Gennady Sabynich: "In 2024 the best figure for average milk yield per cow will be achieved in farms of the Vitebsk region."
In the past year, the average milk yield per cow in the farms of Vitebsk region was almost 4.5 thousand kg, which is the best indicator in the history of the region. "Vitebsk News" asked the first deputy chairman of the regional executive committee, Gennady Sabynich, to comment on how this record result was achieved.
– It should be noted that according to the results of 2023, the productivity of the dairy herd was 4226 kg per cow, which was also the highest indicator in history, and for 2024 we have made another step forward. If earlier Vitebsk region was at the bottom of the country in terms of milk yield per cow, in recent years we have strengthened our position in fourth place. There are no secrets. First of all, it is purposeful work on herd reproduction, increasing the productivity of the feed area and forage preparation, enhancing responsibility at the local level in matters of technological and production discipline, and training personnel at all levels to improve professional qualities.
– What are the results in terms of farms and regions?
– It is worth noting the farms that have had high indicators for several years. In 2023, the average milk yield per cow in the agricultural production cooperative "Larinovka" of the Orsha district was 13,252 kg, which was the best indicator in the country. For 2024 (according to operational data), the farm increased by 355 kg, and the yield was 13,608 kg. More than 11 thousand kg of milk per cow were obtained in the agricultural production cooperative "Mazolovogaz" of the Vitebsk regional gas company, in the joint-stock company "Agrocomplex Jubilee" of the Orsha district – 10,010 kg (with an increase of 1400 kg), in the joint-stock company "Khotyly-Agro" of the Postavy district – 9667 kg (+465 kg), in the joint-stock company "Shaiterovo" of the Verkhnyadzvinsk district – 8644 kg. Among the regions, the Orsha district has crossed the seven-thousand mark with an increase of 1074 kg, while the Vitebsk and Gorodok districts have exceeded the six-thousand mark.
– How is the modernization of the livestock industry progressing?
– Today we have 537 dairy farms and complexes operating, of which 98 are modern (they house about 36% of the dairy herd, the rest are on outdated non-technological farms). In 2024, the construction of 13 dairy complexes was underway, by the end of the year 11 were put into operation, and the construction of another 10 dairy complexes for 7.8 thousand heads has begun. Thus, by 2026, more than 45% of the dairy herd will be housed in modern complexes.
– What are the tasks for 2025?
– Of course, we do not intend to stop at the achieved results, they are quite modest, and we have much to strive for. It is important to understand that livestock productivity is not an indicator for the sake of an indicator, but the main financial source for each farm and, in turn, raw materials for our processing enterprises, loading their capacities and subsequently filling the shelves of stores, forming the budget. Work will continue on the construction and reconstruction of livestock facilities. A high bar has been set for the quantity and quality of harvested feed, increasing the productivity of the feed area by increasing the sowing of alfalfa, corn, and clover. Prospects are outlined for improving herd reproduction and many other tasks that will lead to increased herd productivity, growth in milk production, which will allow for a financial result that strengthens the region's economy.