June 2018 60

The corporate journal of EkoNiva Group Russia and Germany: we are closer than it seems The political relationship between Russia and Germany remains strained. However, the current tension cannot break the long-established ties and weaken the mutual interest in the areas of economy, culture and human relationship. As if to prove this point, two delegations from Germany visited EkoNiva within the past month, and Russian farmers attended the German Field Days and visited BvL production facilities. Besides, the German-Russian Chamber of Commerce arranged a presentation of German companies operating in Russia at the very heart of Moscow. By the way, the number of these companies is impressive — 5,000! For more detail see pages 7, 8, 10, 12, 13.

A perfect duet EkoNiva-Student: reloaded John Deere and Vaderstad demonstrated Four winners of the projects are their best talents in cooperation. getting ready for an internship at EkoNiva. Page 16 Page 7 2 Contents

Contents

News Technical inspection Livestock farming

Organic products The future lies with smart Shopping for the best genetics of the future farming! Up for sale are pedigree heifers...... 19 Prospects of organic farming in Russia....4 State-of-the-art technologies at the Field Unrivalled winners! Days in Germany...... 12 EkoNiva-Tekhnika has won the JCB Dealer Five-star quality Our employees of the Year award...... 5 guaranteed by BvL...... 13 New horizons Mission possible! Relying on Fliegl EkoNiva is looking for talented students EkoNiva starts operating in Bashkortostan Russian farmers choose high-quality across the country...... 20 and Tatarstan...... 5 technologies...... 14 Expending to the Far East Experience augmented EkoNiva-Semena has opened a branch reality Sport office in Blagoveshchensk...... 6 View the tools and spare parts of EkoNiva-Student: reloaded! Vaderstad machines in action...... 15 Practice makes perfect The winners to do an internship A perfect duet Darya Maiborodina — the Master of in EkoNiva...... 7 John Deere and Vaderstad demonstrated Sports of Russia in swimming...... 21 The Masters of Russia excellent performance in Ryazan oblast...16 German companies in the Russian Stay connected business...... 8 with John Deere mobile RTK modem....17 Our people Early start in agriculture! Farmers heading North A creative run The students of Bobrov school to study Vaderstad tour ...... 17 agriculture...... 9 Employees of Ekosem-Agrar came second...... 22

Cooperation First-hand experience Our Academy From Baden-Wuerttemberg Innovations from EkoNiva- with interest Semena Welcome to the unique cafe! German guests visited agricultural New highly-adaptive soft winter wheat The Academy of Dairy Sciences invites the operation sites in Russia...... 10 varieties...... 18 guests to visit the dairy cafe...... 23

р. 14 р. 21 р. 23

№ 60 June 2018 From the first person Expert opinion: a Russian entrepreneur with German roots Excerpt from the speech of Stefan Duerr, President of EkoNiva Group, at the Federation Council on 20th June, 2018 On laws On education Russia needs a new Law on pedigree Sometimes, representatives of agricultural cattle breeding since we cannot keep pace universities tell me that they are going with our colleagues from abroad unless we to visit our enterprise to learn about have a modern efficient law. Agricultural new farming technologies. It is strange producers are also impatient for the new to hear that: as a rule, universities are Law on organic farming to come in force. ahead of farmers in the areas of science and technologies. Unfortunately, a lot of Besides, it is extremely important to universities cannot be ahead because they introduce Amendments to the Law on do have the necessary support from the land regarding vacant land. Very often, government. We have arranged agricultural a piece of private land, which is not put classes in some regions so that children to any use, overgrows with trees. When could learn about agriculture from an early at last the land gets into the hands of a age. It is essential to support colleges and conscientious farmer who wants to work on institutions of higher education. If we want it, the government has to provide subsidies to be a country with advanced agriculture, to clear the land and make it suitable for then Moscow Agricutltural Academy named agriculture again. This leads to the thought: after K. A. Timiryazev must be as good why let those trees grow, in the first place? as Moscow State Technical University Moreover, some negligent land owners n. a. N. E. Bauman, and Voronezh State formally resell the land three years after Agricultural University — as good as the purchase to avoid confiscation. We Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. need to eliminate this deficiency in the law. It is the only possible way forward. On agricultural Agricultural land must belong to those who policy want to work on it. It was challenging to work in the 90s… On balanced In the 2000s, the Russian government started implementing efficient approach agricultural policy aimed at innovative We will probably not be able to work development and economic growth. efficiently without imported machinery, Since then, we have achieved food at least for some years to come. I fully security in many areas and established understand that we need to take counter efficient enterprises, a lot of which measures in response to the sanctions. demonstrate a considerable export However, we can do harm to our agriculture potential. Currently, the President’s by introducing strict limitations on the task for export expansion is absolutely import of machinery and technologies. achievable! Therefore, it is important to assess the possible effect on our farmers when making On rural areas decision on the import of farming machines In the north of Norway, rural areas are and technological systems. On fair competition prosperous and successful because Within the past few years, we have built farming is one of the key priorities in the On young specialists а large number of dairies; we receive country, while in the north of Sweden — If we want young people to work in subsidies and soft loans. However, just across the border — there are no agriculture, we must provide them with all these efforts might prove to be in villages, only boundless tundra, because the same working conditions as in the vain if we do not solve the problem of there is virtually no agriculture. city. A young specialist working at a adulteration of dairy products. We can farming operation must have the same compete with the USA, new Zealand, We have managed to preserve villages in even Belarus if we are talking about true a lot of regions of Russia. Some people number of days off, an annual leave and the same living conditions as in the city. dairy products. However, there is no say, ‘What is the use of developing competing with palm oil. If this situation is agriculture in Kostroma or Arkhangelsk There is a myth that nobody wants not solved in the nearest future, EkoNiva oblasts?’ I am convinced that every region to work in agriculture. It is not true! will cope with it, but many farming must engage in farming because it is the Within the past 4-5 years, the image of operations won’t. It means that next year, only way to preserve Russian villages. agriculture has changed for the better. the number of dairy cows in the country Even though it is expensive and not We can see a lot of young enthusiasts will significantly decrease. In order to always efficient, it is very important for the who are willing to study agriculture and avoid this, we hope for the strictest country and its rural areas. work at farming enterprises. measures against adulteration.

№ 60 June 2018 4 News

any food additives, chemical fertilisers, antibiotics and growth hormones.’ Among the major areas of focus of the NOU are the development of the organic agricultural market, and the promotion Organic products of organic products in Russia, support for producers and the establishment of a legislative framework governing organic of the future farming and consumption. ‘Over the years of work, three State Standards have been adopted, and the The National Organic Union (NOU) has first draft of the Russian law on organic production has been prepared’, says Oleg celebrated the 5th anniversary of signing Mironenko, Executive Director of the NOU. ‘We took an active part in the establishment of the memorandum on its establishment. of this law. Currently, the draft is under review in the State Duma. It is expected to Since then, it has become the leader of the be adopted by the end of year 2018.’ The NOU includes the leading players in organic movement in Russia, having united the industry and the pioneers of organic production in Russia. Among them Stefan like-minded people in a successful team. Duerr, President of EkoNiva Group, and So, what has been done over the 5 years and Savinskaya Niva, organic farming enterprise. ‘We joined the NOU a year ago’, says Stefan what is the future of organic production? Duerr, President of EkoNiva Group. ‘At first, I was sсeptical about it, as everyone was A strong alliance ‘Our most significant achievement is that trying to prove their point without making A few years ago, the customers had no we have sparked the interest of people in any real sense. Despite all the obstacles idea as to what organic products were. organic production’, shares Sergey Bachin, and difficulties, the NOU managed to unite However, the situation has recently Chairman of the Board of Directors of us in a strong team. changed and now members of the AGRANTA Group. ‘Before, the public lacked Although every member still has their own public have a greater awareness of good the comprehension of the term ‘organic’. opinion, now we are trying to achieve a nutrition. Moreover, the customers have Conversely, nowadays the consumers common goal — promotion and protection shown eager enthusiasm for healthy food. have caught up with the notions of organic of high-quality organic products.’ goods, which are produced without (continued on p. 11) A constructive dialogue Within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Stefan Duerr, President of EkoNiva Group, signed cooperation agreements with the governments of Voronezh and Moscow oblasts.

