06/2020 NEWS № 6 8 The corporate journal of EkoNiva Group

Entering the Chinese market

Dairy products from Russia hit export markets

Pages 3-4

Keep on climbing!

EkoNivaSibir has become an official John Deere and Vaderstad dealer and opened new service centres in Altai area

Page 8

The right kind of bees!

30 million of leafcutter bees from Canada have arrived at EkoNiva

Page 18 Contents

NEWS PARTNER’S OPINION

Entering the Chinese market John Deere tractors fight for a bumper crop The first lot of milk has been shipped to China ...... 4 Broadening the horizons with the John Deere 8R Series tractors ...... 16 Dairy wonderland EKONIVA opens new fan shops and extends the product line ...... 6 FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE

Cow is at the heart of a dairy The right kind of bees Farmers of Altai area gain insight into the key A unique seed production project involving leafcutter technological solutions at Sibirskaya Niva ...... 7 bees is implemented in EkoNiva ...... 18

Ready to help! Silver from EkoNiva EkoNiva develops greater engagement with charitable The soybean variety EN Argenta has been foundations ...... 9 included into the State Register of Plant Breeding Achievements ...... 19 Go and join Milk River team! The first working semester of the Milk River student team starts off in Shatsk...... 9 OUR HUMAN RESOURCES Find calling and love at EkoNiva ORGANIC TREND Romance-inspiring farm work ...... 22 EkoNiva joins IFOAM Savinskaya Niva enters the International Federation of EkoNiva's Alma Mater Organic Agriculture Movements ...... 11 Five years of successful collaboration with Volgograd State Agricultural University ...... 23

IN THE SPOTLIGHT OUR EKONIVA Smart Farming for smart farmers EkoNivaAgro embraces smart farming practices ...... 12 Milk boosts your intelligence! Stefan Duerr is the creative mind behind the new TECHNICAL INSPECTION advertising campaign ...... 26 Eight undeniable advantages of Bednar Swifter Virtual reality Flawless pre-seeding tillage with Bednar Swifter ...... 13 A 360-degree virtual tour of EkoNiva’s dairy ...... 27

p. 9 p. 16 p. 26 FROM THE FIRST PERSON ... 3 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020

Stefan Duerr: ‘Who else but Russia’

n a few years, Russian dairy the Chinese market with Novosibirsk and Beijing. Trains are many times higher than producers will saturate the commodities like milk powder cover this distance within just those imposed for European I domestic market, so it is and whey powder. However, a 4 days. Recent market research countries. Our German high time to think where to good discount will be required has indicated that the main colleagues send a container head for. Export to Asian and for the first sales, hence this criteria Chinese customers of dairy products by sea for European countries opens group of goods will bring consider when choosing 1,000 euro, and we, being a new pathway to success. a lower profit margin. Of course, dairy products are quality and much closer, – for 3,500 euro. Brooking no delay, EkoNiva has we could export UHT dairy freshness – and that is what Another issue is certification started off by turning its focus products to China as other we can deliver. It is very good costs. We have spent 500,000 to China. At the end of June, the exporters do. But we can do that Russian dairy produce rubles, while German exporters first lot of dairy products was much better – supply branded has gained a good reputation pay only 30 euro per batch. supplied to the Celestial Empire. products – curds, quark and in China. The Chinese believe Export expansion calls for Its market has an enormous yoghurt – with an extended shelf that the harsh climate, rich improving logistics and potential. Moreover, today it has life of up to 30 days. nature and vast expanses reducing certification costs, become even more dynamic This is an indisputable of land allow our cows to which will ensure a competitive than before the coronavirus competitive advantage. produce exceptional milk with edge for Russian products pandemic. The Chinese strongly Exporters from Europe and New a very special taste and great and allow us together with the believe that dairy produce Zealand ship their goods by sea nutritional benefits that make Russian Export Development boosts the immune system and it is impossible for them people strong and healthy. Centre and the Russian Export and helps people to stay to supply products with such a However, the task is not Agency to enter the world healthy even in the most short shelf life. Only Russia can as easy as it seems. There markets and create a good challenging conditions. meet this challenge! still remain a few challenges. image of Russian milk. What does Russia have We have a railway First, even though China is our Stefan DUERR, on offer? We can break into connection between neighbour, the freight rates President of EkoNiva Group 4 NEWS

huge range of opportunities, products in the country. and the consumption of milk is ‘Our branded dairy products constantly increasing. are going to be sold in the ‘When it comes to our strategic cities of northeastern China – goals, developing external Heihe, Suifenhe (Heilongjiang markets is especially important province), Dalian (Liaoning to us’, states Stefan Duerr. province) and Shanghai’, ‘In a few years’ time, Russian comments Ildar Rakhmatullin, milk producers will fill the gap Leading Export Manager of between demand and supply EkoNiva-Produkty Pitaniya. ‘We in the domestic market. So, offer UHT milk under EKONIVA it is necessary to consider brand with the fat content of the possibility of entering 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.2% packaged new markets already now not in 1,000 ml cartons. The first only with exchange-traded pilot shipment will enable us to commodities, but also with analyse the logistics process branded dairy products. Proper and enter large Chinese brand positioning, understanding chains, including online trading of the consumers’ mentality, platforms. We are also going to preferences and needs as negotiate with our contractual Entering the well as their attitude to goods parties on the future deliveries imported from Russia are and the possibility of product instrumental in success. In range extension as 500 ml and Chinese market general, the image of Russian 250 ml milk packaging is in products in China is positive.’ demand in China.’ EkoNiva has shipped the first lot of UHT milk in The plans to tap into the Chinese At present, EkoNiva milk the amount of 22.5 tonnes which is expected market have long been afoot: processing plant in Anna district, EkoNiva’s representatives Voronezh oblast, is the only one to arrive in the People’s Republic of China attended specialised trade accredited to export goods to (PRC) in mid-August. fairs, held negotiations with China. Other production sites the companies distributing of the company are currently he delivery is carried mainland China. In the future, Russian goods in the PRC and undergoing certification. out by sea to the Port of the company is going to expand conducted an in-depth research on the regions with the highest Dalian, the second largest its dairy produce export to China By Tatyana IGNATENKO Tcontainer transshipment hub in – the Chinese market offers a consumption rate of dairy Even more efficient! years, thousands of the path. Bjoerne Drechsler self-driving vehicles will be underlined that the new equipped with the new system. intelligent system will boost ‘I am sure that cooperation the machine efficiency without with Cognitive Pilot is the supplanting human labour. right decision for us’, says ‘The operator will still adjust the Bjoerne Drechsler, First machine and control it in the Deputy Director General, field’, says Bjoerne Drechsler, EkoNiva-Tekhnika Holding. ‘and the artificial intelligence ‘Automation of agriculture will help to avoid losses and and implementation of achieve high yields.’ cutting-edge technologies Stefan Duerr, EkoNiva Group allow farmers to eliminate President, thinks that modern the human factor and errors technologies will help the The popularity of smart farming is definitely on which usually cause significant company to attract young losses. Cognitive Agro Pilot specialists. the rise! EkoNiva and Cognitive Pilot launch controls the movement of ‘People need an interesting agricultural machines. The AI a service network for intelligent agricultural job and a decent salary’, says software collects images from Stefan Duerr. ‘We want young machines. the video camera, processes people to feel enthusiastic the information, identifies ognitive Pilot (Russian framework of the contract, about coming to rural areas the machine position, plans subsidiary of Sberbank EkoNiva will be responsible and working there. the path and transmits the and Cognitive for the promotion and sales State-of-the-art machines and CTechnologies Group) and of the Cognitive Agro Pilot necessary commands back to intellectual technologies will the machine. EkoNiva have signed autonomous driving system, help to attract new qualified a three-year cooperation its installation, adjustment Cognitive Agro Pilot ensures employees and improve contract. Cognitive and servicing on the territory safe operation even in production processes allowing Pilot specialises in of 35 regions of the Russian challenging weather the company to save costs and the development and Federation. Cognitive Pilot conditions without using GPS. increase revenues.’ implementation of artificial has already launched training The computer vision system intelligence systems for programmes for EkoNiva’s identifies obstacles, including self-driving vehicles. In the technicians. Within three metal items and stones, on By Darya DENISOVA NEWS 5 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020 Precedence to plant breeding and seed production 45 thousand tonnes of certified has been recently approved by seeds. The commissioning of the Rosselkhozbank. plant breeding centre will enable ‘By the harvesting campaign us to expand the production 2020, a controlled storage volume to 70-75 thousand facility and a temporary seed tonnes of seeds per year.’ cleaning line - both with the EkoNiva is one of the major seed capacities of 20 thousand growers and suppliers of cereal tonnes of seeds per year – will and legume crops in Russia. The have been commissioned’, sales turnover in 2019 exceeded says Yuriy Vasyukov. 1.2 billion rubles. The Plant breeding and ‘Over the last 5 years, average seed production centre is annual seed sales have scheduled to start operating increased by 35 per cent’, says at full capacity in 2023. Plant EkoNiva’s activity in Kursk oblast was discussed Yuriy Vasyukov. ‘For this reason, breeding work is part and in the course of a videoconference attended a modern plant breeding centre parcel of the process. For the is indispensable to us.’ company, plant breeding is by Roman Starovoyt, Governor of Kursk oblast, Within the framework of the another way to diversify its Stefan Duerr, President of EkoNiva, and Yuriy project, the seed production business activity allowing it to capacity for controlled storage reach a new level of intellectual Vasyukov, Regional Director for Kursk oblast. and cleaning is going to be production. This year, two increased by 35 and 40 varieties of in-house breeding koNiva Group is one At the moment, the company thousand tonnes per year, have been included into the of the key investment has turned its focus towards respectively. The construction State register of plant breeding partners of Kursk region. constructing a plant breeding site is located in Titovo, Shchigry achievements. Another EIts seed growing enterprise and seed production centre. three varieties are currently district. The project has been Zashchitnoye operates on ‘Seed industry has great partially financed from the undergoing state trials. the territory of three districts: potential’, says Stefan Duerr. company’s own resources. The Shchigry, Solntsevo and Belaya. ‘Last year, we produced extension of target lines of credit By Tatyana IGNATENKO

In Orenburg oblast, Stefan Duerr signed a cooperation agreement Current affairs with Aleksey Komarovskikh, Director General of A7 Agro. in Severnaya Niva The daily shipments of around 30 tonnes of raw milk from Stefan Duerr, President of EkoNiva Group, has visited Severnaya Niva Kurskaya Vasilyevka dairy to the processing plant of A7 Agro where he had a number of business meetings with the local authorities. started on June 1, 2020. Besides, the construction of Wrapping up the business Semeno-Makarovo dairy in the trip, Stefan Duerr held a video Republic of Bashkortostan is conference with Denis Pasler, nearing completion. Governor of Orenburg Oblast. At the meeting with Ilshat In the course of the session, Fazrakhmanov, Minister of Stefan Duerr and Denis Pasler Agriculture of the Republic, the discussed the pressing issues head of the company announced and the prospects of dairy that the facility will be fully processing in the region. operational already in autumn, ‘Companies such as Severnaya while its official opening is going Niva are the development to take place after the lifting of the trendsetters in agribusiness’, quarantine measures. says Denis Pasler, Governor of Stefan Duerr also visited the Orenburg Oblast. ‘We must work new operation within Severnaya for the good of the residents of Niva located in Klyavlino district, the region: provide them with he first stop on Stefan Agriculture of Tatarstan, and gave Samara oblast. The construction employment, social guarantees Duerr’s route was at the him a brief tour of the facility. of a dairy with the capacity of and stability. In this regard, construction site of Naratly The new dairy Naratly is designed 3,500 head of milking herd Severnaya Niva is a role model Tdairy in the Republic of Tatarstan. with the overall investment and plays no small part in the for 3,550 head of milking cows In the course of the visit, the and 5,100 head of young stock. volume of four billion rubles is success of the entire region.’ President of EkoNiva Group met EkoNiva is planning to launch the going to commence there Marat Zyabbarov, Minister of unit in late May. in the near future. By Viktor BARGOTIN 6 NEWS Pushing back the boundaries The success of the future yield largely depends on the seed quality – experienced farmers know it for a fact and pay a lot of attention to seed material. With EkoNiva-Semena, it is easier for them to make the right choice. Today, branches of the company are established in all the federal districts of the country.

