Gennady Sabinich: "In 2024, the best indicator for average milk yield per cow was achieved in the farms of the Vitebsk region"
Last year, the average milk yield per cow in the farms of Vitebsk region was 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 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. In 2024, we took another step forward. If previously 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, increasing responsibility at the local level in matters of technological and production discipline, and training personnel of all levels to improve professional qualities.
– What are the results across farms and regions?
– We must mention the farms that have had high indicators for several years. In 2023, the average milk yield per cow at SPC "Larinovka" in 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. Over 11 thousand kg of milk per cow were obtained at SHP "Mazolovo-gaz" UP "Vitebskoblgaz", at OJSC "Agrokombinat "Yubileyniy" in Orsha district – 10,010 kg (an increase of 1400 kg), at OJSC "Khotily-Agro" in Postavy district – 9667 kg (+465 kg), at OJSC "Shaytero" in Verkhnedvinsk district – 8644 kg. Among the regions, Orsha district overcame the seven-thousand mark with an increase of 1074 kg, and Vitebsk and Gorodok districts exceeded the six-thousand mark.
– How is the modernization of the livestock industry progressing?
– Today, 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in operation, of which 98 are modern (they house about 36% of the dairy herd, the rest are on non-technological outdated farms).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, 11 were commissioned by the end of the year, and the construction of another 10 dairy complexes for 7.8 thousand heads began. 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 something 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 of each farm and, in turn, raw materials for our processing enterprises, loading their capacities, and subsequently filling store shelves, forming the budget. Work on the construction and reconstruction of livestock facilities will continue. A high bar has been set for the quantity and quality of harvested feed, increasing the productivity of the fodder field by increasing the sowing of alfalfa, corn, and clover. Prospects have been outlined for improving herd reproduction and many other tasks that will lead to increased livestock productivity, increased milk production, which will allow for a financial result that strengthens the region's economy.