n behalf of Voronezh Oblast Duma, Moscow oblast will become a new area integrated distribution centre in the agreement was signed by of operation for EkoNiva. In the next Moscow oblast. The capacity of the Yuriy Yurchenko, Deputy Governor, O two years, the company is planning to factory, producing semi-hard cheeses, Anatoliy Bukreev, Head of Department build two dairies for 2,800 head each. dry whey and butter, is 500 tonnes of for Economic Development, and the The agreement was also signed within milk per day. EkoNiva will employ 250 representatives of Rosselkhozbank — the framework of the St. Petersburg residents of Moscow oblast. Boris Listov, First Deputy Chairman of the International Economic Forum. Board and Aleksandr Pereslegin, Director By Tatyana IGNATENKO of the Department of Financial Institutions. Andrey Vorobyov, Governor of Moscow oblast and Andrey Razin, Minister of Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Agriculture and Food of Moscow oblast, EkoNiva will build 2 dairies for 2,800 promised to provide a comprehensive head each in Voronezh oblast. The support to the development of dairy expansion of the dairy cluster will be farming in the region. supported by Rosselkhozbank, which intends to grant loans in the amount The dairies will be built in Stupino of approximately 5 billion roubles to district. The expected investment volume EkoNiva. It must be mentioned that is 5 billion roubles. EkoNiva has launched 8 dairies and Over 240 specialists will be employed is currently building another 4 in at high-tech dairies. cooperation with Rosselkhozbank. Besides, EkoNiva is planning to construct a cheese factory and an

№ 60 June 2018 News 5 Rustem Khamitov, Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan, and Stefan Duerr, President of EkoNiva Group, have discussed the prospects of cooperation in dairy farming. Broadening the horizons

he meeting was attended by ‘I think our development in the region will of the districts signed cooperation Ilshat Faizrahmanov, Minister be rapid’, shares Stefan Duerr, President of agreements with EkoNiva. Tof Agriculture of the Republic EkoNiva Group. ‘It is a pleasure to work in ‘Severnaya Niva Bashkiria has already of Bashkortostan, Petr Dubyanskiy, the region, in which we are welcomed with started operating in the Republic of Executive Director of Severnaya Niva, such warmth and open-heartedness.’ Bashkortostan’, says Petr Dubyanskiy, and Heads of Bizhbulyak, Belebey and Stefan Duerr mentioned that currently Executive Director of Severnaya Niva Ermekeevo districts. EkoNiva produces about 1,400 tonnes (Orenburg oblast). ‘We are planning to ‘Bashkortostan and Tatarstan are of milk per day, which translates into locate our facilities in Bizhbulyak, Belebey among top milk producers in the Russian about 500 thousand tonnes of milk and Ermekeevo districts. The construction Federation’, says Rustem Khamitov, Head per year. By 2021, the company is of a dairy with the capacity of 2,800 head is of the Republic of Bashkortostan. ‘We planning to increase its production up to begin in Ermekeevo district in the nearest have the largest cattle stock in the Russian to 1.5 million tonnes of milk per year. time. In 2019, the construction works will Federation. We produce meat and grow ‘It is possible to build two or three dairies start in Belebey and Bizhbulyak districts.’ grain and vegetables both in the fields in Bashkortostan’, sums up Stefan Duerr. Representatives of EkoNiva also and greenhouses. the total production ‘The market conditions in the region are visited Bugulma, a town in the value amounts to 160-170 billion quite favourable, we see an opportunity to Republic of Tatarstan. rubles. Currently, we are modernising the provide the entire Volga region with dairy ‘We have studied the general operational agricultural sector. Our region needs large products. The milk produced at our dairies conditions in Bugulma and Bavly agricultural enterprises and we will be will become high-quality raw material for districts’, continues Petr Dubyanskiy. happy to cooperate with EkoNiva.’ milk processors from Bashkortostan and ‘EkoNiva is planning to establish an Stefan Duerr, President of EkoNiva the neighboring regions.’ enterprise, which will most probably be Group, responded to this proposal with The Minister of Agriculture of called Severnaya Niva Tatarstan.’ interest and enthusiasm. Bashkortostan as well as the heads By Darya DENISOVA Unrivalled winners! EkoNiva-Tekhnika has won the Dealer of the Year award for the first time in the company’s history at the JCB international dealer conference in the United Kingdom.

bout 80 European companies were award even more prestigious. quality and efficiency of JCB machines, nominated for the Dealer of the ‘This is the victory of the whole team’, manufacturer support and our loyalty to AYear award. Overfulfilment of the continues Gennadiy Nepomnyashchiy. the clients have helped us to build trust sales plan and active promotion of the ‘Qualified specialists both in the and credibility with our customers and entire line of JCB agricultural machinery Sales and Service departments, high achieve such an impressive result.’ enabled EkoNiva-Tekhnika to outdo its By Viktor BARGOTIN rivals. ‘We did not expect to receive the award’, says Gennadiy Nepomnyashchiy, CEO of EkoNiva-Tekhnika. ‘However, it is not undeserved: our share of JCB equipment sales in the areas of responsibility has reached approximately 70%, which is definitely good progress; and our team is setting the bar even higher for the future periods.’ JCB holds the Dealer of the Year award once in five years, which makes the

№ 60 June 2018 6 News

Expanding

rapid moisture release, resistance to to the Far East diseases and lodging as well as pod shattering. A branch office of EkoNiva-Semena has ‘Our region specialises in soybean producton’, says Vadim Semykin, Sales opened in one of the most remote regions Manager of the Far East branch office of EkoNiva-Semena. ‘The farmers have of this country — Blagoveshchensk, Amur been growing soybeans for a long time, supplying it to the international market, oblast. High-quality seeds from domestic China in particular.’ and foreign plant breeding institutions have Prior to being offered to potential customers, the seeds undergo trials become more accessible to the local farmers. at the state variety testing plot and in AgroCentre BASF in Amur oblast. In e regard this region as very protein and starch content becomes the coming months, the latter will also promising’, says Evgeniy indispensable. become a platform for training seminars ‘WKucheryavenko, Deputy and field days enabling farmers to see However, soy is still the main crop in the Executive Director of EkoNiva- the wide range of seeds available, receive Far East. Currently, EkoNiva offers six Semena. The issue of diversification consulting on production technologies varieties of this crop. The early-maturing of agriculture in the region is a really and have their questions answered. pressing one. The expansion of cereal variety Prudence stands out due to its crop production in order to improve the By Tatyana IGNATENKO crop rotation might be a good solution. The current lifting of the ban for Russian wheat import by the PRC and active development of foreign economic relations with China and Southeast Asian countries make it even more important. For example, the mammoth Chinese market of wheat alone is estimated at 1 billion dollars. ‘EkoNiva offers a wide product range’, continues Evgeniy Kucheryavenko, ‘including the seeds of soybeans, spring wheat, barley, oats, maize, annual and perennial forage grasses.’ Growing of such promising crop as maize is currently very important to the region since the Hectare in the far East programme has enhanced the development of livestock farming. In this context, maize with its high

№ 60 June 2018 News 7

his year, the scholarship programme has united Tgraduate students, masters and postgraduates in two fields of study: agronomy and agricultural product processing technology. ‘Twelve students in each field of study reached the final stage of the project’, says Natalya Zvereva, coordinator of the programme. ‘At the screening stage, the contestants took a remote test and afterwards had an interview with EkoNiva specialists: the students told about themselves and shared their plans for the future in agriculture.’ EkoNiva-Student: The final test for the students of agronomy who made it to the final was held in the form of oral examination. The reloaded! students answered tricky questions about modern crop production technologies. The processing technologists dealt with EkoNiva has once again launched a a different final task: they presented their own business projects for the scholarship programme, which provides development of a new dairy product. the most talented students of Russian Based on the results of the final tasks, EkoNiva experts chose 4 worthy winners. agricultural universities with a unique Svetlana Gaiday, Voronezh State Agricultural University, and Tatyana opportunity to do an internship at the Chelobitchikova, Oryol State Agricultural University, were the best among leading agricultural enterprises in Europe. the agricultural product processing technologists. Dmitriy Zima and Stepan Pankin, both students of Kuban State in the field of agronomy and dairy acquainted with up-to-date technologies Agricultural University, were recognised farming’, says Dmitry Zima, winner of in agronomy and plant breeding, as the best agronomists. the programme. ‘I look forward to the communicate with foreign colleagues and ‘EkoNiva-Student programme helped me internship, as it is an excellent opportunity learn from their experience.’ to acquire a lot of first-hand knowledge to gain professional experience, get By Viktor BARGOTIN Make yourself at home! EkoNivaAgro is renowned not only for its delicious fresh dairy products but also for warm hospitality, as visitors from Germany, Japan, China, France, Serbia — almost from all over the world — are always treated as welcome guests at EkoNiva’s dairies.

group of Bavarian farmers visited ‘This is my first visit to Russia and, our dairies we use the same equipment, EkoNiva’s facilities in the course of frankly speaking, I am struck by the milking machines and software, so we Athe visit to Voronezh Oblast. scale of the business’, shares Franz have a lot in common with EkoNiva.’ The guests were taken on a tour, during Bayroff, member of the group. ‘German The tour finished late in the evening, which they visited the processing plant in farmers cannot boast of such scales. A however, the Bavarian guests promised Shchuchye village, some operating dairies standard German farm would have from to come back to experience the and objects under construction. Besides, 30 to 150 head of cattle. However, at overwhelming emotions once again. the visitors enjoyed the breathtaking view By Viktor BARGOTIN of EkoNiva’s fields. ‘I was greatly impressed with the competent staff and the high yields’, says Joseph Schorer, member of the group. ‘Each employee knows their job and performs the tasks with unfailing efficiency. Cleanliness and order at the dairies are the best indications of the conscientiousness of the staff.’