what crop will produce a high ‘Agricultural sector today is a yield on each individual farm. high-tech industry with a bright Establishing new branches all future’, continues Vladimir around the country will help us Chirkov. ‘The science of to pursue this strategy.’ plant breeding has advanced In 2019, 40,000 tonnes of dramatically, and we want seeds of various crops were every agricultural producer supplied to the farms all over to benefit from the latest Russia, from Kaliningrad to scientific achievements. Our he president has set a capacity is enormous, and the Far East. Farm business aim is to listen to the needs broad objective for the the varieties from the product in each and every region of our clients which will help Russian farmers – to portfolio of EkoNiva-Semena has its own needs in terms us to improve the agricultural Texpand agricultural exports. are in demand. production process and the of climatic and economic The national agricultural sector ‘We strive to personalise our conditions. EkoNiva-Semena plant breeding strategy for the mainly sells wheat, barley customer experience’, says has a product range to meet good of our customers.’ and corn abroad. Rye, oats, Vladimir Chirkov, Executive the demand of both large soy beans and lentils are also Director of EkoNiva-Semena. agricultural holdings and growing in popularity. The market ‘It is important to understand small-scale enterprises. By Tatyana IGNATENKO

Dairy Wonderland EkoNiva opens new brand shops for natural dairy products fans.

ast month, EkoNiva’s with milk, porridge, cherry 25th and 26th shops were or strawberry yogurt and, of opened in two districts course, his favourite Snezhok. Lof Kursk (Central district and Nikita has his own idea of the Railway district). milk production process. ‘This is a milestone event ‘Tasty milk can only be for us’, says Yuriy Vasyukov, produced by happy cows’, Regional Director explains the seven-year-old of EkoNiva-APK Holding for milk expert. ‘These cows are Kursk oblast. ‘Kursk oblast is grazing on the milky islands so to say EkoNiva’s birth place. of Wonderland. They enjoy In 1991, a German student their life and produce delicious Novosibirsk oblast, offers both ‘We have made a great step Stefan Duerr came here to wholesome milk. My favourite high-quality dairy products and ahead by opening new points undertake an internship and dairy product is Snezhok. It is toothsome dishes, including of sale’, says Irina Nechayeva, write his graduate thesis. so yummy!’ baked pudding, curd fritters, retail Trade Department It is a great pleasure that finally Another ‘milky island’ of omelette, milk shakes and Manager, EkoNiva-Produkty we have our brand shops EkoNiva opened in Odintsovo many other wholesome treats. Pitaniya. ‘By the end of 2020, in the home region where at O! Podvorye shopping mall. The guests enjoy large portions we are planning to have as EkoNiva has been operating The brand shop offers 68 dairy at a reasonable price. many as 50 of them. Our successfully for many years.’ products, which have already EkoNiva has also opened a dream is to provide the entire Little Nikita, a great fan of become very popular with the kiosk selling its dairy products country with wholesome dairy fermented drink Snezhok, came residents of Odintsovo. in Bobrov, Voronezh oblast, products!’ to EKONIVA brand shop with EKONIVA fan shop at with a view to opening the his aunt. His morning starts Molodezhniy Park, Maslyanino, second one soon. By Tatyana IGNATENKO NEWS 7 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020

mix, meter and deliver forage to animals. The units can hold up to 10 tonnes of TMR and mix 18 batches a day. All the machine maintenance points are easily accessible and do not require complicated servicing. The representatives of Altai Prodovolstvennaya Company studied the machines with a keen interest – they are considering replacing their fleet of mixer wagons with new imported ones. With BvL machines any dairy farm runs like clockwork. Cow is at the heart ‘The cow is at the heart of operation at Sibirskaya Niva’, emphasises Aleksandr of a dairy Balakov. ‘Everything is geared towards enabling the cows to consistently produce delicious Altai Prodovolstvennaya Company’s executives and herd managers and wholesome milk. I am all in have paid a visit to Sibirskaya Niva farming enterprise. EkoNivaSibir favour of EkoNiva’s approach.’ organised a tour aimed at experience exchange. The visit resulted in an agreement on internship he visitors gained insight company’s cows to produce Company enquired about for the employees of Altai into the key technological over 9,000 litres of high-quality the components of the cattle Prodovolstvennaya Company at solutions at the facilities. milk per lactation. diet. Mixed grass haylage, the facilities of Sibirskaya Niva TIn the course of the meeting, maize silage, concentrates, whose specialists are always ‘We have come to Sibirskaya the Sibirskaya Niva specialists Niva because it is a benchmark alfalfa – only high-feed-value open to effective cooperation gave a detailed tour of Penkovo enterprise’, says Aleksandr ingredients are served to the and ready to share their dairy – a modern free-stall Balakov, Director of the feed bunk of EkoNiva’s cows. professional expertise and facility for 5,000 head of highly holding. ‘First and foremost, we Reliable equipment plays a know-how. productive imported Holstein are interested in its economy key role in an efficient feeding cattle. The dairy features a and production marginality.’ routine. BvL feed mixer wagons rotary milking parlour. Cutting- Top managers of Altai are indispensable at Sibirskaya edge technologies enable the Prodovolstvennaya Niva facilities – they chop, By Tatyana IGNATENKO High-profile visit! Acting Governor of Kaluga oblast Vladislav Shapsha has visited EkoNivaTekhnika-Holding dealership located in Detchino village, Maloyaroslavets district, and two dairies – Ulanovo and Gusevo – in Kaluzhskaya Niva.

ll precautions to ‘Immaculate order and life into the harvester, prolonging ward off COVID-19 discipline at the workshops its service life for a decade!’ have been taken: the impress me the most’, says The next point en route is Aguests are wearing face Leonid Gromov, Minister of Ulanovo dairy for 2,800 dairy masks (an indispensable Agriculture of Kaluga oblast. ‘It cows and 4,000 head of young young stock’, comments part of our wardrobe now), is hard to believe that large farm stock. The daily milk yield here Aleksey Savenkov, Deputy the temperature has been machines are serviced here.’ is 80 tonnes. measured with a non-contact Executive Director for ‘Exactly! It reminds me of a thermometer. All done, it is time Later, Vladislav Shapsha and Production, Kaluzhskaya Niva. machinery museum’, agrees to take a tour of the facility. Leonid Gromov inspected ‘The construction works are to Vladislav Shapsha. the new Gusevo dairy. The ‘The service centre saw its be finished in August. By then, The high-tech equipment construction works here started first clients in 2013’, says 140 new employees will join Gennadiy Nepomnyashchiy, allows experienced technicians in the second quarter of 2019. our team.’ CEO, EkoNivaTekhnika-Holding. to conduct even the most Currently, two barns for 1600 Before leaving, Vladislav ‘Today, this is the largest John complicated repair works. head have been launched. Shapsha promised to assist Deere dealership centre in ‘A 15-year-old John Deere The dairy houses 2,549 head, with the road construction Russia and Europe. State- harvester is being refurbished including 1,344 milking cows near Gusevo dairy. He wished of-the-art technologies, here now’, shows Gennadiy producing 34 tonnes of milk per EkoNiva specialists good luck professional service and a Nepomnyashchiy. ‘It has day. When the facility reaches and wrote encouraging words sophisticated spare parts operated for 30,000 engine its full capacity, the daily milk in the guestbook. storage facility for appr. 60,000 hours. As you can see, the unit output will exceed 100 tonnes. items enable us to offer has been practically taken apart. ‘The dairy is for 3,300 milking exceptional after-sales support.’ Our specialists will breathe new cows and 8,000 head of By Darya DENISOVA 8 NEWS

Keep on climbing!

As the saying goes, ‘Every mountain top is within reach if you just continue operating as normal, keep climbing’. EkoNivaSibir always moves forward, acting as a the spare parts stock is regularly replenished. Our specialists are trailblazer for its partners and clients. always at farmers’ service to give them a hand in making the right wo new branches of has purchased 5 John Deere is expanding into new regions choices on the best machines EkoNivaSibir – in Barnaul machinery units. Both the and look forward to working tailored to their specific needs!’ Tand Biysk, Altai area – dealer and the client find the together.’ Providing farmers with have opened for their first relationship mutually beneficial. The service centres offer a cutting-edge solutions, the customers. EkoNiva, the largest ‘The staff of the dealership wide range of Vaderstad soil dealer contributes to a global John Deere dealer in Russia, centre does a great job!’, says tillage machinery: Carrier disc aim – making agriculture great offers Altai farmers powerful Yevgeniy Gorbatenko, Director cultivators, Spirit seed drills and again! and reliable machinery. The of the enterprise. ‘The official Tempo high-speed planters. They company started off the launch of a branch office in have already gained recognition business in Altai area on the right foot by selling a John Deere 6135B tractor to the Peasant farming enterprise Stil (Pospelikha district, Altai area) within just days after the opening. ‘We have been in the market with this model for a long time, says Vladimir Man, Head of the facility. ‘At a neighbouring farming enterprise, this unit is already in the 5th year of flawless operation. From this machine one can expect excellent performance and overall efficiency improvement. This is our first John Deere tractor and I hope that in the future our fleet will be further expanded with Altai area will enhance our of farmers from Novosibirsk, units of the make.’ Our addresses: fruitful cooperation.’ Kemerovo, Omsk and Tomsk The management of the – 29, Yuzhniy Proyezd, Barnaul In the spring, two more service oblasts. enterprise Praviy Bereg (Zarinsk centres in Rubtsovsk and ‘Altai farmers have been using – 23/3 Sotsialisticheskaya st., district, Altai area) has acquired bldg. 3, Biysk its third John Deere 6135B Slavgorod, Altai area, also Vaderstad equipment for a tractor from the dealer. The two welcomed their first clients. long time’, says Sergey Arsiriy, – 24, Lenina st., Slavgorod previously purchased machines ‘EkoNiva is our reliable and Director of Altai branch of – 2, Selmashskaya st., bldg. A, have been working day and night long-term partner’, comments EkoNivaSibir. ‘The machines Rubtsovsk without faults for 3 seasons now. Yevgeniy Momot, Regional of this make have established Tel: +7 (3852) 50-76-79 Praviy Bereg is a long-standing Representative of Vaderstad for themselves in the market customer of EkoNivaSibir – Siberia and the Far East. ‘We and become indispensable By Tatyana IGNATENKO, over the years, the enterprise are happy that the company farmhands. New branch offices Darya DENISOVA NEWS 9 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020 Supporting those in need Economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic hits harder those who have already struggled to make ends meet – low-income families, people with disabilities and pensioners.

