For the production of elite group cheeses, Verkhnedvinsk dairy plant uses extra-class raw materials
Развитие Верхнедвинского маслосырзавода пока опережает возможности входящих в агрохолдинг сельхозпредприятий — сырьевая зона закрывает половину от потребности
Беларусь входит в пятерку крупнейших мировых экспортеров молочной продукции. Одну из ведущих позиций здесь занимают сыры, не уступающие по вкусовым характеристикам и качеству продуктам европейских брендов.
В списке наиболее известных за пределами страны переработчиков сельхозпродукции — Верхнедвинский маслосырзавод, головное предприятие одного из успешных агропромышленных объединений Витебщины.
Особенность агрохолдинга — входящие в его состав предприятия расположены в границах одного района. По сути, завод, как и прежде, работает со всеми хозяйствами Верхнедвинщины, но с семью из тринадцати сложились наиболее прочные отношения, основанные на взаимном интересе. Инвестирует средства в их развитие, чтобы максимально использовать ресурсы, возможности сырьевой зоны, сократить транспортные расходы на доставку сырья, при этом гарантировать его высокое качество. Это важно для снижения себестоимости продукции, повышения ее конкурентоспособности.
— Дисбаланс сохраняется, но это временно. У сельского хозяйства большие перспективы, а вложенные инвестиции дадут отд
The development of the Verkhnedvinsk butter and cheese factory is currently outpacing the capabilities of the agricultural enterprises within the agroholding — the raw material zone covers half of the demand.
Belarus is among the top five largest global exporters of dairy products. Cheeses, which are not inferior in taste and quality to European brands, hold one of the leading positions here.
Among the most well-known agricultural processors outside the country is the Verkhnedvinsk butter and cheese factory, the head enterprise of one of the successful agro-industrial associations in the Vitebsk region.
A feature of the agroholding is that its constituent enterprises are located within the boundaries of a single district. In essence, the factory, as before, works with all farms in Verkhnedvinsk district, but the most stable relationships, based on mutual interest, have been established with seven out of thirteen. It invests funds in their development to maximize the use of resources and the capabilities of the raw material zone, reduce transportation costs for raw material delivery, and guarantee its high quality. This is important for reducing the cost of production and increasing its competitiveness.
"The imbalance persists, but it is temporary. Agriculture has great prospects, and the invested funds will yield results.in the next three to four years. On average, the profitability of milk sales in agricultural enterprises already reaches 30 percent today," notes Svetlana Chivirova. "Last year, we invested over 3 million rubles in the raw material zone, excluding advances, solely for development." The main expenses are for the construction and reconstruction of livestock facilities. For example, UP "Uzhitsa-Agro," the largest milk supplier in the raw material zone, has been receiving assistance from the butter and cheese factory for several years. The head of the farm, Vadim Petukhov, explains:
Беларусь входит в пятерку крупнейших мировых экспортеров молочной продукции. Одну из ведущих позиций здесь занимают сыры, не уступающие по вкусовым характеристикам и качеству продуктам европейских брендов.
В списке наиболее известных за пределами страны переработчиков сельхозпродукции — Верхнедвинский маслосырзавод, головное предприятие одного из успешных агропромышленных объединений Витебщины.
Особенность агрохолдинга — входящие в его состав предприятия расположены в границах одного района. По сути, завод, как и прежде, работает со всеми хозяйствами Верхнедвинщины, но с семью из тринадцати сложились наиболее прочные отношения, основанные на взаимном интересе. Инвестирует средства в их развитие, чтобы максимально использовать ресурсы, возможности сырьевой зоны, сократить транспортные расходы на доставку сырья, при этом гарантировать его высокое качество. Это важно для снижения себестоимости продукции, повышения ее конкурентоспособности.
При этом первый заместитель директора ОАО «Верхнедвинский маслосырзавод» Светлана Чивирова подчеркивает, что развитие предприятия по-прежнему опережает возможности сельхозорганизаций. Сырьевая зона закрывает лишь половину от общей потребности. Это связано с увеличением объемов переработки: ОАО и находящемуся на его территории УП «Верхний луг» еще недавно ежесуточно в общей сложности необходимо было 280 тонн молока, сегодня — 300. После завершения модернизации производственных мощностей понадобится еще на 30 тонн больше.
— Дисбаланс сохраняется, но это временно. У сельского хозяйства большие перспективы, а вложенные инвестиции дадут отд
The development of the Verkhnedvinsk butter and cheese factory is currently outpacing the capabilities of the agricultural enterprises within the agroholding — the raw material zone covers half of the demand.
Belarus is among the top five largest global exporters of dairy products. Cheeses, which are not inferior in taste and quality to European brands, hold one of the leading positions here.
