Balance of Opportunities and Prospects: OJSC "Shaiterovo" of Verkhnedvinsk District
JSC "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 Honor Board of the Verkhnedvinsk district, multiple times on the Vitebsk region's board, and twice on the republican board. In the four months since the beginning of the year, the company has generated a net profit of over 400 thousand rubles. The profitability of pork sales is 11 percent, and milk sales are around 30 percent. There is always room for growth, believes the farm's director, Mikhail Gusnenkov, referring to the increase in processing capacities, systematic modernization, and the introduction of new promising facilities.
Director Mikhail Gumnenkov
A Comprehensive Approach
OAO "Shaiterovo" employs over 400 people, most of whom live in the settlement of the same name. The company specializes in the production of meat, dairy products, and grain, as stated by the head:
— Our agricultural land spans over 5.7 thousand hectares, with approximately 3.7 thousand hectares of arable land. The grain and legume acreage is sufficient to meet the needs of our livestock farming: a complex for 24,000 pigs, 2,400 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. A dedicated feed mill helps to address this crucial issue. The diet is balanced with premixes containing essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, as explained by Mikhail Petrovich:
— We are modernizing the mill as much as possible, understanding that it's not just about profit, but, most importantly, about quality. We are confident in our feed: we see the results in daily weight gains and milk yields. In 2023, the average annual milk yield per cow reached 8.5 thousand kilograms. Over 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 gains at the pig complex have also increased, exceeding 800 grams during fattening.
By the end of the year, OAO "Shaiterovo" anticipates a significant milestone – the commissioning of a new farm near the village of Zhiguli. This will be the enterprise's first dairy complex. With proper management and care, it is expected to boost the farm's milk yield to over 9,000 kilograms per cow per year. Over 11 million rubles will be invested in its construction. Of this amount, 8 million will be financed by loans, and an additional 3.3 million in budget funds will be allocated to the facility's infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and gas supply. By August, the Shaiterovo team will complete two buildings for the dairy herd, and by the end of the year, the milking parlor. Approximately half of the current herd will be relocated to the complex, which is being built ahead of schedule.
The head of the enterprise identifies the pig complex, designed for 24,000 head, as a key driver of growth. In 2023, with an additional 300 tons, the complex produced over 4.8 thousand tons of live-weight meat.despite all the difficulties, pig farming is not standing still, says Mikhail Gummenkov:
— We are investing considerable funds in the development of the pig complex, doing a lot ourselves. This work is not visible, but it is simply necessary. As is the construction of a farrowing house for 1.5 thousand sows. The project, approved by the regional leadership, should become a real breakthrough for the enterprise, its future, 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 own funds alone. The farm counts on state support. After all, the facility is an investment in the future, both for OJSC "Shaiterovo" and the region itself, and for the villagers who work at the enterprise.
A Comprehensive Approach
OAO "Shaiterovo" employs over 400 people, most of whom live in the settlement of the same name. The company specializes in the production of meat, dairy products, and grain, as stated by the head:— Our agricultural land spans over 5.7 thousand hectares, with approximately 3.7 thousand hectares of arable land. The grain and legume acreage is sufficient to meet the needs of our livestock farming: a complex for 24,000 pigs, 2,400 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. A dedicated feed mill helps to address this crucial issue. The diet is balanced with premixes containing essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, as explained by Mikhail Petrovich:
— We are modernizing the mill as much as possible, understanding that it's not just about profit, but, most importantly, about quality. We are confident in our feed: we see the results in daily weight gains and milk yields. In 2023, the average annual milk yield per cow reached 8.5 thousand kilograms. Over 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 gains at the pig complex have also increased, exceeding 800 grams during fattening.
By the end of the year, OAO "Shaiterovo" anticipates a significant milestone – the commissioning of a new farm near the village of Zhiguli. This will be the enterprise's first dairy complex. With proper management and care, it is expected to boost the farm's milk yield to over 9,000 kilograms per cow per year. Over 11 million rubles will be invested in its construction. Of this amount, 8 million will be financed by loans, and an additional 3.3 million in budget funds will be allocated to the facility's infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and gas supply. By August, the Shaiterovo team will complete two buildings for the dairy herd, and by the end of the year, the milking parlor. Approximately half of the current herd will be relocated to the complex, which is being built ahead of schedule.