s charitable Unfortunately, people’s income organisations are is taking a hit, so every business Afacing a decrease in the should take a committment to income, EkoNiva has decided aid those in need.’ to donate more dairy products Yekaterina Zelentsova, to charities, orphanages Founder and President of and schools to support local communities. Within two The Window on the World months, the company has Fund, knows firsthand how provided over 72 tonnes of it feels to be desperate for ‘We aid orphanages and it preserves its taste, smell its produce to 15 charitable help. Back in 2011, her fifth nursing homes. Volunteers and texture. Now that’s how foundations and social sector child was diagnosed with also deliver the products we check all milk for quality, institutions. Down's syndrome at birth. To to the door so as not to and this beloved brand always endanger the lives of people stands the test!’ ‘We are happy to share our get lifesaving medicines, the healthy products with those mother applied to 48 funds, we take care of’, explains EkoNiva has taken an who live on a tight budget however, all her applications Yekaterina. important decision to and really need our support’, were turned down. That is how ‘Everyone’s favourites are continue helping charities says Stefan Duerr, President the idea of the fund emerged, EKONIVA butter, sour cream, even after the end of of EkoNiva Group. ‘Natural and now its community whole and baked milk. self-isolation. milk and dairy products boost comprises 1,200 parents Actually, some tried freezing the immune system, which confronting similar problems. the milk to keep it longer and is vital during the pandemic. discovered that, when thawed, By Anna PALAGUTINA

institutions of Russia will work as vets, herd managers, technicians and agronomists. These young people will get invaluable experience in herd management, veterinarian procedures and crop farming. In addition to the practical skills, the students will learn a lot of useful and important information at the lectures delivered by the leading specialists of the holding. Through the video call, Aleksey Blyumin, Coordinator of Agricultural Teams at the National Student Organisation, congratulated the newcomers Go and join Milk River team! on the start of the summer working term. Full of vigour and enthusiasm, the Milk River team of students from ‘I would like you to learn new various agricultural institutions streamed into EkoNiva’s dairies on skills, make new friends and have the time of your life here’, 1 June to start their exciting professional journey in farming. wished Aleksey Blyumin. For many Milk River team ilk River team started farming is gaining popularity their professional growth and students, it is their second or their working term at with students’, says Vladimir comfortable accommodation. third internship at EkoNiva’s Shatsk dairy (Ryazan Materikin, Director of I hope these interns will enjoy M dairies – the truth is once you oblast). The employees of OkaMoloko-Vostochnoye. it here so much that they will have experienced this, farming OkaMoloko-Vostochnoye ‘We always welcome young return after graduation to be becomes your passion for life. welcomed the students in the specialists to our dairies, employed.’ opening ceremony. provide them with good working For two months, 21 students ‘I’m so glad to see that conditions and benefits, ensure from eight agricultural By Viktor BARGOTIN 10 NEWS

A generous Siberian spring The unusually warm spring 2020 kicks off the growing season early in Western Siberia.

aslyanino district as in the middle of April and, enjoying lots of sun’, says been working at a record pace was ahead of all in in late April, the temperature Oleg Kutsankov, Manager of this year.’ Novosibirsk oblast to already exceeded 30°C, which Sibirskaya Niva-Maslyanino Siberian farmers are busy with Mcomplete seeding this year is 17-19°C higher than April’s Operation. ‘We started the fieldwork every single day and – before mid-May. Normally, average in the region. Of sowing campaign on 23 April, have every reason to expect a active field work only begins course, farmers headed for the planted 25,000 hectares in bumper harvest this year. here at this time, however, hot fields without delay. total and did the first cutting of and dry weather set in as early ‘While planting, we were forage crops on 20 May. We’ve By Tatyana IGNATENKO Synergy of science and business Stavropol State Agricultural University celebrates the 90th anniversary this year. This educational establishment has been renamed many times. Having survived the Great Patriotic War and perestroika, the university keeps up the highest education standards.

profession-oriented programmes Livestock Farming project implemented by EkoNiva. carried out by EkoNiva’, Academy of Livestock Farming says Alyona Gaivoronskaya, and all-Russian agricultural a Stavropol Agricultural student team Milk Standard University graduate, who is (MOST) give students a deep now a senior veterinarian insight into agriculture. EkoNiva at Yelban dairy (Novosibirsk Student and ZooVet projects oblast). ‘After that I participated span more detailed agricultural in the Milk Standard student n the middle of last century, universities to organise on-site topics and are designed for team and before graduation Stavropol university was the training. senior students and graduates. I was involved in the ZooVet programme. I am grateful to the first agricultural educational Nowadays Stavropol Agricultural Traineeship programmes at Iestablishment to arrange the EkoNiva enterprises boost teachers from our university for University cooperates with the comprehensive theoretical so-called student farming several large agricultural students’ interest in their knowledge and for preparing teams. In the summer, the holdings of our country. EkoNiva professions. After the first me so well for the work at university teachers and teams of is one of the university’s session, young specialists fall EkoNiva’s farms.’ high school students arrived at partners. Since the start of the in love with their job and come collective farms and worked on cooperation, 118 students from back to EkoNiva as full-fledged EkoNiva Group congratulates land plots specifically allocated Stavropol Agricultural University specialists. Today, 28 graduates Stavropol State Agricultural to them for practical farming have undertaken an internship of Stavropol Agricultural University on its anniversary using agricultural machines at EkoNiva enterprises. University work at EkoNiva’s and wishes it success in raising and implements provided by Besides, future veterinarians, dairies all over Russia. qualified employees for the the farms. These were the herd managers, agronomists ‘My career started when Russian agriculture. first attempts of agricultural and engineers take part in I joined the Academy of By Viktor BARGOTIN ORGANIC TREND 11 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020

The ultimate goal is to reach 12,000 tonnes of milk per year. To achieve it, plans are afoot to build three dairies for 500 head of dairy cattle. The number of employees is expected to increase by 175 people in the nearest future. ‘Local residents believe that the old farm Rassvet has fallen into decay’, shares Maksim Vanin. ‘It is far from the truth, though. The facility is getting back to life and developing. Fifty-five people work here now. However, we lack specialists like vets, agronomists, milkmaids Going organic and machinery operators.’ EkoNiva’s leading specialists Since 2012, EkoNiva has been successfully promoting organic are planning to come to Novodugino to train the farming in Russia seeking to breathe life into the rural areas and employees giving them an provide jobs to the locals. The company is planning to establish insight into the workings of the organic production process a new organic production facility based in Novodugino village, and, in this way, strengthening Smolensk oblast, on the premises of Rassvet stock-breeding farm. the position of the new sector in Russia. ‘It is worth mentioning that s a part of Smolenskaya The territory of the farm covers animals’, continues Maksim Novodugino district is the Niva Organic project, over 7,000 hectares. An Vanin, ‘Certification in conformity birthplace of Vasiliy Dokuchaev, Rassvet breeding important step towards setting with the European regulations a famous Russian scientist, Areproducer is engaged in organic up an organic production facility opens up new horizons for the geologist and the founder father crop and dairy production. has already been made – i.e. enterprise in terms of economic of soil science’, says Anatoliy ‘Our farm is located in a historical Rassvet breeding reproducer has growth and export. Next, we are Nakaryakov, Director for Organic place with pristine nature’, says passed the required inspections planning to certify our crop and Production of EkoNiva-APK Maksim Vanin, Director General and obtained organic dairy produce in accordance with Holding. ‘We hope that organic of Rassvet. ‘In this area, there certification from the KIWA-BCS the Russian standards.’ farming with its main objective is everything for organic crop company proving its compliance Today, a total of 850 head of to sustain the soil fertility will and livestock farming – fertile with the respective European Sychevskaya cattle including become the key priority for this soil unspoiled by pesticides, laws and regulations. 400 milking cows are kept on region.’ pastures for cows to graze freely, ‘We are going to use the fields the farm. The daily output of 3.7 three rivers running close by and for growing organic wheat, oats, tonnes of milk is not very high, a water reservoir.’ rye, barley and fodder for our however, the ambitions are big. By Darya DENISOVA EkoNiva joins IFOAM Savinskaya Niva organic farming enterprise has become an affiliate of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).

FOAM’s mission is to unite a voice in the matters shaping diverse range of stakeholders the future of global organics contributing to the organic will be heard’, comments Ivision. With affiliates in over Anatoliy Nakaryakov, Director 120 countries, the international for Organic Production of umbrella organisation works EkoNiva-APK Holding. ‘The towards true sustainability in members of the National agriculture, i.e. the facilitation Organic Union of Russia, the of organic farming worldwide. Organic Expert certification body To date, 14 Russian enterprises and Russian quality system have joined IFOAM. (Roskachestvo) have also joined ‘The membership enables us the organisation, among others.’ to participate in international forums, which means that our By Darya DENISOVA 12 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

years. The farm owner is very happy with its performance. ‘Licamero demonstrated really high yield last year’, says Daulet Mamyr, Director. ‘We gathered about 7 tonnes/ha, which is 2 tonnes/ha more than the average yield of other varieties.’ Daulet is considering adding Calcule barley to his crop portfolio. Its average yield last year exceeded 3.5 tonnes/ha. ‘Seeds are the source of life’, The source of life continues Daulet Mamyr. ‘Quality seed material ensures EkoNiva-Semena has taken part in the international agricultural a good crop for the farmer, exhibition AgriTek/FarmTek Astana 2020 in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. stable jobs for the local people and a good life for the rural During the event, several hundreds of guests visited the company’s area.’ Apart from cereal crops, booth and a number of contracts were signed. EkoNiva-Semena offers peas (Rocket, Jackpot, Belmondo koNiva-Semena has been Kazakhstan last year. Flexible ‘Licamero is in extremely high and Madras varieties), working in Kazakhstan for varieties of European breeding demand. soybeans, which are becoming more than 5 years. With with high adaptive properties In Kazakhstan, it is planted very popular with the Kazakh farmers, and a wide range Eevery year, its popularity with are the most popular, for at the lowest seeding rate – of fodder grasses, including Kazakh farmers grows. The first example, winter wheat 2.5 to 3.5 million seeds per Dakota alfalfa, which has sales in 2014 were not very varieties Licamero, Cornetto, hectare’, continues Aleksandr. a very high protein content high – about 100 tonnes of Triso and winter barley Tauly-Vostok I K farming (20%) and can be harvested up seeds. Now the sales volume varieties Calcule, Margret, enterprise (East Kazakhstan to three times per season even has increased several times. Paustian’, says Aleksandr Region, Katon-Karagaisk in dry areas. ‘More than 7,000 tonnes Novosyolov, EkoNiva-Semena district) has been growing of seeds were exported to Sales Representative. Licamero wheat variety for two By Tatyana IGNATENKO Smart farming for smart farmers EkoNivaAgro keeps on embracing smart it is planned to sow grain and Holding. ‘Now we understand silage maize on 2,600 ha. Half how much potassium, farming technologies. of the work has already been phosphorus and nitrogen is done. As part of the project, contained in each area of the we are testing the John Deere field and know the exact soil DB55 Seed Drill featuring the composition. The more we Exact Emerge sowing units. plunge into smart farming The machine is distinguished technologies, the more data we by high sowing accuracy at the obtain and the easier it is for speed of up to 17 km/h.’ us to estimate yield potential of This model is much individual areas in the field and more productive than its make the right decision on the predecessors. One of the new amount of seeds and fertiliser features of the machine is for each area.' variable rate sowing. While the seed drill is moving This year, the first half of May to the other side of the field, was rainy, but the weather has EkoNiva's specialists open finally improved, and the seed a seed furrow and evaluate drill has been transported to the machine's performance. They are pleased with the ver the past two years, 'At the moment, we are the field after a pre-sowing results, since the sowing a number of trials have carrying out a trial seeding of adjustment. depth and the distance been carried out within Grizzly maize hybrid developed 'We have created digital maps between the seeds are Othe Lead Farm project initiated at Zashchitnoye. The sowing of all our fields, established precisely maintained and by EkoNiva in collaboration rate for this crop is 80,000 electronic boundaries and correspond to the prescription with John Deere. We have seeds per hectare', says carried out soil tests within maps. visited one of the trial fields to Aleksey Nizkodubov, Chief these boundaries', explains see the cutting-edge practices Agronomist of EkoNivaAgro Sergey Kapustin, Precision with our own eyes. Left-Bank operation. 'In total, Farming Director, EkoNiva-APK By Alexander KUTISHCHEV TECHNICAL INSPECTION 13 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020 Working non-stop Ryazan branch of EkoNiva-Tekhnika has supplied four John Deere 8335R tractors to Russkaya Agrarnaya Gruppa holding.