№ 60 June 2018 8 News

to the Russian economy. The project consists of three parts: a photo exhibition, a modern online portal and a unique gift book titled Masters of Russia: Done the German Way.’ The author of the book refers to Stefan Duerr, the founder of EkoNiva, as the Milk Champion of Russia. Several pages of the book are dedicated to Stefan’s success story and the production scale he has managed to achieve. Quote: ‘EkoNiva farms huge areas of land, exceeding in total the territory of German Saarland. Currently, Stefan Duerr has 100,000 head of cattle. Russians do not object to the German origin of one of their largest Building bridges food producers. Moreover, Stefan is considered a hero in the areas of his company’s operation. EkoNiva employs over 7,000 people, builds kindergartens The Masters of Russia: Done the German Way. and restores churches. The government The German-Russian Chamber of Commerce also acknowledges his input into the development of agriculture and has launched a unique project. Its objective is supports his activities.’ The concept of the book was to demonstrate strong business ties between developed by the famous designer Russia and Germany and tell about large-scale Lois Lammerhuber. The captivating photographs were taken by Hans- Jurgen German companies conducting successful Burkhard and his Russian fellow photographer Evgeniy Kondakov. The business in our country. EkoNiva was one of presentation of the project continued the companies on the list. at the Red Square, in the historical building of GUM. The event was he world’s largest enterprises According to the CCI, there are attended by numerous distinguished came together at the very heart of approximately 5,000 Germany-based guests, including Reinhard Grindel, the Tour capital. As a part of the project, companies operating in Russia. They President of the German Football Union, the German-Russian Chamber of account for more than 10,000 jobs in who came to Moscow just before the Commerce arranged a photo exhibition the country. In 2017, the trade turnover opening of the World Cup to support his at Old Arbat, the favourite historical site between Germany and Russia increased German and Russian colleagues. of both Moscow residents and tourists. Large images show Russian operational facilities of Germany’s leading enterprises: well-known airlines, major pharmaceutical companies, the largest European automobile manufacturers and the most successful small and medium-sized enterprises. The realistic by 22.8% compared with the previous ‘A dialogue is better than a boycott’, says photographs literally immerse the year. Between January and March 2018, Reinhard Grindel, President of the German viewers in the operational activities. the trade turnover between Germany Football Union. ‘At tough times, sport ‘We are convinced that in the situation and Russia grew by 22%. and society are the bridges that help to of political tension, economy remains a ‘German business is a localisation overcome difficulties and unite people.’ safe bridge between our two nations’, champion in Russia’, continues By Darya DENISOVA says Matthias Schepp, Chairman of the Matthias Schepp. Board of the German-Russian Chamber ‘Over the past year, of Commerce. ‘Thirty-six companies have the amount of direct participated in our project. All of them have investment from been conducting successful business Germany to Russia activities in Russia. We are very glad that totaled over 1.6 billion EkoNiva, headed by Stefan Duerr, the euro. With the help of legend of the German business in Russia, the Masters of Russia has become our partner. We present the project, we want to show information on this well- known company how much German with pride and respect.’ business contributes

№ 60 June 2018 News

t the beginning of the new school year, students of School 3, Bobrov Adistrict, will be provided with an excellent opportunity to have lessons in the state-of-the-art agricultural classroom, equipped with everything necessary for a full immersion in agriculture. Not all schools in Voronezh oblast can boast of such cutting-edge facilities as direct Internet access, a projector, information boards, comfortable furniture and modern interior Early start design — all the things which distinguish the new classroom from others. in agriculture! ‘This is a new page in the history of Voronezh State Agricultural University, which we are writing together with EkoNiva’, says Nikolay Bukhtoyarov, Rector of VSAU. The unique project — an agricultural class ‘We have developed an educational curriculum, equipped the classroom with all at School 3, Bobrov district, Voronezh oblast the tools required. The primary task of the teachers is to convey the information about — has been implemented by EkoNivaAgro in the opportunities and prospects of modern cooperation with Voronezh State Agricultural agriculture to students.’ The agricultural class is characterised University (VSAU). by the study of biology, physics and other subjects at advanced level. Once ‘The personnel issue in agriculture in agriculture as early as possible — a week, the teachers of VSAU will hold remains burning’, notes Stefan this is the main goal of creating the optional classes in veterinary science, Duerr. ‘For many years, we have agricultural class.’ agronomy and engineering. Afterwards, been cooperating with agricultural EkoNiva’s first agricultural class was the students will apply the knowledge universities across the country, organised 4 years ago in Novosibirsk at the enterprises of EkoNiva. accepting students for internship and oblast. The company is planning to Upon finishing school, all the attendees teaching them the intricacies and form three more agricultural classes in of the agricultural class will receive secrets of the profession. Recently, Voronezh, Liski and Rossosh districts. additional points, which will increase we have started collaborating with the chances of enrolling on VSAU. schools, as students need to be trained By Viktor BARGOTIN Business in Russia resembles hockey Large-scale business players, entrepreneurs and government officials of Voronezh region participated in the Entrepreneurship Forum and the Wilhelm Stoll Award, which took place in Voronezh.

he Wilhelm Stoll Award is a form of States of America’, shares Stefan Duerr. improving the conditions of life in the merit recognition for entrepreneurs ‘But still there are differences. The communities of the regions of our Tin the economic and social areas of rules of conducting business in Russia presence.’ Voronezh oblast. resemble those of hockey, involving The matrix organisational structure, The programme of the event was varied, a tough power struggle. Conversely, which is uncommon for Russia, was including lectures, workshops and plenary business in Germany is comparable to another subject of the discussion. sessions. For many participants and basketball, where even the slightest The double subordination structure visitors, the Mentality of Russian and contact is a violation.’ was introduced at all enterprises of German Business panel discussion was Stefan Duerr touched upon the subject EkoNiva seven years ago. For instance, the highlight of the event. Stefan Duerr, of social responsibility, which is strong a dairy manager is accountable to both President of EkoNiva Group, told the in Germany and is currently gaining the director of the enterprise, and the audience about the history, primary areas of momentum in Russia. chief herd manager. activity and development prospects of the ‘Our countries are similar in this All in all, the attendees of the panel company, and drew a comparison between respect’, continues Stefan Duerr. ‘I grew discussion, which ended with the domestic and German business. up in the country and I was brought up miscellaneous topics, gained a lot of ‘In many business matters, Germany is to take care of the neighbours. EkoNiva valuable insights. more akin to Russia than to the United takes its social responsibility seriously, By Viktor BARGOTIN

