Valentin Yashchenko, a machine operator from UP "Rudakovo" of Vitebsk district, has become the first thousand-tonner in the grain harvest in the Vitebsk region.

The combine operator has 18 years of experience in the agricultural sector, six of which he has worked at "Rudakovo". Valentin Yashchenko admitted that this is his first time becoming a leading grain grower in the region; previously, he had been the leader in grain harvesting in Vitebsk district for three consecutive years. In just six days, he managed to thresh his first thousand tons in the current harvest, surpassing contenders from other districts of the Vitebsk region. "Perhaps it's luck," the harvest hero modestly replied when asked what helped him take first place. To achieve this result, Valentin worked from early morning until late evening, finishing his work even after 11 p.m. Fortunately, the lighting on the combine allows him to work even after dark.

The most challenging aspect of a combine operator's job is the responsibility for the harvest, which determines the well-being of the farm, the region, and the country. Harvesting on time, not missing the moment, using every favourable hour, not just day, – and the result will not be long in coming. The charming machine operator also spoke about his achievement without fanfare – it is pleasant to have become the first in the region. By the way, the experienced combine operator is very happy with the current harvest; he says his soul rejoices when he drives through a ripe and dense sea of grain.

Valentin Yashchenko is a father of three children. His eldest son, who is 15 years old, is applying for automotive electrician studies this year. He does not intend to follow in his father's footsteps, and the thousand-tonnes harvester operator does not insist on it either. Although the work during the harvest is honourable, it is not easy and not for everyone. The management of the agricultural enterprise cares for its employees as if they were their own, providing them with work clothes, lunches and dinners, which are brought directly to the field so as not to distract the harvester operators from the main task – to gather the harvest and provide the country with grain. The thousand-tonnes harvester operator wished his colleagues fruitful work and noted that any effort is worth it to get a rich loaf of bread.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by