espite the epidemiological ‘Our cooperation commenced issues, agricultural works in 2005’, says Sergey have to be carried out, so Krasavin, Head of Ryazan Dthe sowing campaign went just branch of EkoNiva-Tekhnika. as planned. ‘Today, over 50 John Deere ‘We must feed the country!’ self-propelled machines and highlights Aleksandr Shastitko, trailed implements run on our Head of Administration, Pronsk farms, all of them supplied by district. ‘Hopefully, the weather EkoNiva. Our management has will be good for our crops and set an objective to upgrade we will get high yields.’ the machinery fleet, so the familiar with the brand for a ‘After the old machinery reached Russkaya Agrarnaya Gruppa is old tractors will be gradually long time. During the sowing the end of its service life’, notes the largest holding in Ryazan replaced with their new campaign, the John Deere Aleksandr Tsunayev, Director oblast which unites seven counterparts manufactured by 8335R tractors became General of Oktyabrskoye farming operations engaged in the John Deere.’ indispensable helpers in the enterprise, ‘we replaced it with production of beef, milk, cereals The employees of Russkaya fields working rapidly and John Deere tractors which proved and oil crops. Agrarnaya Gruppa have been efficiently. to be perfectly reliable and robust.’ By Darya DENISOVA Eight undeniable advantages of Bednar Swifter How to achieve flawless pre-seeding tillage? Specialists of Vladimir the machine can be coupled to any tractor with engine power branch of EkoNiva-Tekhnika have answered this question during a demo of 320 hp or more. show of the new Bednar Swifter cultivator. ‘We intended to use the Bednar ednar company is a ‘Nevskiy needed a good packing and soil cultivation. Swifter for spring pre-planting manufacturer of tillage, implement for seedbed What’s more, after turning at works’, explains Gennadiy planting, fertiliser application preparation’, says Anatoliy Sary- headlands, the operator can go Gordey, Agronomist of Nevskiy Band mulching implements. This Terzi, Sales Representative of on working without adjusting farming enterprise, ‘and we year, EkoNiva has introduced EkoNiva-Tekhnika, the implement.’ were very pleased with it. The machine ran for 10-12 hours the Bednar Swifter in Vladimir Vladimir branch. The Bednar Swifter showed a day, removing weeds and oblast. The event took place ‘We’ve demonstrated the an unsurpassed result – an levelling the field. In total, it in Vorsha village, Sobinka Bednar Swifter 10,000 running immaculately smooth field tilled 800 hectares of land. district, in the fields belonging to across the area of 50 hectares. surface in one pass only! After the field cultivation, Nevskiy farm – one of the most This 10-metre cultivator gets According to technical experts, planters moved smoothly, advanced enterprises in the a field ready for sowing in a not many implements deliver and seeds were distributed region engaged in dairy livestock single pass, tilling the soil at such outstanding efficiency, uniformly. As a result, the crops farming and crop farming. Its the depth varying from 2 to 12 and it is especially valuable have sprouted really well.’ milking herd is 1,800 head centimetres. It can perform up when huge clumps of soil are and its land bank exceeds to 8 operations, which include left on the field surface after 7,000 hectares. track loosening, surface levelling, the autumn tillage. Moreover, By Darya DENISOVA 14 TECHNICAL INSPECTION

Excellent performance with John Deere How to boost machine performance and labor efficiency? The owners they germinate uniformly and produce good yields. This year, of John Deere machinery know the answer. Elly Group, the largest we sowed them at the depth agricultural Holding in Altai Area, has been using modern machines of of 4 cm and three weeks after the green and yellow brand on its farms for quite a few years now. sowing the roots grew about 5 cm deep.’ ne of the Group’s seen them operate in other get the answers straight away. For farms using conventional enterprises, Novaya countries - farms worldwide We used the John Deere 8370R tillage practices, the John Deere Zarya (Novosibirsk tend to opt for these efficient tractor and the John Deere 730 730 Air Drill is the best option. Oregion, Krasnozersk district, and reliable machines. Since Air Drill with a 1910 hopper as The leading edge of the disc cuts Orekhov Log village) became we started using John Deere, the showpiece. through the residue and removes the site of the John Deere each farming season goes off John Deere 8370R, tractor is the weeds thus allowing us to machinery demo show without a hitch. the most powerful 8 Series save money on glyphosate. organised by EkoNivaSibir. The machinery fleet of the model with the maximum The rod weeder combs out the The main goal of the event holding includes over 30 power of 407 hp, maximum weeds and levels out the soil. was to train the agronomists John Deere self-propelled lift capacity of 9 tonnes and The double-disk openers ensure and technicians of the machines: 8 and 9 Series hydraulic flow of 227 l/min. perfect contour following and company to use the machines tractors, sprayers, harvesters, The attendees of the demo- uniform sowing depth. The to maximum efficiency. mowers and over 10 seed show were also impressed by closing wheel closes the furrow ‘John Deere has a whole range drills. Sophisticated machinery the iTEC Pro system, which after seed placement providing of solutions for any kind of farm calls for qualified operators. resembles a passenger car optimal seed-to-soil contact for work’, says Vladimir Ganzha, Demo-shows proved to be the self-driving system. The the best emergence. The seed EkoNivaSibir Sales Rep. ‘As best form of training for the computer ensures driving drill is outstandingly robust a dealer, we are always ready company specialists. accuracy for both the machine and reliable. to help by demonstrating the ‘Such shows are gaining more and the implement no matter ‘Currently, each seed drill machine and teaching how to and more popularity in the whether the machine is going covers the area of 2,800 ha operate it. This demo show was farming community’, continues straight or turning. per season’, continues Emil arranged for the specialists Vladimir Ganzha. ‘In Novaya ‘I like the John Deere 730 Ishmukhamedov. ‘However, of all five enterprises of the Zarya, the specialists of the Air Drill for ensuring uniform we know that these mahcines Holding. Our main goal was holding had an opportunity to sowing depth’, says Emil are capable of much more. In to demonstrate what these test-drive the machines in the Dusmukhamedov. ‘It is 2017, when we just bought our machines are capable of and field, ask their questions and especially good for peas – first John Deere 730 Air drill, we train the operators to use them sowed about 5,000 ha! That was to their full capacity.’ a huge load but the machine Elly Group operates in two coped with it perfectly well.’ regions: Altay Area (25,000 Elly Holding sent a letter of ha) and Novosibirsk oblast gratitude to EkoNivaSibir (40,000 ha). The holding has for the excellent training three grain-handling facilities held for their engineers and and needs powerful and machine operators. These reliable machines. skills will come in handy in the ‘John Deere tractors are nearest time. The enterprises undoubtedly among the of the Holding are planning best in the world’, says Emil to purchase some more Ishmukhamedov, Director John Deere air drills. General of Elly Group. We have By Tatyana IGNATENKO PARTNER’S OPINION 15 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020

distance between potatoes. It is fitted with a system for potato treatment and microgranular fertiliser placement and has a ridge shaping roller for earthing up the potatoes straight away.’ The Grimme GL 410 gently places tubers at the necessary depth. Cage rollers help to preserve moisture around the tubers. It is worth noting that during the sowing process, tramlines are formed, which are used for further potato treatment to avoid damage to the tubers. 'The machine can perform a number of functions simultaneously’, explains Vladimir Moskvichev, Head of Magro farming enterprise, ‘for example, planting and treatment of the furrow. The microgranulator supplies a starter dose of a Potatoes are always in demand! microfertiliser for the plants and Specialists of Magro farming enterprise in Dubki village, Nekrasovskoye helps to implement all required protection measures fighting district, Yaroslavl oblast, know how to reap a high yield and provide the such insects as wireworms, residents of the region with fresh organic vegetables. The key success moths and potato beetles.’ The Grimme GL 410 is coupled factors are hard work, crop care and reliable machinery. to the John Deere 6155 M tractor for operation on the farm. armer Vladimir Moskvichev on this farm very much. The machines of famous brands has been engaged in customers’ first choice is variety supplied by EkoNiva, which Precision is very important for vegetable farming for 20 Vineta. According to Vladimir facilitated the production the potato production process. Fyears. When he started his Moskvichev, last year, the yield process and made work more For this reason, a navigation business, he worked 300 was high – over 2,000 tonnes. comfortable for operators. In system of the same brand has square metres of land. Today, However, unlike some years ago spring, a new potato planter been installed on the tractor. his enterprise produces the when the farmers were driven Grimme GL 410 with a small Andrey – Vladimir Moskvichev’s most popular plants – potatoes, by mere enthusiasm and did a hopper for 1.2 tonnes was son – is in the cab working cabbages, beets and carrots – lot of manual work, today they purchased by the enterprise. for the benefit of the family business, too. on 90 hectares of land. use smart Grimme machinery to ‘This planter features all the ‘We don’t grow other plants harvest potatoes. necessary functions to ensure ‘Quite often, on small farms like because it takes more effort’, ‘I remember buying our very proper operation’, shares ours, tractors are operated by explains Vladimir Moskvichev, first combine harvester from Vladimir Moskvichev, ‘at the the heads of the enterprises’, Head of Magro farming a collective farm where it same time, it boasts an array continues Kirill Tagantsev. enterprise, smiling. ‘Everything had been written off’, recalls of useful options. For example, ‘Therefore, the farm owners can comes and goes, but people want Vladimir Moskvichev, ‘I the electrical shaker of the cup try out the reliable and highly to eat all the time. Our vegetables assembled it and sent it to the belt allows the operator to easily efficient John Deere unit, which make adjustments to avoid skips has already proved itself as one and doubles, while the moving of the most efficient helpers in Kirill Tagantsev: floor of the planting mechanism the world. The John Deere 6155 'This is an extraordinary machine – helps to sieve debris preventing M has a full-frame design and many options it boasts make the job the cups from clogging.’ can be coupled to the heaviest easier and let the operator perform The special options of the implements and work in the several functions in just one pass. Grimme GL 410 implement roughest conditions. I especially For instance, the hydraulic drive of perfectly meet the needs of like the 6.8 litre engine, the the planting mechanisms allows easy Magro farming enterprise. proven trustworthy AutoQuad adjustment of the distance between the Plus transmission, strong axles tubers. Among its other notable features ‘This planter stands out from and perfect weight distribution.’ are a system of potato treatment and microgranular placement the rest’, says Kirill Tagantsev, Head of Sales Department Potatoes were planted in May. and a ridge-shaping cage roller for immediate earthing up of Vladimir Moskvichev expects a planted potatoes.’ of Kostroma branch of EkoNiva-Tekhnika. Many of its high yield, and in the meantime features facilitate operation and discusses the plans for the are always in demand. For field. Machinery like that was not let the machine do several tasks future with his son Andrey and example, five tonnes of potatoes fit for normal operation. The unit in one pass. For example, the his wife Nadezhda – the people sells within an hour.’ would break down frequently and Grimme GL 410 comes equipped the farmer can rely on in life and The reason behind this it was really annoying.’ with a hydraulic drive of the at work! popularity is that many people Several years ago, the farm planting mechanisms which love the potatoes produced started using agricultural ensures easy adjustment of the By Darya DENISOVA 16 PARTNER’S OPINION