№ 60 June 2018 10 Cooperation

dwelled upon the prospects for the development of partnership and cooperation at the level of the legislative and executive power in order to implement joint projects in agriculture. ‘This is our first visit to Voronezh on behalf of the federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg’, says Peter Hauk, head of the group. ‘Although we have already heard about your success in agriculture from our colleagues from other federal states of Germany, we are greatly impressed with the From Baden-Wuerttemberg results achieved by Stefan Duerr, and the general development of the agricultural with interest sector in your region.’ According to Peter Hauk, the success of farming enterprises is an indicator On May 27th, representatives of the of a favorable investment climate in Voronezh oblast and the readiness of the Legislative Assembly of the federal state government for dialogue and cooperation in the development of the agricultural of Baden- Wuerttemberg headed by Peter sector with the involvement of the best Hauk, Minister of Rural Affairs and Consumer European practices. Viktor Logvinov, Acting Deputy Chairman Protection of Baden-Wuerttemberg paid a visit of Voronezh Oblast Government, emphasised that Voronezh oblast is the to Voronezh oblast. The group of honored guests first in Russia in terms of milk production expansion: the annual growth rate varies included Beate Krieg, Head of Union of Rural between 7-10%. This is facilitated by a Women of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Reinhold Pix, balanced system of governmental support of farming enterprises. It is planned to elected official of the Green Party faction of the increase the annual milk production volume in the region to 1 million tonnes by Legislative Assembly of Baden- Wuerttemberg, 2020. Today, EkoNiva is the leading milk producer in Voronezh oblast (33% of the Werner Raepple, President of the Central total volume in the regional market). Association of Agricultural Enterprises of Baden, ‘It is apparent that the level of bureaucracy in the farming sector Udo Stein, elected official of the Alternative for of Voronezh oblast is not high’, says Werner Raepple, President of the Central Germany faction of the Legislative Assembly Association of Agricultural Enterprises of of Baden-Wuerttemberg, entrepreneurs and Baden, ‘which is certainly an advantage, since it opens unlimited possibilities for representatives of public and governmental those who possess the will and aptitude.’ Based upon the agreements reached organisations of the region. during the meeting, the parties prepared the Memorandum of Cooperation, tour of EkoNiva’s modern dairies Acting Deputy Chairman of Voronezh pursuant to which Voronezh oblast and and a round-table discussion with Oblast Government, Nikolay Gaponenko, the federal state Baden-Wuerttemberg Athe leaders and the representatives Chairman of the Committee on Agricultural committed to encourage cooperation in of the regional governmental offices were Policy of Voronezh Oblast Duma, Aleksandr the agricultural and educational sectors, the highlights of the visit. Rybenko, Deputy Chairman of the including student exchange programmes The guests had an opportunity to see Committee of Voronezh Oblast Duma for and specialist training. the highest level of dairy production Local Self-Government, Public and Mass Media Relations, Anatoliy Balbekov, Head ‘Stefan Duerr’s experience proves that the organisation in Voronezh oblast achieved words will be followed by actions’, sums up with the support of the local authorities. of Bobrov Municipal District Administration, Igor Kirnos, Deputy Head of Liski District Peter Hauk. ‘I am convinced that together The delegates visited EkoNiva’s dairies in we will reach considerable results.’ Verkhniy Ikorets and Zaluzhnoye villages Administration, Head of the Department and learned about the state-of-the-art of Programmes and Development of By Aleksandr KUTISHCHEV technologies allowing the company to Rural Areas, Lyudmila Ippolitova, keep such a large herd and manage it with Chairwoman of the Committee on maximum efficiency. The guests tasted Labour and Social Protection of fresh dairy products from the Academy Voronezh Oblast Duma. of Dairy Sciences and visited the unique The round table discussion was Museum of Milk — the only one in Russia. dedicated to the expansion A round-table discussion was held in of further cooperation and Shchuchye village, Liski district. On experience exchange between behalf of the regional government, the Voronezh oblast and the federal discussion was joined by Viktor Logvinov, state of Baden- Wuerttemberg. Besides, the participants

№ 60 June 2018 Organic 11

by the law. Experts say that such inscriptions on the packaging of products mislead the customers. In Europe, on the contrary, manufacturers use all three concepts and consider them equivalent. ‘As these terms are directly related to organic products, we need to protect them by the law’, says Ilya Kaletkin. ‘Regulation of these terms by one law would be the best decision in this case, but it will not be an easy thing to do.’ Market driver What can drive the development of the organic market? Again, opinions on this matter vary. ‘The domestic market can be a good driver (Continued from р. 4) of the development of organic production’, by a surge in demand for product says Stefan Duerr, ‘it is risky to rely on the Law and order certification. However, it would be export market. There is a significant share difficult to control counterfeit goods. of customers preferring organic products There is a difference of opinion on Implementation of a rigid system, within the country. I am convinced that the draft, which is being reviewed by which would include certification and the Russian economy will develop and the the State Duma now. According to protection of organic producers from purchasing power will grow.’ experienced manufacturers, while the counterfeiters, is essential for Russia. industry is still undergoing a formative Vladimir Sadovin disagrees and suggests ‘I’m not sure that the law will have a period, the law can cause serious harm several ways of further development. positive impact on the growth of this to organic production in Russia. agricultural sector’, continues Anatoly ‘It is wrong to think that the domestic ‘I am not against the law, as it is Nakaryakov, ‘but I’m convinced that it can market will be ready to buy organic products essential’, emphasises Stefan Duerr. protect the producers from counterfeit at any price price. In my opinion, to reduce ‘But it is better to have no law than a products and the so-called greenwashing.’ the production and processing costs, we bad one. Under the National Organic should use both ways of expanding: the Sergey Bachin emphasises the Union agreement, producers can create domestic and the export market.’ importance of this issue and proposes their own quality marks, work within the to use the NOU as a public tool to This heated discussion proves that in standards of the union and as a result control the certification centres. spite of the fact that organic production is win the trust of consumers.’ a painstaking and immensely complicated Ilya Kaletkin, member of the Union, Bio, eco, organic activity, such products will definitely have supports the expert opinion of his a great future in Russia. The participants colleagues. He also believes that the The term organic product was introduced of the meeting assure that if they had law enactment should meet the needs by the Russian State Standard. At the returned to the past, they would have of both producers and consumers. same time, the concepts of bio, eco and definitely started this business again. organic are not subject to certification ‘The process of the law formation was long By Darya DENISOVA and complicated’, shares Ilya Kaletkin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arivera Group. ‘The draft, which was introduced and passed the first reading, was rough. The same is happening in the second reading, as the text undergoing approval causes concern. That is why now we are preparing amendments and comments. We hope that the statutory wording will be corrected, as without the good law, we have a slim chance of creating a functioning system.’ Other members of the NOU argue that any law is better than its complete absence. ‘Manufacturers definitely need to be supported legally’, says Vladimir Sadovin, Director General of Azbuka Vkusa. ‘Legalisation of the law for the retail sector will enable us to fight with pseudo-organic production.’ The NOU members expect that the adoption of the law will be followed

№ 60 June 2018 12 Technical inspection

The future lies with smart farming!

DLG Feldtage, a traditional large-scale event for the European farming community, has taken place in Bernburg-Strenzfeld, Germany. A group of EkoNiva-Tekhnika clients visited the trade show and the John Deere factory in Mannheim, where they saw the full manufacturing cycle of the unique agricultural machines with their own eyes.

he undeniable truth ‘Seeing is flexibility of agricultural production, at all the technical novelties displayed at the believing’ has found confirmation providing customers with excellent trade fair with keen interest. Tin the hearts of the visitors. The products and farmers — with high profits. ‘We have discovered and studied more incredible scale, signature estheticism ‘European farming is currently developing closely a lot of smart solutions’, says and simply amazing holiday atmosphere in the direction of precision farming’, says Maksim Lobanov. ‘They are aimed at reigned at the exhibition grounds during Willi Drews, PhD of Agronomy, advisor of optimising our work.’ the days. Almost 350 unions, institutes EkoNiva. ‘We don’t want to fall behind Smart farming is currently a focus point. and exhibitors from 14 countries met the leading global trends and do our best Stanislav Goryanskiy, Director General in one place in order to share their best to keep up with the times. For instance, of Detchinskoye Agrofirm (Kaluga practices with their counterparts. This a precision farming project is currently oblast) is aware of that. His employees year’s DLG Feldtage has gathered have being successfully implemented at the always have their finger on the pulse of gathered a record number of exhibitors Left- Bank Operation of EkoNivaAgro.’ agricultural developments. According to in the history. Demonstration plots One of the leaders in the production of him, this is achieved largely through the were in the centre of the area. Plant precision farming solutions is John Deere. attendance of trade fairs, such as the breeders showed proven and new crop DLG Feldtage, as they broaden one’s varieties on a 20-hectare trial field. Live ‘One of the highlights of the trade fair was technical horizon. agricultural machinery and equipment crop protection spraying’, continues Willi demonstrations provided the attendees Drews. ‘At the John Deere display, we have ‘We got into the genuine John Deere spirit with a unique source of information and seen an inter-row cultivator working with during the factory tour’, shares Stanislav a powerful visual experience. an RTK station in action for the first time. Goryanskiy. ‘Besides, I have gained All operations are carried out with the insight into the application range of the Innovative precision farming and accuracy of +/–1 cm.’ 6 Series machines so much so that now I digitalisation solutions became an am considering their purchase.’ apparent trend. The main task of modern During the tour of the John Deere factory agricultural sector is giving the products a in Mannheim, the group of Russian For Sergey Logvinov, Director General of competitive edge. In his welcome speech, clients was shown a full machinery Niva, LLC, Tula oblast, a long standing addressed to the group of clients of assembly cycle and a presentation on client of EkoNiva-Tekhnika, it is his first EkoNivaTekhnika-Holding, Stefan Duerr, precision farming. trip to DLG Feldtage. President of EkoNiva Group, highlighted ‘Each tractor and machine rolling off the ‘For me, maintenance and repairability of the importance of introducing precision John Deere production line is unique’, machinery always come first’, points out farming in the Russian fields. says Aleksandr Gromov, Director of Kaluga the farmer. ‘A lot depends on the quality ‘DLG Feldtage unfailingly provide an branch of EkoNiva-Tekhnika. ‘There is no of machinery components. Sufficient opportunity to see and take a lot of such thing as a standard machine here, for service life is also crucial!’ outside-the-box ideas on board’, pointed this reason, it is impossible to use robotic A pleasant bonus for the clients was the out Stefan Duerr. ‘Our top priority at the technology in the assembly process. extensive entertainment programme. moment is introduction of precision According to the guide at the factory, no According to the delegates, a foreign farming technologies in our fields, they mechanism can do better than a man.’ country and a different culture are always are definitely the future.’ The visitors were impressed with the scale fascinating. Everyone enjoyed the time Only a comprehensive high-technology of production and the German precise spent among like-minded people and the farming management system, which approach. Maksim Lobanov, Manager of opportunities for networking. employs up-to-date solutions, can secure Zhupikov Agrofirma (Tambov oblast) looked By Tatyana IGNATENKO

