Last year, the average milk yield per cow in the farms of the Vitebsk region reached almost 4.5 thousand kg of milk, which is the best indicator in the region's history. "Vitebskiye Vesti" asked Gennady Sabinich, First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, to comment on how this record result was achieved.
– It should be noted that by the end of 2023, the productivity of the dairy herd was 4226 kg per cow, which was also the highest indicator in history. For 2024, we have taken another step forward. If previously the Vitebsk region was last in the country in terms of milk yield per cow, then in recent years we have strengthened our position to fourth place. There are no secrets. First of all, this is targeted work on herd reproduction, increasing the productivity of fodder fields and fodder procurement, enhancing local responsibility in matters of technological and production discipline, and training personnel at all levels to improve professional qualities.
– What are the results across farms and districts?
– We must acknowledge the farms that have maintained high performance for several years. In 2023, the average milk yield per cow at SPC "Larinovka" in the Orsha district was 13,252 kg, which was the best indicator in the country. For 2024 (according to operational data), the farm increased its yield by 355 kg, reaching 13,608 kg. Over 11 thousand kg of milk per cow was obtained at SHP "MazolovoGaz" UP "Vitebskoblgaz", at OJSC "Agrokombinat "Yubileyniy" in the Orsha district – 10,010 kg (an increase of 1400 kg), at OJSC "Khotily-Agro" in the Postavy district – 9667 kg (+465 kg), at OJSC "Shayterovo" in the Verkhnedvinsk district – 8644 kg. Among the districts, the Orsha district overcame the seven-thousand mark with an increase of 1074 kg, while the Vitebsk and Gorodok districts exceeded the six-thousand mark.
– How is the modernization of the livestock industry progressing?
– Currently, we have 537 dairy farms and complexes in operation, of which 98 are modern (they house about 36% of the dairy herd; the rest are on non-technological, outdated farms). In 2024, the construction of 13 dairy complexes was underway; by the end of the year, 11 were commissioned, and the construction of another 10 dairy complexes for 7.8 thousand head began. Thus, by 2026, more than 45% of the dairy herd will be housed in modern complexes.
– What are the objectives for 2025?
– Of course, we do not intend to rest on our laurels; the results achieved are quite modest, and we have room for improvement. It is important to understand that livestock productivity is not an indicator for its own sake, but the main financial source for each farm, and in turn, raw material for our processing enterprises, ensuring their capacity utilization and, subsequently, stocking shop shelves, and budget formation. Work on the construction and reconstruction of livestock facilities will continue. A high bar has been set for the quantity and quality of harvested fodder, and for increasing the productivity of fodder fields through expanded sowings of alfalfa, corn, and clover. Prospects have been outlined for improving herd reproduction and many other tasks that will lead to increased livestock productivity and milk production growth, thereby achieving financial results that strengthen the region's economy.