John Deere tractors fight for a bumper crop All over the world, John Deere tractors are acknowledged to be exemplary in The main goal of the farmer is to get maximum yield, which terms of quality and flawless operation. The management and specialists can be done only through of Yeliseyev farming enterprise located in Tyoploye district, Tula oblast, have innovative approach. ‘Eliseyev is an advanced first-hand experience of the excellent performance of the green and yellow and promising farm’, says machines, which have become indispensable on the farm. Oksana Nasonova, Sales Representative of Tula branch eliseyev farm, dating back and yellow all-rounders – just a allows the machine to easily of EkoNiva-Technika. ‘In our to 1992, has managed to triple stroke of luck.’ transport heavy loads across region, many agricultural enlarge the land bank from challenging terrain. The rated John Deere 8R Series producers look up to the Ythe initial 50 hectares to over tractors have allowed farmers power of the tractor is 135 hp, the enterprise as it sets the trends capacity of the fuel tank is 220 l. 2,200 hectares. to push back the boundaries of of John Deere. If its management In addition to this, the cab boasts ‘Our arable land has field works. The 8 Series models has made a choice in favour a heater, air conditioning and increased 45 times’, says Sergey feature the new generation of some model, neighbouring exceptional visibility. Yeliseyev, Head of the enterprise. CommandArm control console, farmers will take a close look at ‘However, we can't just sit back a refined hydraulic system and a ‘With John Deere machinery, the machine right away.’ spacious, low-noise cab. Thanks we save on fuel and lubricants’, and rest on our laurels – we have In the near future, Yeliseyev to the unrivaled output and the says Sergey Eliseyev. ‘We work in to move on further acquiring more farm plans to reinforce the fleet of torque of the 9-litre PowerTech two shifts without any problems fields. We do understand that its powerful beasts by purchasing engine, the machines deliver up – these all-rounders cope we won’t cope without advanced another John Deere 6135B. to 314 hp. with the given tasks perfectly machinery. For working the soil Here, they know for sure that a well. Quality service plays an from one horizon to another, ‘The hydraulic system of the tractor in the field is like a tank important role – EkoNiva timely we definitely need robust and 8 Family tractors has plenty of in the battle, and the outcome of provides us with original spare user-friendly tractors. Our choice reserve capacity’, says Sergey the fight largely depends on the parts and consumables. The was made several years ago.’ Yeliseyev. ‘They are specially machine performance! The first John Deere machine, designed to outperform in dealer listens to our needs and which arrived at Yeliseyev farm in heavy-duty applications. Besides, does its best to help.’ By Tatyana IGNATENKO 2011, paved the way for further I can’t but mention hassle- fruitful cooperation with EkoNiva. free coupling to ploughs and Since then, the company has grain trailers. The efficiency of supplied two John Deere 8285R our production has increased tractors and one John Deere 3810 significantly. Last season, we plough. Last year, the John Deere bought a John Deere 6B Series 6135B joined in. tractor to help its counterparts of ‘I still remember the day the 8 Series. The newcomer is an when the first tractor was uncomplicated machine that can delivered to the farm – the withstand the hardest loads.’ weather was great, and my The John Deere 6135B is heart was joyful. I would say, fitted with the High-Pressure this purchase gave me more Common Rail system providing confidence about the future, precise control for fuel injection and I’m still content with the and reducing fuel consumption. machinery fleet we have as John The four-cylinder engine of the Deere tractors are high achievers 6 Series tractors runs faultlessly and good workers. Our farm has even in tough conditions. The already welcomed three green torque backup of up to 29% PARTNER’S OPINION 17 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020 JCB: driving a dream telehandler! What is the driving force behind the modern agricultural sector? Every specialist at EkoNivaSibir knows that the industry is moved forward by diligent workers from the Russian rural areas for whom farming is a lifelong passion and a lifestyle.

ard work, persistence, operator wants to drive the JCB first unit was supplied to the The four-wheel steer state-of-the-art machinery 535-95, as it boasts a spacious farm six years ago, while the mode ensures excellent and equipment, pursuit cab with an all-round visibility, second one was purchased a manoeuvrability of the model. Hof constant development an adjustable seat and steering year later. The machines have The steady and durable are the cornerstones of column. In addition, its maximum been operating smoothly all chassis the telehandler sits the long-standing success lift capacity is 3,500 kg. this time and have become the on is designed for the stability of Novoye Vremya farming ‘The feature we liked the pride and joy of the company of the unit. The functional enterprise (Novosibirsk oblast, most was its 9.5 metre reach’, management. components of the machine are Cherepanovo district) whose continues Vladislav Kundik. ‘We are happy with these within easy reach, which makes core business is crop production. ‘Our premises undergo repairs telescopic handlers’, says it possible to carry out repairs ‘Every day, we handle regularly and sometimes we Gennadiy Sergeyenko, Head on the farm eliminating the large amounts of grain in our need to lift loads very high. of Dubrovskoye. ‘We use them need to take the telehandler to warehouses’, says Vladislav However, we never rent a crane to load silage and haylage and a service centre. The maximum Kundik, Director of Novoye to do it because we have the to deliver manure to the fields. lift capacity of the unit is 3,100 Vremya. ‘The loading and kg. Its turn radius is 3.7 m and the boom reach is 7 m. unloading operations had been a serious problem for ‘The JCB 531-70 unit is indeed every farmer’s dream’, us. We wanted to upgrade our Gennadiy Sergeyenko: continues Gennadiy Sergeyenko. machinery fleet and improve ‘A telehandler like this is a dream for ‘With it, loading operations the working conditions for any farmer. Loading operations are are performed in no time. The the employees by buying a performed in no time. The machine machine is three times more reliable and highly efficient is three times more productive than productive than its counterparts.’ telehandler. Eventually, its counterparts.’ in 2008, the enterprise Farmers believe that having purchased a JCB 535-95.’ a reliable modern fleet of vehicles Novoye Vremya was one of is not everything. The truly the first in Novosibirsk oblast telehandler. As we would also What’s more, the machines help important factor is timely and to buy a JCB 535-95 loader. like to increase the land bank to feed the cows all year long. high-quality after-sales service. The unit is an all-season helper and the production volume, The JCB 531-70 operates with ‘The machinery should – it handles grain, lifts loads we are already considering a grain bucket, a silage fork and operate, not stand still’, states and removes snow in winter. buying one more JCB 535-95. a grab bucket crocodile. The Vladislav Kundik. ‘Service plays During its 12-year operation, it With JCB machinery, it is much last one carefully cuts off silage a decisive role and EkoNiva is has done 25,000 engine hours easier to put these plans into leaving behind a smooth clamp the best partner in the Siberian without any major breakdowns. action.’ face which is very important for region in that respect. Even In peak agricultural season, the The specialists of its storage in the summer as it more than just a partner – we machine handles not less than Dubrovskoye enterprise (Tomsk prevents heating and spoiling are a joint team. We grow 200 tonnes a day. The efficiency oblast, Kozhevnikovo district) which means that its nutritional stronger together and can of all processes on the farm have opted for the JCB 531- benefits for the animals are make our dreams come true!’ has grown considerably. Every 70 telescopic handler. The preserved longer.’ By Tatyana IGNATENKO 18 FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE

Alfalfa field crop trials, pollinated by leafcutter bees

The right kind of bees

World Bee Day is celebrated on 20 May. Yes, these amazing insects have a dedicated holiday. On this day, Anton Jansha, a Slovenian pioneer of modern beekeeping, was born.

he unique seed production The most widespread alfalfa field, while in Bobrov, the nests – long round holes 6 project involving bees pollinators, honey bees, are Voronezh oblast, the leafcutter mm in diameter – with cut-out is in its second year of quite reluctant to visit alfalfa. bee project is implemented on pieces of leaves. The nests are Timplementation at EkoNiva. And even if they do, they an area of 400 hectares. located in special poly blocks. The international holiday collect the nectar from the ‘Unlike honey bees, leafcutter Each tunnel can accommodate coincided with the delivery side, bypassing the whole bees do not cover large up to 7 larvae in individual of a special temperature- pollination mechanism to distances’, continues Andrey cocoons. A bee can fill up to controlled air cargo – 30 avoid getting hurt. Wild solitary Shtraub. ‘For this reason, they four such nests providing each million of leafcutter bees – to bees, such as leafcutter accept alfalfa readily when it is offspring with the precious Zashchitnoye, Kursk oblast. bees, on the contrary, are the closest and most abundant pollen to feed on. Later, a part of them was not bothered by the tripping flowering plant. They skillfully ‘In winter, the larvae are transferred to Voronezh oblast. flowers and pollinate them open the flower and collect harvested from the nests The main purpose of the project with gusto. Canadian farmers the pollen, thereby pollinating with the help of extracting is cross pollination of alfalfa on have learned to reproduce an industrial scale. them specifically for alfalfa ‘Alfalfa is the richest in protein pollination. In this country, the and fastest growing forage technology has been studied crop, yet its seed production only in the course of small trials. is complicated’, says Andrey The management of EkoNiva Shtraub, PhD in Agricultural made the decision to go ahead Sciences, Project Manager, with the large-scale project. ‘as it is a cross-pollinated In 2019, 5 million leafcutter plant and requires insects, bee larvae were imported particularly wild solitary or from Canada to Zashchitnoye honey bees, to reproduce. The LLC as part of a pilot project issue is that both the style and for the first time in Russia. the stigma are locked inside That was the number required alfalfa and bringing significant equipment, separated from the the flower during blooming. to pollinate 65 hectares of benefit to the farmers. Based chaff and into single cocoons’, When the insect lands on the alfalfa. This year, the project on the results of last year’s says Andrey Shtraub. ‘They flower and tries to open it, has been expanded by a wide experiment, the yield increased overwinter in a chamber where the keel petal separates and margin: in Zashchitnoye-Yug, threefold. In the field, where the the temperature of +8° C is the stamen, which is under Solntsevo district, Kursk leafcutter bees had worked, an maintained. Three weeks prior tension, is released with a oblast, the striped insects impressive 320 kg/hectare of to alfalfa going in bloom, we snap, hurting the insect. were allocated a 50-hectare alfalfa seeds was harvested. place them into an incubator, Unfortunately, the lifespan where they are subjected to the of female bees is only two temperature of +30° C. There months, that of the males is they hatch and are ready to be Andrey Shtraub: even less. Nonetheless, this taken to the fields.’ ‘The leafcutter bees trip the flower period is enough for the bees to In EkoNiva, the project is and collect the pollen, thus pollinating leave progeny. considered promising. Already alfalfa and bringing colossal benefit. From the very first days of their this year, the alfalfa seed Based on the results of the previous lives, leafcutter bees strive to yield is expected to increase year’s pilot project, the yield increased perpetuate their species: they significantly. threefold.’ construct and line the cells in By Tatyana IGNATENKO FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE 19 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020 Silver from EkoNiva The soybean variety Argenta, EkoNiva’s creation, has been included into the State register of plant breeding achievements permitted for use on the territory of the Russian Federation. Following the winter wheat variety Cepheus, EkoNiva registers a soybean variety under the beautiful name Argenta, which means ‘silver’ in Latin.