№ 60 June 2018 Technical inspection 13

Five-star quality

Quality and customer focus are the front and centre at BvL. The specialists of EkoNiva-TekhNika had an opportunity to see the corporate values of the company in action in the course of the training session hosted by Bernard van Lengerich in Emsbueren, Germany.

he BvL feed mixer wagon is an application, making it possible to improves stability on unpaved roads and indispensable farmhand at any monitor feed consumption by individual eliminates single axle or wheel overload. Tenterprise. The global leader has animals, thus saving up to 40 per cent ‘BvL places a high emphasis on the developed its own unique software for of the fodder. The monitoring system quality of silage removal from the pit the specialised machinery production is compatible with the 1С financial in their product range’, comments line with the assembly of mixer wagons accounting software.’ Aleksandr Zuyev. ‘The company offers for particular tasks. Besides, the in-house fabricated auger is shear grabs and silage block-cutters, ‘The manufacturer has a lot of individually tailored to the corresponding which we were fortunate to see in action.’ patented developments, which make tub capacity, thus ensuring uniform The training session at the BvL factory the machines the best in their class’, mixing and chopping of the fodder included a demo show of the silage says Aleksandr Zuyev, Head of Sales despite large batches. block-cutter, which is capable of cutting Department of EkoNivaSibir. ‘Another fundamental difference of the out 2.5 cu. m of silage at a time leaving The patented EDS system ensures mixer wagons from their counterparts is the a smooth silage face. The attachment precise dosing. The fodder can be increased thickness of sidewalls and the maintains superior fodder quality, which discharged consistently and swiftly floor plate’, says Artyom Konoplev, Brand is good for animal health. on either side while maintaining Manager of EkoNiva-Tekhnika. ‘The seams The BvL has been in the service of Russian uninterrupted flow due to the are overlap welded by hand at the factory, farmers for over 7 years and has built a asymmetrical positioning of discharge which ensures their longer service life.’ reputation for producing reliable, smart openings. The machine is capable of Another new design feature is the chassis and efficient machinery over this time. processing from 13 to 16 rations per day. with centerpoint suspension which By Tatyana IGNATENKO ‘The major part of the assembly is carried out by hand’, says Kirill Tagantsev, Sales Manager of EkoNiva-Tekhnika, ‘which, even in the age of technology, is a considerable benefit, since no machine can ensure an individual approach and meet all requirements of the customer.’ The distinctive feature of BvL is that no two similar machines roll off the assembly line, instead each unit is made to suit specific needs. ‘Around 1,200 makes of mixer wagons with different options are available to date’, continues Aleksandr Zuyev. ‘One can order a machine which perfectly fits the feeding routine of a given farming enterprise. In addition, the machine comes equipped with a special software

№ 60 June 2018 14 Technical inspection

Relying on Fliegl

Today, Fliegl occupies one of the leading positions in the agricultural market and supplies its products into 26 countries. How did Russian farmers manage to get a handle on the German equipment and why do they count on this brand?

he Fliegl push-off semi-trailers are Roslyakov, Director of Oktyabrsky Sergey Gylin. ‘Application of liquid in high demand in the Russian livestock farm in Kirov oblast. ‘Our organic fertiliser in the soil has become Tmarket. The multi-purpose trailer farm has been choosing Fliegl for a trend in the agriculture recently. Many is intended for transportation of various many years, and we do not change farming enterprises order the vacuum agricultural and construction cargoes. our preferences, as the machines are tankers and build their farms specifically It features an extra attachment that efficient and reliable.’ for the Fliegl manure removal technology. makes it possible to turn the trailer into a Since 2005, Oktyabrsky livestock farm Aleksandr Roslyakov, the young, yet manure spreader or an overhead screw has been testing the robustness of the experienced Director of Oktyabrsky livestock conveyor in a matter of minutes. Fliegl trailers. Over 13 years, the farm farm is no exception: he has also counted ‘Due to its versatility, reliability and has purchased 9 trailers, 4 of which are on Fliegl. He has bought a VFW 25000 durability, the ASW trailer has gained equipped with a special organic fertiliser Vacuum tanker with a cultivator and is quite great popularity with Russian farmers’, spreader. To this day, all the machines pleased with its performance. says Sergey Gylin, Head of Sales run like clockwork. ‘The machine is versatile’, says Aleksandr Department of Kirov branch of EkoNiva- Tekhnika. ‘Many of our customers have ‘Our enterprise operates the ASW 270, Roslyakov. ‘It pumps liquid organics been using Fliegl trailers for a decade ASW 268 and ASW 381 trailers’, continues and spreads it in the fields to a depth now. Had competitors been in their Aleksander Roslyakov. ‘The working of 12 cm with the help of the cultivator. place, they wouldn’t have been able load on each machine is enormous, but Last year, the work was carried out in the to withstand the load and would have there are practically no breakdowns, the fallow fields and resulted in good, uniform collapsed a long time ago. The reasons equipment functions well. Our main tasks emergence of the winter crops. We are for the breakdowns of the counterparts are the transportation of silage and very happy with this equipment.’ are low quality of metal and weak sides, grain and the distribution of organic Fliegl has been producing agricultural wear of tires and the suspension system.’ fertiliser in the fields. We can spread machinery for more than 30 years, The robust suspension system from about 6,000 tons of organics per day therefore, the equipment is associated Fliegl is a must-have in any high-quality with the help of the 4 machines.’ with high-quality only and is in great equipment. The trailers usually run on The Fliegl vacuum tankers and demand among farmers all over the bumpy country roads, therefore, only a centrifugal tanker trailers, innovative world. The process of updating and sturdy machine with a good suspension solutions for slurry removal, have gained expansion of the range of products system can withstand the load. great popularity with the farmers. never stops. Perhaps that is why modern ‘The equipment is not cheap, but it is a ‘New farms are being built, the farmers rely entirely on Fliegl. good value for money’, shares Aleksandr production volumes are growing’, says By Darya DENISOVA

№ 60 June 2018 Technical inspection 1515

installed the app, point the camera of your smartphone or tablet at AR-triggers and make use of the additional visual content.’ The innovative AR technology is a novelty and — unlike conventional media — opens up a lot of levels of useful information for modern farmers. ‘With the help of the Vaderstad AR app, you can see how separate parts of the equipment function even if the machine Experience augmented is only on display’, says Roman Logunov, Sales Manager of EkoNiva-Chernozemye. ‘The visual content illustrates the reality principles of functioning of a given mechanism or a whole implement.’ Vaderstad introduces Vaderstad AR Everyone can experience the augmented reality, all you need to do is visit (Augmented Reality), a free mobile application, EkoNiva booth during numerous events dedicated to agriculture. Vaderstad AR due to which, using the camera of your mobile app is available for downloading, just follow the links: device, you can view the tools and spare parts Another option to install the app is to type the word Vaderstad in the search for Vaderstad machines in action. Besides, you field in the Apple App Store or Google can have a full-size view of the components. Play Market and find the Vaderstad AR.

aking part in any event where Then, pointing your smartphone or tablet Vaderstad machinery is presented, at AR-triggers around the booth, you can Tyou can benefit from interactive, make additional content come to life. Download the Vaderstad AR app and ‘hidden’ AR-content at a number of ‘Vaderstad AR app provides you with point your smartphone or a tablet at areas on the booth. To take advantage of a great opportunity’, says Eduard this AR trigger and experience the the application, first you need to install Ivanov, Head of Sales Department of augmented reality. Vaderstad AR on your mobile gadget. EkoNiva- Chernozemye. ‘After you have By Tatyana IGNATENKO Labouring from dawn to dusk Time is precious! Knowing the value of this priceless resource, the management of Gavrilovskoe farming enterprise in Suzdal district, Vladimir oblast, has purchased the JCB 527-58 Agri telehandler.