Among the most well-known agricultural processors outside the country is the Verkhnedvinsk butter and cheese factory, the head enterprise of one of the successful agro-industrial associations in the Vitebsk region.
A feature of the agroholding is that its constituent enterprises are located within the boundaries of a single district. In essence, the factory, as before, works with all farms in Verkhnedvinsk district, but the most stable relationships, based on mutual interest, have been established with seven out of thirteen. It invests funds in their development to maximize the use of resources and the capabilities of the raw material zone, reduce transportation costs for raw material delivery, and guarantee its high quality. This is important for reducing the cost of production and increasing its competitiveness.
At the same time, Svetlana Chivirova, First Deputy Director of OJSC Verkhnedvinsk Butter and Cheese Factory, emphasizes that the enterprise's development continues to outpace the capabilities of agricultural organizations. The raw material zone covers only half of the total demand. This is due to the increase in processing volumes: OJSC and UP Verkhniy Lug, located on its territory, recently needed a total of 280 tons of milk per day, and now they need 300 tons. After the modernization of production capacities is completed, an additional 30 tons will be required.
"The imbalance persists, but it is temporary. Agriculture has great prospects, and the invested funds will yield results.in the next three to four years. On average, the profitability of milk sales in agricultural enterprises already reaches 30 percent today," notes Svetlana Chivirova. "Last year, we invested over 3 million rubles in the raw material zone, excluding advances, solely for development." The main expenses are for the construction and reconstruction of livestock facilities. For example, UP "Uzhitsa-Agro," the largest milk supplier in the raw material zone, has been receiving assistance from the butter and cheese factory for several years. The head of the farm, Vadim Petukhov, explains:
— Near the village of Zhiguli, a calf herd was housed in a building after reconstruction, and in Shatrovo, 200 heifers. Near the village of Sardyki, a facility is being built to raise 120 heifers up to six months of age. The most costly item of expenditure – building materials – was undertaken by the plant. The total number of cattle is 2800 heads, of which over a thousand are dairy cows. At the same time, 660 heads are at a robotic dairy complex. It is currently the only one in the district. Modern technologies provide a significant bonus. But the most important thing, perhaps, is that the average salary in the farm exceeds 1100 rubles. We would not have been able to achieve this without the help of the butter and cheese plant.
One of the largest projects in the district, launched in 2022, is also noteworthy – the construction of a dairy complex near the village of Kokhanovichi. At one time, the construction was suspended, and now, by order of the district authorities, it was decided to complete what was started. The facility was transferred to the balance sheet of the butter and cheese plant, which has a high credit rating. But there is another important argument explaining why this particular enterprise was entrusted with completing the project: about 25-30 percent of the cost is to be covered by its own funds.
In addition, the butter and cheese plant purchases the necessary ingredients, feed additives with high protein content for complete balanced animal nutrition, helps to update the machine and tractor fleet, purchase fuel, mineral fertilizers, protective agents, seeds, and so on.
One of the largest projects in the district, launched in 2022, is also noteworthy – the construction of a dairy complex near the village of Kokhanovichi. At one time, the construction was suspended, and now, by order of the district authorities, it was decided to complete what was started. The facility was transferred to the balance sheet of the butter and cheese plant, which has a high credit rating. But there is another important argument explaining why this particular enterprise was entrusted with completing the project: about 25-30 percent of the cost is to be covered by its own funds.
In addition, the butter and cheese plant purchases the necessary ingredients, feed additives with high protein content for complete balanced animal nutrition, helps to update the machine and tractor fleet, purchase fuel, mineral fertilizers, protective agents, seeds, and so on.
Milking machine operator of UP "Uzhitsa-Agro" of Verkhnedvinsk district Maksim Listapadsky.
Deputy director of the dairy plant Alexander Demko emphasizes the importance of the intensive path of agricultural development. The plant has created agricultural groups that regularly provide assistance to farms in both crop production and animal husbandry. Notably, the agroholding has existed for a couple of years, but the plant workers have been helping farms for a long time.
The plant has created a mechanical squad, equipped with modern energy-intensive equipment for the prompt execution of agricultural work. An operational team of engineers for the maintenance of milking and refrigeration equipment of agricultural enterprises is working. Great responsibility is also placed on the herd reproduction group. Veterinarian Natalya Bykovskaya demonstrates modern equipment used for early diagnosis of various diseases and talks about the effectiveness of medicinal preparations. Literally every day is scheduled for specialists to the minute.
The shortage of doctors in rural areas is affecting. And this trend is unlikely to change. Zootechnicians-breeders of agricultural enterprises carry out selection, compile lists of animals in need of treatment. The rest of the work is done by the brigade veterinarians.
Strangely enough, it is in cheesemaking that the strictest requirements are imposed on milk. Only extra-class raw materials are used — specialists take into account the fat content, protein content, dry matter, and many other indicators. The taste, consistency, and aroma of cheeses depend on this.