he acreage under soybeans compared to the check variety is constantly growing in in the Central Black Soil region Russia, particularly in amounted to 7 per cent. In Oryol Tthe Central Black Soil region. and Tambov oblasts, it was still The area under the legume higher – from 21 up to 25 per crop here has exceeded 800 cent. The maximum absolute thousand hectares. The range yield was harvested in 2018 of varieties offered on the seed at Oboyan and Oktyabrskiy market is quite wide. Over state variety testing plots: 5.04 the last decade, 80 varieties and 4.63 tonnes/hectare, were included into the State correspondingly. register of plant breeding In 2019, the cultivar produced a achievements approved for the superior result of 3.95 tonnes/ use in the Central Black Soil hectare at Maloarkhangelsk region. Customers face a hard state variety testing plot. choice among such diversity. Yet Argenta was the first variety in even in this highly competitive the early maturity group (000) to environment, EkoNiva has produce such a record yield. been able to come up with an The EN Argenta variety is highly early season product whose It is also notable that the ‘Moreover, it is an important responsive to agricultural yield is on par with the varieties new variety has no dormant evolutionary shift to the new background, meanwhile ensuring characterised by a longer seeds even in the years with development stage when a consistent yield even in poor vegetation period. pronounced heat stress in the varieties with the most sought- pod-fill phase. Early maturity, after properties are created Vladimir Chirkov: a high yield potential and in-house. Plant breeding can ‘Registration of our own competitive high-protein non-GMO increased branching are the and should be a kind of activity soybean variety is a strategical foundation for risk management in main economically useful traits which is attractive for investment seed production. Moreover, it is an important evolutionary shift to of the variety which will enable and we want to prove it by our the new development stage in our company when critical items, it to take a worthy place in the example.’ which are sought-after in the market, are created in-house. Plant Russian fields. EkoNiva has recently submitted breeding can and should be a kind of activity which is attractive for ‘Registration of our own two more new soybean varieties investment and we want to prove it by our example.’ competitive high-protein non-GM for state trial in the Central soybean variety is a strategical Non-Black Soil region and ‘The variety received its soil moisture conditions, which foundation for risk management Western Siberia, the regions name due to the silver white is confirmed by the ecological in seed production’, points out where early-maturing varieties pubescence which imparts to the trials held in Lipetsk and Tambov Vladimir Chirkov, Executive are in a particularly short supply. Director of EkoNiva-Semena. plants their characteristic hue’, oblasts. Another feature of the By Tatyana IGNATENKO says Vladimir Chirkov, Executive cultivar, which is rare among Director of EkoNiva-Semena. varieties with a short vegetation ‘The variety is distinguished season, is its increased by a peculiar combination of branching. The new variety is able traits. First of all, It is a very good to produce up to 5-6 side shoots, predecessor for winter crops. thus easily compensating for the The variety falls within the early local stand nonuniformity. This maturity group (000) and ripens property allows to save the seeds, within 100-105 days. Assuming since farmers often sow soybeans that the crop is planted on time, with extra plant density to be this corresponds to late on the safe side. Furthermore, August-early September.’ increased branching reduces The official data of the State losses in the residue as no pods variety testing commission are located in the lower nodes, attests to the high yield potential only the branches. Besides, the of the variety EN Argenta. Over protein content in the kernel in the two years of state trials, absolutely dry matter the average yield surplus as is in the 36%-42% range. 20 FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE

soil moisture. Lentils are easily adaptive to various soil conditions and an advantageous predecessor in crop rotation. The seeds germinate at 3-4°C, the seedlings emerge on the day 6 or 7. It is important that the lentils do not accumulate nitrates, toxins and radionuclides which makes it an organic product. Moreover, it enriches the soil with nitrogen and leaves it clear of any weeds. EkoNiva-Semena offers to Valuable export commodity its customers the varieties of Canadian breeding: CDC Rosebud, CDC Redcoat Until early twentieth century, this country was Volga Federal Districts. and CDC Redbow. The cultivars the leader in lentil cultivation and export. EkoNiva-Semena adheres are capable of reaching to the principle of providing the maximum yields in After a hundred years of oblivion, export of customers with the best seed conventional farming systems. the crop is coming to the forefront again. material and the best genetics ‘The varieties produce over EkoNiva also engages in lentil production. that has passed rigorous 3 tonnes per hectare, which is selection in the company’s excellent performance’, says fields. The area under lentils Vladimir Chirkov, Executive grown as a cash crop in the Director of EkoNiva-Semena. entils are the most popular exported from Russia are holding amounts to 2,000 ‘Currently, red lentils are in legume crop in terms of countries outside the CIS. We hectares. The production is short supply on the global taste and nutritional value. have seen a spike in lentil mostly concentrated in Kursk market, which means that LIt is a major source of protein in demand in recent years. and Novosibirsk oblasts. the price will grow. Russian many Asian countries. Among Despite considerable price Plans call for a significant agricultural producers should its numerous benefits is the fluctuations in the global increase in the share of lentils take a closer look at lentils. ability to preserve the health market, it is a promising and in the cropping plan in the It is a very promising crop.’ promoting properties even profitable crop.’ near future. EkoNiva-Semena is ready after being subjected to high Over the last four years, the ‘In 2019, EkoNiva sold over to offer extra services to temperatures and nutrient volume of lentil export has 2 thousand tonnes of lentils’, its customers and provide richness making it a wonderful increased twentyfold. The main continues Vladimir Danielyan. assistance with selling their substitute for meat and grain in consumers of Russian lentils ‘Our main customers are lentils abroad. the daily menu. are Iran, the Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Turkey, the Arab ‘The scheme is simple: we Lentil seeds contain from 24% Turkey, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Emirates. The market capacity supply the farms with lentil to 35% of protein, about 50% of seeds and then buy the carbohydrates, 4% of minerals Vladimir Danielyan: commercial grain back’, and 2% of fats. In addition, it is ‘Lentils are among the world’s most says Vladimir Chirkov. ‘We a good source of B vitamins. ancient crops and a valuable export export it directly without any In India, Pakistan, and commodity. The main consumers of lentils exported from Russia are intermediaries. We have the Bangladesh, lentils are not countries outside the CIS. We have required experience in this only consumed but also seen a spike in lentil demand in recent area. In the immediate future, grown in large quantities. years.’ we are going to optimise However, the volumes are our logistics, storage and still insufficient to cover the handling as well as grain domestic demand. Canada pre-conditioning, grading and and Australia also grow a lot Armenia, Egypt, Bulgaria, the is immense and we have just packaging. It will save us and of lentil. These two countries Czech Republic and Latvia. started tapping into it, but our customers costs!’ are the main exporters of the These countries account for we are working on increasing Nowadays, the global lentil beneficial product. about 90% of total export our market share. The lentil market exceeds 3.5 billion operations. commodity market has the ‘Lentils are among the world’s dollars. EkoNiva along with its potential to consume much most ancient crops and a The major part of domestically partners has every chance to greater volume.’ valuable export commodity’, grown lentils intended for occupy a fair share in it. says Vladimir Danielyan, export comes from Siberian Lentils are a marketable crop Deputy Commercial Director Federal District (one third with a high yield capacity. It is of EkoNiva-APK Holding. ‘The of the entire export volume) perfectly suited for cultivation main consumers of lentils followed by Southern and in cool regions with limited By Tatyana IGNATENKO 21 EkoNiva’s gene pool

A large share of young stock at EkoNiva’s dairies is the result of the company’s own breeding work. ‘We implement cutting-edge housing, milking and health care practices on all our farms’, continues Valeriya Serebrennikova. ‘Herd management is performed with the help of such advanced software systems as Selex, Dairy plan, Dairy comp 305 and 1C. Herd managers and vets no longer need to carry their note pads with them and write down the information. All details about yields, fertility, health, cow movement and feeding are consolidated in one place.’ The breeding stock is kept in comfortable conditions. Herd managers take care of cows and control their ration, which consists of concentrates, silage, haylage and feed supplements. EkoNiva grows its own forage crops. The cows’ EkoNivaAgro carried out genomic evaluation of its dairy herd. Out of the diet is adjusted according to 43 Holstein heifers tested at Agroplem laboratory, two were included their physiology. Sick animals into the top list of the best Holstein heifers of American breeding. are treated in dedicated hospital pens. Conny and Monica are perfect he high Net Merit index a 305-day-long lactation. If genetics’, says Valeriya examples of the successful enabled heifers Conny the cows are kept in proper Serebrennikova, Cattle work of EkoNiva’s Cattle and Monica to enter the conditions, these Breeding Department Manager. Breeding Department. These Ttop list of the best Holstein preliminarily assessments will ‘We use both conventional cows have a great genetic heifers of American breeding. become a reality. and sexed semen. The main potential, and, if the right Net Merit Index is based on semen is chosen for breeding, lifelong productivity, health can produce excellent progeny. traits and exterior. It allows Valeria Serebrennikova: ‘In the future, we are planning to assess the potential ‘EkoNiva has been developing pedigree to include embryo transfer into productivity of heifers. cattle breeding since 2008. The This index is calculated by breeding work is aimed at creating a our regular practices’, shares the USA Council on Dairy highly productive and healthy herd. The Valeriya Serebrennikova. ‘We Cattle Breeding. company’s main breeds are Holstein, Red- will use the most valuable and-White, Simmental and Brown Swiss.’ cows in our herd – like Conny Agroplem laboratory test results and Monica – as donors. Their revealed that Conny would grow embryos will be transferred to to be a medium-size, well-built recipient cows. This breeding and highly productive cow EkoNiva has been developing advantage of the sexed semen technique will speed up genetic with strong limbs which are a pedigree cattle breeding since technology is that it allows to progress in the herd. According prerequisite for a long life in the 2008. The breeding work is receive on average 80%-98% to the statistics, a cow can give herd. As for Monica, she will aimed at creating a highly female calves. We use sexed birth to one calf per year. Using become a big cow, with a wide productive and healthy herd. semen for the first and second embryo transfer, it is possible chest, a good body depth and The company’s main breeds insemination of heifers and to get 100 calves per year from a wonderful udder shape. At are Holstein, Red-and-White, cows. It enables us to increase the donor.’ the peak of their productivity, Simmental and Brown Swiss. the breeding stock and Conny and Monica can produce ‘In our work, we use the semen accelerate the genetic progress over 13,500 kg of milk per of breeding bulls of western of the herd.’ By Viktor BARGOTIN 22 OUR HUMAN RESOURCES