he JCB 527-58 Agri is a compact enterprise. Besides, it helps to reduce the performance of the equipment. The JCB machine with a minimum tailswing, expenditure on human labour, as the feed 527-58 is already busy accomplishing its Twhich is designed for working in is loaded and the manure passages are first tasks at our dairies and from the very confined areas. Due to its versatility, cleaned with the telehandler alone — no start we can see that the machine is a ease of operation and remarkable extra manual work is required! good value for money.’ performance, the telescopic handler can ‘Despite its modest dimensions, the In addition, Gavrilovskoe farming enterprise be used all year round in any conditions. JCB 527-58 Agri can lift heavy loads to a acquired two attachments for the JCB ‘The JCB 527-58 Agri is somewhat smaller significant height’, continues Aleksandr 527-58: a bucket brush to clean the pens than the bestselling JCB 531- 70 Agri’, Naumov. ‘The lifting capacity of the and a hay bale grab for straw loading. says Aleksandr Naumov, Sales Manager telehandler is 2.7 tonnes and the maximum By Tatyana IGNATENKO of Vladimir branch of EkoNiva- Tekhnika. reach with the boom fully out is 5.8 m.’ ‘A manoeuvrable telehandler of moderate The JCB telehandlers are high-performance size, which is perfect for precise jobs, machines that combine stability, significant was exactly what Gavrilovskoye farming power and impressive lift height. enterprise needed.’ ‘We have been using a 531-70 Agri loader Gavrilovskoe farming enterprise is one for 5 years already at our dairies’, says of the largest in Suzdal district, Vladimir Sergey Pankratov, Director of Gavrilovskoe oblast. The overall herd amounts farming enterprise. ‘We were more than to 3,300 head, of which 1,580 are satisfied with its work, so we decided to lactating cows. The use of loading buy one more compact machine by JCB, equipment optimises the workflow at the as we are in no doubt as to the quality and

№ 60 June 2018 16 Technical inspection

Perfect duet

It was incredibly hot in Novocherneyevo, Ryazan oblast, and not just because the sunshine was ferocious, rising the mercury up to 28 degrees Celcius. EkoNiva-Tekhnika was holding a live machinery demo of the unique Vaderstad tillage equipment coupled to the powerful John Deere 8320R tractors in the fields of Rassvet 1 farming enterprise.

he demo show had an unusual ‘The Swedish machines are internationally ‘A Vaderstad Carrier cultivator and a scenario, starting with a presentation recognised for their outstanding reliability, TopDown 500 seed drill have been Ton the introduction of precision efficiency and performance. The operating operating in our farms for a number farming solutions. Bjorne Drechsler, conditions in Sweden — where the of years now’, says Nikolay Ryazanov, Head of EkoNivaTekhnika-Holding, manufacturing takes place — are severe, Director General of Agro-С. ‘For this told the guests about AMS, JDLink, so Vaderstad equipment is perfectly reason, we put more focus on the Spirit and AutoTrac systems, the use of suited to Russian farming. seed drill during the demo show. We which enables farmers to achieve high The engines of the John Deere 8320R looked into its principle of operation, economic efficiency. Willi Drews, Doctor tractors roared to life in combination heard a lot of positive reviews from of Agronomy, told about the latest with the fully compatible Vaderstad farmers, and today we saw its excellent developments in seed production, crop tillage equipment and commenced performance with our own eyes.’ protection and nutrition. work. The results impressed even the Such demo shows have always been While the farmers were busy with the most skeptical farmers, who turned and still are a platform for direct presentation, the tractor operators to the representatives of EkoNiva with networking between farmers and were putting finishing touches to the numerous questions after the show. machinery suppliers in order to get to machinery before the demo show and ‘Our friendship with EkoNiva-Tekhnika know each other and learn about new arranging the trailed implements in one started 5 years ago’, says Petr Lopyrev, and proven farming machinery. line. As for the Vaderstad model range Director of Rassvet 1. ‘Our machinery ‘The sowing season is coming to an end’, out in the field, it included Carrier 820, fleet is quite large, including John Deere says Gennadiy Nepomnyashiy. ‘Farmers Carrier XL, TopDown 500 cultivators and tractors and Vaderstad tillage equipment. should start drawing conclusions and Spirit and Rapid seed drills. The machines run without a hitch, thinking about upgrading their tillage ‘EkoNiva-Tekhnika has been an performing all the tasks in due time, and, equipment for the next growing season authorised dealer of Vaderstad for two most importantly, due to their exceptional already today, and EkoNiva will always years’, says Gennadiy Nepomnyashchiy, reliability, they never break down.’ be there to help.’ Executive Director of EkoNiva-Tekhnika. by Viktor BARGOTIN

№ 60 June 2018 Technical 17 inspection cultivation. The machine operator manages the system himself: he sets the route and the working width of the implement. The tractor receives a high-precision signal and drives smoothly, perfectly following the preset route. The key advantage of the new product is that it solves the problem of connection failure in scattered fields and hilly or forest-covered terrain. The mobile RTK Modem 4G LTE does not require a direct connection with the Stay connected! base station, which can be located tens of kilometres away. In the age of information technologies, any ‘It is important that the Mobile RTK correction signal is transmitted via machine operator can try their hand at IT cellular technology’, specifies Anton Grebnev. ‘With two high performance solution managing. Precision farming, allowing antennas, The Mobile RTK Modem 4G LTE ensures optimal reception efficient use of every inch of land, is gaining and signal stability. The choice of the cellular connection provider is entirely popularity. Cutting-edge software calls for up to the client.’ Currently, the model is being tested at multifunctional displays and modems. KDV AGRO LLC (Polomoshnoye village, Yashkino district, Kemerovo oblast). ohn Deere offers a new the tractor and continually transmits the The enterprise grows potato varieties state- of- the- art navigation solution high-accuracy +/– 2.5 cm corrections. suitable for crisps production. The farm J— the Mobile RTK Modem 4G ‘The new product in the portfolio of John works used in the production process LTE. The modem works with a real Deere facilitates farm works requiring are quite challenging to perform without time kinematic system on the basis of precision’, explains Anton Grebnev, AMS- high-precision technologies. The Mobile cellular connection. The Mobile RTK 4G specialist of EkoNiva-Sibir. ‘These include, RTK Modem 4G LTE has proved itself as LTE modem with an activated SIM-card for example, seedbed preparation, a reliable assistant to any farmer. is attached to the StarFire receiver on inter-row tillage, row crop planting and By Tatyana IGNATENKO Farmers heading North The group also visited a local farmer, The first summer days found clients of who, after a hearty welcome, told about his farm, his recipe for success and EkoNiva-Tekhnika Holding in Sweden, where challenging climatic conditions, in which the Vaderstad equipment nonetheless they were attending a large-scale event — manages to cope with virtually any tasks. Vaderstad Tour 2018. ‘I am very grateful to the representatives of Vaderstad’, says Sergey Zykov, Director of Kursk branch office of EkoNivaTekhnika- he guests were filled in on the semi- everything is automated, and human Holding. ‘The programme of the tour was centennial history of the brand, which labour is gradually replaced with robots.’ very elaborate, the customers came away Tstarted on a 30-hectare farm, where After the factory tour, the group headed to with a lot of useful information and adopted Rune Stark built a steel rigid tine harrow. the area where machinery demonstrations the best practices of European farmers.’ Employees of the enterprise showed were held. The red machines conquered ‘We have been cooperating with the inner workings of the manufacturing the hearts of the Russian farmers. EkoNiva for several years’, sums up process, including the state-of-the-art ‘The demo show once again made us Leonid Kutenkov. ‘The company is equipment and technologies which form realise how powerful and reliable the implementing a customer-oriented an integral part of machinery assembly. Vaderstad equipment is’, says Nikolay policy, providing us with the best ‘The trip has proved to me that Kharkin, General Director of Sredneivkino service and even an opportunity to visit Vaderstad is a leader in the development Agrofirm (Kirov oblast). ‘There are seed drills manufacturing facilities. Such trips bring of some of the world’s most innovative and tillage equipment from Vaderstad in us even closer together.’ agricultural equipment’, says Leonid our fleet, and what I have seen here makes by Viktor BARGOTIN Kutenkov, Technical Director of me proud of owning the machines.’ Cherkizovo Group (Voronezh oblast). ‘The factory left a lasting impression: it reminds of the sci-fi world, where

№ 60 June 2018 18 First-hand experience Innovations from EkoNiva-Semena Plant breeding aimed at the development of new highly-adaptive soft winter wheat varieties capable of most fully meeting the ever growing demands of Russian farmers is underway in the fields of Zashchitnoye. The project is carried out by the department of plant breeding and early generation seed production.

