complex for 24 thousand pigs, 2.4 thousand head of cattle, of which 815 are dairy cows.
The impressive livestock population, with one of the highest densities per 100 hectares of agricultural land in the region, must be well-fed. Our own compound feed plant helps to solve this pressing issue. The diet is balanced with premixes containing essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, explains Mikhail Petrovich:
— We are modernising the plant as much as possible, understanding that it is not just about profit, but, most importantly, about quality. We are confident in our compound feeds: every day we see the results in weight gain and milk yield. In 2023, the average annual milk yield per cow reached 8.5 thousand kilograms. In the last four months, a typical cow produced 2578 kg – an increase of 100 kg compared to the same period in 2022. Average daily weight gain at the pig complex has also increased: over 800 grams during fattening.
By the end of the year, OJSC "Shaiterovo" anticipates a significant event – the commissioning of a farm near the village of Zhiguli. This will be the first dairy complex in the enterprise's history. With the proper approach and care, it will elevate the farm's milk yield to over 9 thousand kilograms per cow per year. More than 11 million rubles will be invested in its construction. Of this, 8 million will be from credit resources, and another 3.3 million of budget funds will be allocated to the facility's infrastructure: roads, electricity, and gas supply. By August, the Shaiterovo team will commission two buildings for the dairy herd, and by the end of the year – a milking parlour. Practically half of the herd will be relocated to the complex, which is being built ahead of schedule.
The head of the enterprise identifies the pig complex for 24 thousand head as the driver of growth. In 2023, with an additional 300 tonnes, it produced over 4.8 thousand tonnes of live-weight meat. Despite all the challenges, pig farming is not standing still, reflects Mikhail Gumennkov:
— We are investing considerable funds in the development of the pig complex, doing much of the work ourselves. This work is not always visible, but it is absolutely necessary. As is the construction of a farrowing unit for 1.5 thousand sows. This project, approved by the regional leadership, is expected to be a real breakthrough for the enterprise.I, its tomorrow, thanks to which we will be able to work and earn in a new way.
It is clear that such a large-scale idea cannot be implemented with one's own funds alone. The farm counts on state support. After all, the facility is an investment in the future, both for OJSC "Shaiterovo" itself and for the region, and for the villagers who work at the enterprise.
— We are investing considerable funds in the development of the pig complex, doing a lot in-house. This work is not visible, but it is simply necessary. Just like the construction of a breeder for 1.5 thousand sows. The project, approved by the regional leadership, should become a real breakthrough for the enterprise, its tomorrow, thanks to which we will be able to work and earn in a new way.
Maximum Harvest
The average yield of grain crops at OJSC "Shaiterovo" in 2023 was about 50 centners per hectare. We took silver at the regional "Dazhynki", chief agronomist Viktor Golovach is pleased:
— Spring wheat yielded the best – almost 60 centners per hectare. This year, out of 2.6 thousand hectares of winter crops, more than 2 thousand were preserved by spring, including 400 hectares of winter barley, which is twice as much compared to last season. As an experiment, we sowed about 80 hectares of alfalfa, which we will ensile. We are also sowing triticale with winter wheat, whose growing season is just right for our northern region. To ensure balanced feeding for our livestock, we strive for maximum yields.
Viktor Viktorovich emphasizes:
— This year we should feel the return from the grain drying complex built in 2023 with a drying capacity of 60 tons per hour. The machinery fleet has also been updated, which has been replenished with grain harvesting and forage harvesting combines, a "Belarus" tractor, and attached equipment.
Delicacies with a Quality Mark
The delicious products of the meat processing shop of OJSC "Shaiterovo" need no introduction. More than 150 of its items are sold in the company's branded stores in Novopolotsk, Polotsk, Verkhnedvinsk, Vitebsk, and the agro-town itself. Mobile trade is organised not only in Verkhnedvinsk district but also in the neighbouring Polotsk and Miory districts. The daily shipment volume is about 5 tonnes of meat semi-finished products and 3 tonnes of finished products.
All kinds of smoked products, a range of head cheese, brawn, ham, pâtés, raw semi-finished products – all are natural, made from own raw materials, and therefore, quality-assured. That's why customers love them. Since this year, OJSC "Shaiterovo" has started producing boiled sausages, frankfurters, and wieners, says Dmitry Sinyavsky, head of production at the meat processing shop:
— To be competitive, we are expanding the range, adding new flavourings and spices. We recently acquired special equipment for vacuum packaging – another step in development. We are not chasing large volumes: it is much more important to maintain customer trust. Fresh raw materials and technology using "grandmother's" principles also help in this. For smoking, we use natural alder, not liquid smoke; we make pickles and sausages only with the addition of salt and natural spices (garlic, caraway, coriander). No GMOs, soy, or starch!
By the way, delicacies from OJSC "Shaiterovo" have been appreciated not only by Belarusians. Among the regular customers of the new branded store, opened this year in the agro-town, are Russians and people from the Baltic states.
For oneself and for others
OJSC "Shaiterovo" has many dynasties. Mikhail Gumnenkov, an agronomist by inheritance, understands well that all conditions must be created to attract young people to work in the land:
— We guarantee decent wages, housing, and a social package. Under the presidential programme and using our own resources, we build housing for employees, and we buy and renovate dilapidated houses in the agro-town. Last year, our fund was replenished with two apartments in a newly commissioned five-storey building in Verkhnedvinsk.
It has become a good tradition for OJSC "Shaiterovo" to sponsor infrastructure facilities – the rural House of Culture, the school, and the kindergarten. The enterprise is also proud of its own health and wellness complex, opened more than ten years ago. Not only the farm's employees can use the gym and fitness room, play billiards and table tennis – those who wish come even from neighbouring villages.