The head of the enterprise identifies the pig complex, designed for 24,000 head, as a key driver of growth. In 2023, with an additional 300 tons, the complex produced over 4.8 thousand tons of live-weight meat.despite all the difficulties, pig farming is not standing still, says Mikhail Gummenkov:
— We are investing considerable funds in the development of the pig complex, doing a lot ourselves. This work is not visible, but it is simply necessary. As is the construction of a farrowing house for 1.5 thousand sows. The project, approved by the regional leadership, should become a real breakthrough for the enterprise, its future, 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 own funds alone. The farm counts on state support. After all, the facility is an investment in the future, both for OJSC "Shaiterovo" and the region itself, and for the villagers who work at the enterprise.
— We are investing considerable funds in the development of the pig complex, doing a lot ourselves. This work is not visible, but it is simply necessary. As is the construction of a farrowing house for 1.5 thousand sows. The project, approved by the regional leadership, should become a real breakthrough for the enterprise, its future, thanks to which we will be able to work and earn in a new way.
Seller Natalia Dokhoter.
— 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 survived 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, replenished with grain harvesting and forage harvesting combines, a "Belarus" tractor, and mounted equipment.
Maximum Harvest
The average yield of grain crops at OJSC "Shaiterovo" in 2023 was about 50 centners per hectare. They took silver at the regional "Dazhynki" festival, and 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 survived 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, replenished with grain harvesting and forage harvesting combines, a "Belarus" tractor, and mounted equipment.
Larisa Alesko, formulator.
All kinds of smoked products, a range of jellied meat, head cheese, ham, pates, raw semi-finished products – all are natural, made from own raw materials, and therefore, with a quality mark. That's why customers love them. Since this year, OJSC "Shaiterovo" has launched the production of boiled sausages, frankfurters, and wieners, says Dmitry Sinyavsky, head of production at the meat processing shop:
— To be competitive, we are expanding our product range, adding new seasonings 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 with 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.
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 organized not only in Verkhnedvinsk but also in the neighboring Polotsk and Miory districts. The daily shipment volume is about 5 tons of meat semi-finished products and 3 tons of finished products.All kinds of smoked products, a range of jellied meat, head cheese, ham, pates, raw semi-finished products – all are natural, made from own raw materials, and therefore, with a quality mark. That's why customers love them. Since this year, OJSC "Shaiterovo" has launched the production of boiled sausages, frankfurters, and wieners, says Dmitry Sinyavsky, head of production at the meat processing shop:
— To be competitive, we are expanding our product range, adding new seasonings 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 with 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.
Meat grinder operator Ivan Grigoriev.
For oneself and for others
There are many dynasties in OJSC "Shaiterovo". Mikhail Gumnenkov, a hereditary agronomist himself, understands well that all conditions must be created to attract young people to work in the fields:
— We guarantee a decent salary, housing, and social benefits. Under the presidential program and at our own expense, we build housing for employees, buy and renovate dilapidated houses in the agro-town. Last year, our fund was replenished with two apartments in a newly commissioned five-story building in Verkhnedvinsk.
It has become a good tradition for OJSC "Shaiterovo" to patronize infrastructure institutions — the rural House of Culture, the school, and the kindergarten. The enterprise is also proud of its own health complex, opened more than ten years ago. Not only the farm workers can use the gym and gymnastics halls, play billiards and table tennis — those who wish come even from neighboring villages.
For oneself and for others
There are many dynasties in OJSC "Shaiterovo". Mikhail Gumnenkov, a hereditary agronomist himself, understands well that all conditions must be created to attract young people to work in the fields:— We guarantee a decent salary, housing, and social benefits. Under the presidential program and at our own expense, we build housing for employees, buy and renovate dilapidated houses in the agro-town. Last year, our fund was replenished with two apartments in a newly commissioned five-story building in Verkhnedvinsk.
It has become a good tradition for OJSC "Shaiterovo" to patronize infrastructure institutions — the rural House of Culture, the school, and the kindergarten. The enterprise is also proud of its own health complex, opened more than ten years ago. Not only the farm workers can use the gym and gymnastics halls, play billiards and table tennis — those who wish come even from neighboring villages.
Thermistor Dmitry Paniznik.