he recent years’ plant breeding conventional and intensive technology, 3. Cepheus (erythrospermum), work has resulted in the creation but the full potential reveals itself in a mid-maturing variety of universal Tof unique universal-type soft fertile soil. The variety exhibits high frost type of use. The yield potential is 11.0 winter wheat varieties, whose genotype tolerance and lodging resistance. In terms tonnes/ ha, maximum yield is 10.7 strikes a balance of almost incompatible of grain quality, it is a medium- strong tonnes/ha (Shchigry state variety testing wheat. It is distinguished by high shatter economic traits such as high yield, plot). It is suitable for growing in different resistance as well as resistance to kernel grain quality and resistance to biotic soil conditions and preceding crops in and abiotic environmental factors. sprouting in the ear in case of delayed harvesting and rainfall. both conventional and intensive crop The genetics of the universal-type farming. Medium stature, high frost varieties uniquely brings together the 2. Sheratan (erythrospermum), tolerance, lodging resistance, medium- a mid-maturing variety of universal biologically valuable traits of intensive strong wheat in terms of grain quality. varieties and the adaptive properties type of use for medium to good soil of semi-intensive ones, thus ensuring conditions after different previous crops. The variety is distinguished by consistently good yields of high quality The genetic yield potential reaches exceptionally high flexibility and grain regardless of climatic conditions 11.5 tonnes/ha, maximum yield is consistent yields in different climatic and previous crops. 10.9 tonnes/ha (Shchigry State Testing and soil conditions. The maximum Plot). Sheratan is a short stature variety In 2016, three new varieties of soft winter output and yield potential is reached in with improved lodging resistance, high wheat were submitted for state registration intensive crop farming. frost tolerance and winter hardiness. It The new universal-type varieties into State Commission of the Russian is a strong wheat variety which sells as Federation for Selection Achievements Test high-quality food grain. The consistently have a genetically determined lower and Protection, including: high, genetically determined yield is bottom yield threshold, respond to 1. Alioth (lutescens), a medium secured by the combination of optimum good soil condition with a sharp rise in stature, mid-maturing variety of productive tillering (from 670 up to 750 performance while staying capable of universal type of use. Potential yield productive tillers per 1 sq. m) with high using medium input in a most efficient is 11.0 tonnes/ha, maximum yield is ear grain content (57-69 kernels per way, which makes them economically 10.4 tonnes/ha (Shchigry state testing ear). It is very responsive to improved valuable for Russian farmers. plot). Alioth is suitable for growing in soil conditions. The maximum yield may By Andrey ZVYAGIN, various soil conditions and following be obtained by growing the variety in Head of Plant Breeding and Early Generation different previous crops, under both intensive crop farming. Seed Production Department

№ 60 June 2018 Shopping for best genetics Livestock farming 19 The 18th Kursk Korenskaya Fair has gathered local farmers, small- and large- scale enterprises of the region. Zashchitnoye farming enterprise is traditionally among the exhibitors of the trade fair.

ashchitnoye has the status of a stock and belong to the elite record class. Their cows have a high productive lifetime, as breeding farm of Simmental cattle. high-quality milk has excellent taste. more than 25% of the herd are 4+ lactation ZCurrently the dairy houses 580 cows ‘Our heifers weigh 220 kg when they cows. There are cows which are from 10 to and more than 500 head of young stock. reach the age of six months’, says 12 years old and still highly productive.’ Up for sale are pedigree and breeding- Svetlana Veselova, Chief Herd Manager This year, two calves, named Olha and age heifers as well as bulls, which are of Zashchitnoye farming enterprise, ‘At Khlopushka, aged 2.5 months, were in great demand among farmers these 12 months, they already weigh up to 400 presented at Kursk Korenskaya Fair. The days. The cattle are fully adapted to the kg. Heifers have high daily weight gains calves awakened interest in children and Russian environment and management at of up to 1,5 kg. The heifers are bred when adults alike, including those who know large-scale commercial dairies. Besides, they are 13 months old, so the first calving little about dairy farming and regular the efficient work on genetic progress has is planned at the age of 22-23 months. customers of Zashchitnoye. The farming resulted in making the udders suitable for Currently, the average daily milk yield per enterprise was awarded the laureate machine milking and enhancing the milk cow is about 24 kg; in lactating cows, it certificate of Kursk Korenskaya Fair 2018 yields, disease resistance and longevity amounts to about 28 kg per day. In 2018, for active participation in the development of the animals. When calving, the cows we expect an average annual yield of over of the agricultural sector. Obviously, the experience less stress. Besides, they are 7,000 kg per dairy cow, which, though award was justly deserved since the booth more adapted to free-stall housing, thus, coming short of the maximum yield possible of Zashchitnoye was one of the most they feel confident in the herd. for the Simmental breed, is still a significant visited throughout the trade fair. The cattle have a high genetic potential improvement on last year’s figures. Our By Darya DENISOVA Ready for take-off! beef farms in the territory of Buguruslan and Abdulino Over the years of operation in districts of Orenburg oblast.’ Orenburg oblast, Severnaya Currently, the herd increase is carried out by adding cattle from other branches of the holding, thus, EkoNivaAgro Niva has been focusing on grain and Kaluzhskaya Niva have supplied 600 and 200 head of cattle respectively. production cultivating spring durum ‘Severnaya Niva is planning to implement a dairy project’, continues Petr Dubyanskiy. ‘The management and soft wheat, sunflower, peas has announced the decision to build two dairies with the capacity of 2,800 head each in the Northern district and other crops. The second key of Orenburg oblast.’ area of activity of the company is Taking into account the high-level dairy production at other enterprises of the holding in terms of both technology beef cattle farming. and economic efficiency, the idea of expanding dairy farming activities to Severnaya Niva should be considered he current beef breeding stock of Hereford, appropriate and timely. Aberdeen- Angus, and Simmental breeds comprises about By Viktor BARGOTIN T2,000 head. In the nearest time, the company is planning a several fold increase of this number. ‘The management is intending to expand beef cattle farming’, shares Petr Dubyanskiy, Executive Director of Severnaya Niva. ‘By 2020, the number of beef cattle is planned to grow to 10,000 head due to the establishment of 4

№ 60 June 2018 20 Our employees

Trans-Urals State Agricultural University. ‘The interns are basically backups for the employees in certain positions. The topic usually corresponds to the knowledge and skills obtained during the university term. The students receive unique professional experience, which will help them to choose their way in life.’ Nadezhda and Aleksandr Ovchinnikovs, graduates of the Northern Trans-Urals State Agricultural University, have already made their choice. EkoNiva was their first place of internship during their studies. Later, they both came to work for Sibirskaya Niva and got married. The newly-weds jokingly say Mission possible! that they were brought together by the destiny and profession. ‘EkoNiva has played an important role What is to happen tomorrow? This question in our life’, says Aleksandr Ovchinnikov. becomes a burning issue for all young ‘Nadezhda started her career as a regular herd manager, and now she is a specialists straight after they graduate and successful dairy manager in Sibirskaya Niva. I work as a senior veterinarian. receive the longed-for diplomas. Statistics The company is helping us to pay for the flat we are renting. We have everything proves that approximately 80% of university necessary for a happy family life and we work with a great enthusiasm.’ graduates experience difficulties finding their Another important benefit provided by EkoNiva to its trainees is the first jobs. EkoNiva breaks the traditions of the compensation of the costs of travelling present-day education to solve this problem. to their place of internship and back. The agricultural holding takes care of the young specialists and keeps them from koNiva is ready to rear young practice and develop their professional worrying about tomorrow. specialists on its farms. The qualifications. By Darya DENISOVA Ecompany has already signed ‘We are ready to educate specialists cooperation agreements with 15 for our farms’, says Sergey Kamenev, leading agricultural universities of the CEO of Agrofirma Mezhdurechye LLC. country. The Nothern Trans-Urals State ‘We believe that we should look for Agricultural University is one of EkoNiva’s potential candidates at the earliest partners. Now the students from Tyumen years of study at the university so that can test their knowledge in practice at the students could undergo practical the farming operations of the holding. training and receive deep knowledge ‘The cooperation agreement with the of the profession. Currently, EkoNiva Northern Trans-Urals State Agricultural implements the most progressive ideas University and other agricultural and technologies. We need people who universities of the country allows want to work in agriculture, and we know students to do internship on EkoNiva’s how to bring their skills to perfection.’ farms’, says Natalia Zvereva, HR The students of Tyumen will be Manager of EkoNiva-APK Holding. ‘Our able to do internship at Agrofirma specialists will be able to take part in the Mezhdurechye in the nearest time. The lectures and master classes to share young interns will be provided with free their extensive experience with students.’ accommodation, food and a salary in The labour market experiences a the amount of 10 thousand rubles. The noticeable lack of qualified specialists, best students will receive a bonus. and EkoNiva’s goal is to identify the ‘The internship in EkoNiva resembles potential of university graduates, regular work of agricultural specialists’, train them to apply their knowledge in says Elena Boyko, Rector of the Northern