it is a great responsibility and I will do my best to overcome whatever challenges arise.’ EkoNiva has influenced Mariya’s life greatly: it was here that she found her professional calling and her love, Andrey Leonov. What is it: a happy coincidence or fate? Masha is from Kostroma, Andrey – from Tyumen, but their destiny awaited them in a place off the beaten track in Kaluga oblast. ‘We met during the ZooVet internship programme’, recollects Andrey Leonov. Find calling ‘Masha came across as sociable, positive and very determined, that is why she appealed to me and love at EkoNiva at first sight. Interestingly, we often have heated discussions, A bouquet of flowers for a woman, a delicious dinner for a man! The for instance, yesterday we disagreed about the cows’ body young specialists of EkoNiva share with us the secrets of a good mood, condition scores (laughing).’ professional success and a strong relationship during the quarantine. All the arguments fade away when Mariya cooks a delicious fter a busy day – hardly as Deputy Head of Gusevo dairy. student. Mariya has since gone supper! Her fiance’s favourite allowing any time for Andrey gives Masha a bunch on to become a Deputy Head of dish is fried aubergine. The even a private phone call of her favourite flowers. She a dairy facility. couple was supposed to get A– Andrey Leonov and Mariya laughs happily. ‘EkoNiva provides aspiring married in April, but the wedding Udalova are hurrying home. The ‘I love white roses!’ says specialists with professional ceremony has been postponed couple are holding each other’s Mariya. ‘They lift my spirits after development opportunities’, because of the COVID-19 hands tightly. They have missed the rainy days.’ shares Mariya Udalova. ‘I had lockdown. Hopefully, this July each other during the working Mariya Udalova arrived in done a few internships at the our lovers will become lawfully day since they were apart: he Kaluga from Kostroma. Her company’s dairies before I wedded spouses, but for now, – working as Head of Ulanovo career in EkoNiva started 3 was appointed a Young Stock the focus is on work! dairy, she – carrying out duties years ago when she was a Manager. I know full well that By Darya DENISOVA Young and talented! On 28 March, the winter session of the all-Russian agricultural veterinarian of Bobrov dairy. ‘I was surprised that first year student team Milk Standard came to an end. Sixty-six students from students were able to integrate 13 agricultural universities of our country gained invaluable working into the team so quickly and work so well. As for senior experience at 8 dairies and a processing plant of EkoNiva. students, we could trust them as if they were our employees.’ uture veterinarians, herd to help me and teach how breeding, hoof trimming, feeding managers, engineers and to do the work correctly. I’m and cow movement. Engineers During the session, the technologists received the taking home a lot of practical showed their talents and used weekends were no less filled Fessential hands-on training and knowledge and experience. their theoretical knowledge in with events than working days. got an insight into cutting-edge Young veterinarians learned how servicing and repairing John The students organised talent contests and sporting events farming practices. to work with the young stock, Deere and JCB equipment. and attended seminars held by treat fresh cows, vaccinate ‘The training session at EkoNiva ‘All the students demonstrated the top specialist of EkoNivaAgro. has totally changed my views on and take blood samples. Herd their best skills’, says the choice of profession’, says managers were engaged in Konstantin Zinner, Senior ‘Student teams provide valuable experience to their members’, Veronika Milyutina, a student explains Anastasia Chemutova, of Perm State Agricultural a student of Stavropol State University. ‘I couldn’t imagine Agricultural University. ‘I’ve that laboratory work at a milk enjoyed my first training session processing factory can be at one of EkoNiva’s dairies and I so interesting. I helped the would like to come back for the laboratory assistant and carried second one in summer.’ out physicochemical analysis of milk at all production stages. In a few months, young people Of course, I had read about from the agricultural student this procedure in textbooks, team Milk Standard will come and learned about it at lectures back to EkoNiva for the next at the university. However, training session, but first, at EkoNiva, I did it myself for they need to pass their exams the first time in my life. The successfully. instructors were always there By Viktor BARGOTIN OUR HUMAN RESOURCES 23 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020 EkoNiva's Alma Mater For over five years, EkoNiva has successfully collaborated with Volgograd State Agricultural University which trains students who later become qualified specialists in the industry.

he joint work of EkoNiva and the agricultural university began in 2015. TAt that time, EkoNiva launched Kupriyanov – gave us lectures (Ryazan oblast). ‘Here, the have come to work for the the first Academy of Livestock during a week. They shared interns acquire new practical company. Farming course and invited their experience, which is skills which complement the best students doing their ‘Our cooperation creates a firm absolutely vital for young the information on the degree in the relevant subjects practical resource base’, says specialists.’ subjects they’ve learned at from all over Russia to join in. Oleg Budtuyev, Deputy Dean the university. From the start, ‘I was among the few lucky The idea blossomed into for Internship, Biotechnology the freshers are assigned a ones who were sent to a successful cooperation. Later, and Veterinary Medicine EkoNiva's farms to take part in the educational institution mentor who helps to handle Department. ‘Although many the educational project’, recalls sent other students to do the difficult situations. Within a employers are interested Mariya Kantemirova, a vet at summer internship in EkoNiva. few months, young people gain in our students, EkoNiva hands-on experience and learn EkoNiva’s Livestock Farming ‘The students of Volgograd remains our key partner. We to work on their own.’ Training Centre. State Agricultural University are planning to expand our ‘I couldn’t realise then what a who come to our enterprises Over 300 students from internship programme and unique opportunity it was for have extensive theoretical Volgograd university have done include such areas of activity me. The leading specialists of knowledge’, says Rafail their internships at EkoNiva’s as farm machinery building and the holding – Ramon Schenk, Ibragimov, Chief Herd enterprises during the five-year agronomy.’ Viktor Pisarenko and Sergey Manager of Nesterovo dairy collaboration. Ninety of them By Viktor BARGOTIN New chapter of sports life The renovated Sports and Recreation Centre in Severnoye village (Orenburg oblast) has opened its doors to young sportsmen. Severnaya Niva and NivaStroy made a perfect gift for the local sports school – complete refurbishment of the gym.

he last capital repair of recreation centre’, says Elmir the building had been Shaikhutdinov, Deputy Regional performed more than Director for Volga region. village welcomes its attendants several times a week’, T30 years ago. Prior to EkoNiva’s ‘Severnaya Niva provided back. A wide variety of summarises Elmir undertaking, the Sports and financing for the project and activities is available to young Shaikhutdinov. ‘The newly Recreation Centre was in an NivaStroy made this great idea a sportsmen: unarmed refurbished gym serves as an awful condition: the roof was reality. We replaced the ceilings self-defence, basketball, additional motivation for taking leaking, the walls were covered and removed some of the walls, volleyball, etc. By the way, up sport, that is why the number with mildew, the plasterwork put in new lighting, laid new volleyball teams of players of volleyball enthusiasts among was destroyed, the lighting was parquet flooring, redecorated the born in 2004 and 2005 have our employees is growing. It not working properly, and some locker rooms and the staff room won gold medals at oblast is great that sports can unite blocks of parquet floor were and bought a new volleyball net competitions after training at people. Now, children and adults damaged. and basketball backboards. the renovated gym. in our village have started a new ‘EkoNiva Group initiated After the renovation, the junior ‘Severnaya Niva employees chapter in their sports life.’ capital repair and redecoration sports school at the Sports and and their family members play of the local sports and Recreation Centre in Severnoye volleyball at the sports centre By Viktor BARGOTIN 24 OUR HUMAN RESOURCES Following Vavilov’s example project. Last year, the ladies demonstrated excellent results and were awarded a trip to the All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources n.a. Vavilov (VIR) in Saint-Petersburg. This year, they arrived at Sibirskaya Niva with the goal of staying there as full-time employees. ‘We carry out variety trials of various crops: canola, ryegrass, clover, maize hybrids’, says Galya. ‘We study the process of hybrid sowing and cultivation. Agronomy is my calling, although as a child, I dreamt of being a veterinarian and treating animals. Now, I am going to produce healthy and delicious feed for EkoNiva’s cows which is equally important as feed has a direct impact on health.’ The student team Vavilovets has arrived in Zashchitnoye. During the The Trofimov sisters are inseparable: wherever they go summer months, the students of agricultural universities from across – to classes, training sessions the country are going to gain experience, acquire practical skills in plant or work – they go together. The girls also have a common breeding, learn the basics of seed production and crop protection. professional dream – to develop a new unique variety aunched three years ago, one day. Tomatoes were the At first, I couldn’t make up capable of producing a record the project has proved to boy’s particular favourite. One my mind. Later, the dream crop in the challenging climatic be an important part of time, he grew a giant tomato solidified itself as a wish to feed conditions of Siberia. They Lthe training program for the weighing almost a kilo in his people with delicious natural are sure that they can acquire young specialists who may vegetable patch. He was very products made from the crops the necessary knowledge in become future employees of proud of his success and grown in the Russian fields. I EkoNiva. In the framework of the holding. gladly treated the family to the want to be proud of working in the project, the trainees learn delicious tomato. Currently, the agricultural sector. Now, I Zashchitnoye is the best site to take on all the challenges for learning the ropes of plant pertaining to farming. breeding and seed production. Andrey Uglanov, participant of the Vavilovets project: ‘The guys are showing The mentors generously share ‘My dream is to feed people with delicious natural products made genuine interest. And that’s their expertise and skills with from the crops grown in the Russian fields. I want to be proud of what matters’, says Sergey the interns. working in the agricultural sector. Now I know for sure, I will grow Kulinkovich, Deputy Director of ‘We want young people grain because grain makes bread and bread is the staff of life!’ the Plant Breeding and Variety to come to work for us as Maintenance Centre. ‘I honestly agronomists or seed growers the young agronomist is more know for sure, I will grow grain believe that Nikolay Vavilov and after graduating from interested in winter wheat: the because grain makes bread his ideas are alive as long as his universities. Who knows, crop rotation of this cereal is and bread is the staff of life!’ followers continue his work.’ maybe one day one of them the subject of his thesis paper. The project has now expanded will become a plant breeder’, Sisters Galya and Lida to new regions. In addition says Vitaliy Voloshchenko, the ‘Since my childhood, I’ve been Trofimov from Altai area are to Zashchitnoye, the young mastermind behind the project dreaming of helping people’, experienced participants of specialists are learning the and Director of Plant Breeding says the intern. ‘But how? the Vavilovets student team tricks of successful agricultural and Variety Maintenance production in Severnaya Centre of EkoNiva-Semena. Niva and Sibirskaya Niva. ‘Our principal task is to grant This year, students from them an opportunity to better Chuvashia, Bashkiria, Perm understand and get the feel of area, Belgorod, Voronezh and the profession.’ Kursk oblasts have joined the Andrey Ulanov from Kursk Vavilovets team. They are all oblast has dreamt of working different but what unites them in agriculture since he was a is the common love for their child. He enjoyed helping his native land and the desire to mum with growing vegetables contribute to the development in the garden and cherished of agriculture. a dream of becoming a professional crop grower By Tatyana IGNATENKO OUR PEOPLE 25 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020 Honouring the memory of our fallen heroes

On the 75th anniversary of Victory Day, been living all her life, love villages of Shchigry, Solntsevo and respect the veteran. She and Belaya districts to veterans, workers of the Home Front and all joined the army on the second pay homage to the fallen those who fought so bravely to give us peace day of the war, 23 June, 1941 soldiers. Moreover, twenty as a head nurse at the 210th aged dwellers – war-affected could not hide their tears and emotions when medical regiment on the children, workers of the Home accepting congratulations. Western Front. She fought in Front and veterans of labour the 50th army that liberated – received financial aid and tefan Duerr, EkoNiva Home Front during the war, to Kaluga from the Nazis. The flowers from the company. Group President, get her home connected to gas battle for the city is forever They could not hide their and employees of supply. imprinted on her mind – she tears as the most important SEkoNivaAgro (Voronezh Sergey Lyakhov, Regional dragged wounded soldiers gift on 9 May for them is oblast) visited the places of Director for Siberia, laid off the battlefield on a shelter attention and understanding military glory in Liski district flowers at the Great Patriotic half across the frozen Oka that their toil and efforts are and laid memorial wreaths War Memorial in Maslyanino river. Having lived through the still remembered and highly on the graves of the soldiers village, Novosibirsk oblast. dreadful battle of Stalingrad, appreciated. fallen in the woeful Second A day earlier, following the Pelageya Sergeevna was Stefan Duerr congratulated World War. Even though established tradition, EkoNiva awarded a medal for combat the public: ‘On this special the coronavirus lockdown provided financial aid to the services. The memories of day, I want to wish all people precluded the company from local veteran community. the victorious spring of 1945 on earth a peaceful sky above arranging a meeting with spent in Koenigsberg will stay The specialists of Kaluzhskaya their heads. I would like to veterans as usual, 1,200 with the veteran for a lifetime. Niva brought dairy treats to the express eternal gratitude gift hampers and flowers When the war came to an veterans and congratulated to the wartime generation were delivered right to their end, Pelageya Korolyova went them on the Victory Day. and wish a long life and doors. Besides, EkoNivaAgro back to her native village and Pelageya Korolyova used to good health to everyone who built a new fence and kept on working as a nurse in be a guards senior lieutenant contributed to the victory over repaired a porch for Semyon Aristovo. of medical service. This year, fascism.’ Zemledeltsev, a veteran the veteran has two important The commemorations of the from Sukhaya Beryozovka dates to celebrate: the 75th 75th anniversary also took village, Bobrov district, and anniversary of the Great Victory place in Kursk oblast. The By Viktor BARGOTIN, helped Vera Shchekunskikh, and her own 100th birthday! employees of Zashchitnoye Tatyana IGNATENKO, Nizhnemaryino village, Liski All residents of Ustinovka farming enterprise visited Darya DENISOVA district, who served on the village, where Pelageya has war memorials in all the 26 OUR EKONIVA