Deputy director of the dairy plant Alexander Demko emphasizes the importance of the intensive path of agricultural development. The plant has created agricultural groups that regularly provide assistance to farms in both crop production and animal husbandry. Notably, the agroholding has existed for a couple of years, but the plant workers have been helping farms for a long time.
The plant has created a mechanical squad, equipped with modern energy-intensive equipment for the prompt execution of agricultural work. An operational team of engineers for the maintenance of milking and refrigeration equipment of agricultural enterprises is working. Great responsibility is also placed on the herd reproduction group. Veterinarian Natalya Bykovskaya demonstrates modern equipment used for early diagnosis of various diseases and talks about the effectiveness of medicinal preparations. Literally every day is scheduled for specialists to the minute.
The shortage of doctors in rural areas is affecting. And this trend is unlikely to change. Zootechnicians-breeders of agricultural enterprises carry out selection, compile lists of animals in need of treatment. The rest of the work is done by the brigade veterinarians.
Strangely enough, it is in cheesemaking that the strictest requirements are imposed on milk. Only extra-class raw materials are used — specialists take into account the fat content, protein content, dry matter, and many other indicators. The taste, consistency, and aroma of cheeses depend on this.
Cheese maker – 6th category master Galina PASHKEVICH.
— About 70 percent of the manufactured products are premium quality cheeses. Modern equipment allows us to produce analogues of elite European cheeses, as well as semi-hard and soft cheeses. In total, we have about 50 varieties, and we also make cottage cheese, four types of butter, whey, and three types of dry demineralized whey, — emphasizes Svetlana Chivirova. — Consumer demand in domestic and foreign markets is rapidly growing, which is the best opportunity for us. We produce products under several brands. The enterprise "Verkhny Lug", established on the basis of our plant five years ago, leads in Belarus in the production of mozzarella, and the largest pizzerias in the country actively purchase it.
At the same time, the volume of export supplies remains high. In general, more than 80 percent of the products go abroad, and if we talk exclusively about whey, then as much as 90 percent. The main volumes are supplied to Russia. China is well aware of the Verkhnedvinsk plant. We have been cooperating with Serbia for more than three years, and with other states. Recently, we have mastered the markets of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
And they are not in a hurry to stop at what has been achieved. They plan to expand the processed cheese production workshop. They produce about 10 types, and after the planned modernization, production will increase from 30 tons per year to 120. The demand for processed cheese with spices is particularly high in the Russian market. The plant workers produce processed Maasdam, and plan to produce packaged Parmesan in jars, which can easily be spread on a slice of bread.
— About 70 percent of the manufactured products are premium quality cheeses. Modern equipment allows us to produce analogues of elite European cheeses, as well as semi-hard and soft cheeses. In total, we have about 50 varieties, and we also make cottage cheese, four types of butter, whey, and three types of dry demineralized whey, — emphasizes Svetlana Chivirova. — Consumer demand in domestic and foreign markets is rapidly growing, which is the best opportunity for us. We produce products under several brands. The enterprise "Verkhny Lug", established on the basis of our plant five years ago, leads in Belarus in the production of mozzarella, and the largest pizzerias in the country actively purchase it.
At the same time, the volume of export supplies remains high. In general, more than 80 percent of the products go abroad, and if we talk exclusively about whey, then as much as 90 percent. The main volumes are supplied to Russia. China is well aware of the Verkhnedvinsk plant. We have been cooperating with Serbia for more than three years, and with other states. Recently, we have mastered the markets of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
And they are not in a hurry to stop at what has been achieved. They plan to expand the processed cheese production workshop. They produce about 10 types, and after the planned modernization, production will increase from 30 tons per year to 120. The demand for processed cheese with spices is particularly high in the Russian market. The plant workers produce processed Maasdam, and plan to produce packaged Parmesan in jars, which can easily be spread on a slice of bread.
Veterinarians of the reproduction group Natalia Bykovskaya and Dmitry Kokh.
Behind the high performance and ambitious plans lies another important argument – improving the welfare of breeders. Svetlana Chivirova emphasizes that last year the salary of employees increased by 16 percent. The trend of increase has been observed for several years. The collective agreement also provides for many pleasant financial bonuses, an attractive social package, which includes, among other things, free medical insurance for treatment and diagnostics in many healthcare institutions in the country.
Behind the high performance and ambitious plans lies another important argument – improving the welfare of breeders. Svetlana Chivirova emphasizes that last year the salary of employees increased by 16 percent. The trend of increase has been observed for several years. The collective agreement also provides for many pleasant financial bonuses, an attractive social package, which includes, among other things, free medical insurance for treatment and diagnostics in many healthcare institutions in the country.