Everything must be real! EkoNiva has 100,000 cows and each one of them could be a star. Following auditions, a Holstein-Friesian cow from Kaluga dairy, called Docha was chosen. Docha was transported onto the set by truck accompanied by specialists from the farm. ‘This November, Docha will be 6 years old’, says Roman Kolochkov, Chief Veterinarian of Aristovo dairy farm. ‘She is the most affectionate, understanding and calm cow I have ever seen. Docha likes to interact with others and enjoys Stefan Duerr, being gently stroked. I’m happy that she has accomplished her task successfully’. ‘Milk boosts your intelligence!’ After filming, Docha safely returned to her cow shed where Milk improves your intelligence and knowledge is more important she was taken care of and milked. than marks! Now Docha feels good which is of relevance as she is due to calve s a father, a farmer and to fresh and tasty milk’, get extremely anxious about for the fourth time soon. EkoNiva Group President, says Stefan Duerr. ‘My first exams. Sometimes, even In the advertisement, Stefan Duerr is plugged experience of working with decades later, adults have Stefan Duerr tells the story Ainto what’s happening in kids’ cattle was during a student nightmares about this period of about parental love and milk lives now, wishing them every internship, when I helped to their lives. However, this topic and the role both play in success down the road. He was milk 50 cows every day for 4 is rarely covered in marketing helping teenagers to cope with the creative mind behind the years. It was then that I realised environment. The very fact that difficult tasks. new advertising campaign for that it was something worth EkoNiva did not shy away from ‘When you have a the dairy products under the dedicating a life to. At the taking up the topic is indicative strong and united team of EKONIVA brand. same time, I was also keen of the strength of the brand professionals - there are The company launched the on studying, so I managed set to change the rules of the 14 000 employees in our new advertising campaign in to stay on top of things. Now game among counterparts. This company - the president can do April. The key message of the I encourage my children to applies not only to the marketing whatever he likes’, says Stefan commercial is that the pursue knowledge, rather than communication, but also to the Duerr. ‘For instance, now I am high-quality produce is an chase marks. In Germany, quality of produce. More than taking part in the filming of excellent opportunity to show I have never seen anyone that, this advertisement proves advertisements in which I say your children you love them. make fuss about children’s that EkoNiva keeps abreast to the buyer from the TV screen: Children really need parental preparation for exams. In of the pressing issues in the ’’EkoNiva milk from our fields love in stressful situations, such Russia, the whole family is modern family.’ for your health’’.’ as before or during exams. engaged in the process: the The participation of a parents go through all the trials ‘Sometimes parents think real cow in the advertisement and tribulations together with that it is necessary to hire a was an express condition. By Anna PALAGUTINA their offspring, eager to help whole lot of tutors and buy them in every possible way. But more textbooks’, says Stefan when you come to think of it, a Duerr. ‘But, I strongly believe supportive family and proper that parental love and a glass food for the brain are no less of wholesome milk will do just important for acing an exam.’ as good a job!’ The Moscow creative Mr Duerr’s statement is agency The Clients helped to confirmed by the recent studies turn the idea into a commercial. which have shown that milk The plot revolves around comes second in the list of the importance of a warm products boosting intelligence and relationship in the family. And, improving brain function. As for of course, treating your loved parental love, it can do wonders! ones to a glass of tasty milk is When Stefan studied at the best way to show affection. school, his parents kept no ‘Every task set by EkoNiva cows on their farm. is a challenge’, says Aleksandr ‘My neighbour, a dairy Bozhko, Creative Director of The farmer, used to treat me Clients. ‘Parents and children OUR EKONIVA 27 EKONIVA NEWS № 68 June 2020 Virtual reality

koNiva is delighted to getting onto their table’, says welcome everyone to Stefan Duerr. ‘Set out on a 360-degree video tours of journey to our farm from the EUlanovo dairy in Kaluga oblast. comfort of your home, drink Within five minutes, you will milk and stay healthy!’ visit various locations: calf To join the online hutches, sheds and feedlots excursion, go to the Register for older calves, cow barns, a for Dairy Tour section on feed centre and a rotary milking ekoniva-moloko.com or parlour. The dairy, which is the official EkoNiva Moloko home to more than 6,000 cows YouTube channel. As soon as and calves, including 2,800 the epidemiological situation milking cows, invites guests is back to normal, EkoNiva will Due to the coronavirus situation, EkoNiva has to make exciting discoveries be happy to reopen its farm about farm life. doors to longed-for guests. put on hold its dairy tours in Voronezh and ‘For us, online tours are There are still lots of exciting Kaluga oblasts. On the bright side, though, a unique opportunity to tell discoveries to be made! multiple consumers what a now milk lovers can visit one of the farms long way milk goes before By Maria POLETAEVA without leaving home.

Delectable and healthy! Driven by this principle, EkoNiva has introduced new products with unique properties.

he new ingredients being and beauty. The entire of EKONIVA Fitness range came out brilliant!’ Line drinking yoghurts The milk composition Twith a high protein content and the fat content of are seeds with exceptional the yoghurts has been characteristics. The yoghurt combined to ensure better with sour and sweet cherries absorption of microelements, now has chia seeds in it, while dairy protein and calcium. care of your body while you traditional Russian cuisine, the strawberry variety can Besides, low lactose levels and are indulging yourself. It goes the company has launched boast vitamin-rich rhubarb the presence of fibre make without saying that the quark latte-like coloured ryazhenka and flax seeds. Another them suitable drinks for people desserts do not contain any fermented drink with a product in the line – yoghurt with lactose intolerance. with red currants, traditional artificial flavourings, colourings, delicious taste and a full pack New flavours have also Russian berries – has been stabilisers or preservatives. of healthy properties. To slow appeared in the product line supplemented with exotic Another special product cook it, fresh milk is left to of EKONIVA quark desserts amaranth seeds. under EKONIVA brand for simmer in a stove for hours on with a fat content of 5%. These low heat, which accelerates the ‘Wholesome natural pre-school and school children treats with tender frothy texture speed of protein breakdown products can be delectable’, – ultra-heat-treated milk with a due to which they simply melt facilitating digestion and says Anastasiya Kalinina, fat content of 3.2% – has been in your mouth have always consequently the absorption Brand Manager of EkoNiva- launched onto the market. been hard to resist. Their new of В, С, РР-group vitamins, Food. ‘This is the idea we were Absolutely microbiologically variants with peach, apricot, calcium, phosphorus and guided by when creating the cherry and sour cherry pamper safe milk in an aseptic amino acids – all the good new yoghurt flavours. The drinkers with a double portion packaging has a long shelf things our body can get from it. seeds became the cherry on of pleasure benefitting their life when stored unopened at The high standard fat content the cake which completed the health through protein in an room temperature. The product of 4% helps to deliver the taste taste of the highest quality easily digestible form, vitamins boasts a guaranteed pure of baked milk best of all. milk and the health benefits of А, Е, D, К, B-group vitamins, milk taste and a whole lot of fruits to make up a delicious nicotinic acid, amino acids vitamins and microelements, Join EKONIVA dairy fan blend. Each kind of seeds is and many other wholesome essential to a growing body. club! an investment in human well- ingredients which will take For the fans of the By Svetlana WEBER Standing out in a crowd EkoNiva’s farms are a home for over one hundred thousand cows, among which there are truly outstanding animals.

True master of cuddles The most affectionate cow in Sibirskaya Niva is a beauty TV stars with the self-explanatory name ‘Laska’ (tenderness in Cows Marta and Docha have starred in EkoNiva’s commercials with Russian). Radiating pure gentleness and warmth, Laska none other than Stefan Duerr. Primped by special groomers, the puts her head on the veterinarians’ knees and devotedly bovine beauties performed perfectly well, coming up to the highest looks in their eyes, thus helping them to relieve stress expectations of the director and the camera man. after a long hard-working shift.

Super Mum Our pride Malva – an experienced mother The first-place award went to the from Zashchitnoye farm – has cow from EkoNivaAgro nicknamed given birth to 11 calves within Champion. During 7 lactations, she has 12 years. On 19 August, the given 100 thousand litres of milk! farm heroine is celebrating her birthday.

Farm big boss Rare Bird Cow Mamka is a natural-born leader at Gusevo dairy, Kaluga Being distinguished by the rare coat colours, Lucky oblast. She manages the herd on the voluntary basis, early in could shine in the sequel to 101 Dalmatians. While her the morning getting the bovine ladies together for milking. No unique beauty patiently bides its time, the cow happily chance to skip the gathering – in short order, Mamka will make takes a ride on a milking rotary and delights everyone with it clear who runs the barn! excellent milk yield.

22-24 July* 20-21 August* All-Russian Flax Field Day Don Field Day Venue: fields of Siberian Institute of Agriculture and Peat, Venue: Federal State Budgetary Research Institution Donskoy agricultural Okolitsa park located at 1A, Sadovaya St., Zorkaltsevo village, Tomsk oblast research centre, Eksperimentalniy village, Zernograd district, Rostov oblast Organiser: Ministry of Agriculture of Tomsk oblast Organiser: DonExpocentre Group of Companies

13-14 August* Saratov-Agro Venue: a trial field beside the bypass road between Solnechniy and Yubileiniy *The events may be postponed or cancelled depending residential districts, Saratov on the epidemiological situation Organiser: SOFIT-EXPO Exhibition Centre

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EditorinChief: The journal «ЭкоНива-Вести/EkoNiva-News» is registered Translated by the International Projects Department Ms. Svetlana Ivanovna Weber by the Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Com- of EkoNiva-APK Holding, LLC Address of the editorial office, munication and Mass Communications. Registered Certificate publisher: for Mass Media ПИ № ФС77 - 34820 of 23 December 2008. st 79A Radishchev Street, 305004, Kursk, Printed by VIP Publishing House LLC, 51 Mokovsky Publisher and founder of journal «ЭкоНива-Вести/ Signed for printing lane, 305007, Kursk EkoNiva-News»: IA EkoNiva-Media LLC tel. +7 (4712) 39 26 60 www.ekoniva-apk.ru According to the schedule: 17.07.2020 at 11 аm, The circulation of the issue: 910 copies. Order № Registered office: [email protected] In fact: 17.07.2020 at 11 аm. Distributed free of charge 79A Radishchev Street, 305004, Kursk Issue date: 24.07.2020