№ 60 June 2018 sport 21

Practice makes perfect EkoNiva remains committed to supporting social initiatives.

evelopment of ecotourism and rural ‘It took Darya 34.47 seconds to cover 2017, when she was awarded the title areas, support of young talented the 50-metre distance’, says Anton of a Candidate of Master of Sports. Dpeople and various projects, Vereshchagin, Darya’s coach. ‘In Liski it ‘Darya is as fast as lightning, so she is promotion of proper nutrition — all these is the first time when the young athlete still unrivalled in Voronezh oblast’, says activities traditionally complement the with disability has met such swimming Anton Vereshchagin. ‘She is a leader; key areas of activity of the company. time standards. I consider that there therefore, it is important that she sets Sport is also an integral part of EkoNiva’s are not so many examples of such an outstanding life! The employees do competitive success in the whole country.’ example to her indoor and outdoor sports, so they often Anton Vereshchagin and his wife Oksana peers. Many children play football and take part in extreme Akhmarova are professional swimming and teenagers with relay races, canoeing and kayaking. coaches who devoted two decades to disabilities can However, the reason for writing this their job. In 2012, they met a girl with a realise that the article is a matter of a separate talk. congenital hand injury. disease doesn’t Russian Swimming Championship ‘The Paralympic games had just ended mean that life is over 2018 among athletes with lesions in London’, shares Anton Vereshchagin. and all they can do is of the musculoskeletal system took ‘Both my wife and I weren’t able to bear just stay at home. place in Ruza (Moscow oblast) on the thought that almost no attention is The primary goal 10- 17 May. Darya Maiborodina, a young paid to the children with musculoskeletal of the coach is to athlete from Liski, participated in the system disabilities in our town. They involve children in championship as a member of Voronezh could go to the local children centres swimming, awaken oblast team. The young swimmer has and the theatre for young audience, their interest and been persistently exercising under but there were no opportunities at all to joy of systematic the patronage of EkoNiva Group since take up sports. So, we talked to Darya’s training from the 2012. Practice makes perfect, so at the parents and started working.’ very beginning. competition she achieved the desired In spite of her young age, Darya is As soon as the result: Darya is to be awarded the title of 14 years old, she has considerable swimmers mastered the stroke, they Master of Sports of Russia. experience in swimming. She took can participate in tournaments, starting Complete dedication, great willpower part in the Russian Championship, at the regional level. We are extremely and passion for swimming allowed Aleksander Popov Cup swimming grateful to EkoNiva for supporting Darya the athlete to succeed despite the tournament in Moscow and other in taking part in the competitions.’ congenital injury of the hand. competitions. Darya has been training Documents about Darya’s achievement at the Sports School of Paralympic have been already sent to the Ministry of Reserve in Voronezh since September Sport of the Russian Federation. Soon Darya will receive an award — a badge and a certificate of the Master of Sports. Despite her impressive achievement, Darya does not stop practicing, as new swimming tournaments will be held in the near future. ‘The Championship of Russia 2018 in September is the next important competition for Darya’, says Anton Vereshchagin. ‘I’m sure that our young athlete will win First Prize!’ All the employees of EkoNiva Group will support and cheer Darya! By Aleksandr KUTISHCHEV

№ 60 June 2018 Our 22 people

A creative race

A large-scale corporate race was held in Walldorf, Germany. 125 corporate teams — more than 500 amateur runners representing different companies and organisations — participated in the competition. Employees of the Walldorf office of Ekosem- Agrar, parent company of EkoNiva, and employees of Ekosem- Agrarprojekte, a subsidiary of Ekosem-Agrar based in Berlin, demonstrated one of the best results.

unning currently is on trend and The corporate race was a success. The awards were handed to the teams so are the corporate running Ekosem-Agrar came second, having by Christine Staab, Mayor of Walldorf, Rinitiatives. The Walldorf race outdone 56 other teams. Only Matthias Zander, Chairman of the became a true fest of corporate spirit 1.5 minutes separated the team Board of Volksbank Kraichgau, and and healthy lifestyle. from the winner — the team of SAP, Klaus Bieler, Board Member of The large-scale running team building world’s leading concern specialising Volksbank Kraichgau. However, the brought a surge of positive emotions in software production. A good shape best awards for the runners were the and a well-deserved silver award to the not only improves your mood but also good mood, the positive emotions and employees of Ekosem-Agrar. helps to succeed in business. The the healthy corporate motivation. special prize of the competition for the ‘Ekosem-Agrar was represented by By Tatyana IGNATENKO most creative outfit became a pleasant two teams with four runners in each’, addition to the silver award received shares Natalia Bilous, participant of the by the team of competition. ‘The teams consisted of Ekosem-Agrar. the employees of the company and their children. It was our first corporate race, ‘We were and we enjoyed it immensely!’ dressed in the costumes of The amateur runners had to cover a cows’, says serious distance of 5.1 km. The team is Natalia Bilous especially proud of its youngest member, laughing. ‘We Max Simonis. It took him no more than 17 wanted to draw minutes 45 seconds to cover the required attention to our distance, which was a challenging task company and our considering the 28 oC heat. achievements ‘It was hot in every sense of the word’, in the area of continues Natalia Bilous, ‘and we agricultural are very grateful to the viewers who business on supported us throughout the race. the whole and Some of them even poured water on dairy farming in the runners from their balconies, which particular. And was very pleasant in this hot weather.’ we did it!’

№ 60 June 2018 Our academy 23

On 1 June, Alye Parusa park in Voronezh hosted an event dedicated to Children’s Day, and the Academy of Dairy Sciences arranged entertainment for young guests and their parents. Children’s Day with the Academy tasting of fresh dairy products is an included various educational quizzes. indispensable part of any festival For instance, the children had to find Awith the Academy of Dairy Sciences. 10 differences between two portraits This time, the guests were also treated to of our lovely cow Marta. Besides, the a new product in the Academy’s range - characters of the Academy of Dairy ultra-pasteurised milk, the excellent taste Sciences gave an improvised dance of which they greatly enjoyed. master class for children. The little visitors and their parents Getting presents is the most pleasant boosted their energy and positive part of the festival, so the Academy emotions with delicious dairy of Dairy Sciences prepared a lot of products, and, after that, they had lots gifts for all little guests. The happy of fun taking photographs with the participants of the celebration got Academy characters, playing various colouring books, frisbees, non-spill outdoor games, such as Twister, cups and the main prize – a tour of a Frisbee, beach ball games, and riding dairy facility with the Academy. on toy cows. The programme also by Aleksandr KUTISHCHEV

he cafe is a perfect place for relaxing after shopping. Everyone Tcan try delicious, nourishing and, the unique cafe most importantly, healthy food made from fresh milk produced at EkoNiva farms. Milkshakes, soft ice cream, buns, crepes with curds, omelette and other delicious creations of our chefs produce an overwhelming impression. Here you can learn a lot of interesting facts about milk, take part in cooking classes and other educational and entertainment family activities. At the Academy of Dairy Sciences cafe, you can not only have a great time and enjoy fresh dairy delicacies, but also buy highest-quality dairy products to your taste. We will be happy to see you at our cafe again and again. One can hardly find a resident of Voronezh by Aleksandr KUTISHCHEV oblast who has never been to City-Park Grad, one of the largest shopping and entertainment centres of Black Soil region. Now, there is a good reason to visit it more often, as a unique healthy food cafe under the Academy of Dairy Sciences brand opened its doors and welcomed the first visitors. № 60 June 2018 Announcements

5-7 July Russian Field Day Venue: Lipetsk Variety Testing Station, Ruslanovka village, Lipetsk oblast Organiser: Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Administration of Lipetsk oblast To download the electronic version of the journal scan 13 July the QR code Yaroslavl Field Day Venue: Krasny Mayak LLC, Semibratovo v., Rostov district, Yaroslavl oblast Organiser: Department of Agricultural Sector and Consumer Market of Yaroslavl oblast

13 July Tula Field Day Venue: Bogoroditsky Alliance LLC, Bakhmetyevo v., Bogoroditsk district, Tula oblast Organiser: Ministry of Agriculture of Tula oblast

July Tula Field Day Venue: Dairy Department (Tula Agricultural Research Institute), Plavsk district, Tula oblast Organiser: Agency for Agricultural Development, Kaluga Agricultural Research Institute and Centre LLC Exhibition Company

19-20 July Perm Field Day Venue: trial field of Agricultural Research Institute, Lobanovo village, Perm, Prikamskiy Agrofest 2018 Interregional Specialised Exhibition-Forum Organiser: Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Perm oblast, Praktika, LLC

24 August Ryazan Field Day 2018 Innovative Agricultural Exhibition and Forum Venue: Vyshgorod Agricultural Production Cooperative, Vyshgorod v., Ryazan district, Ryazan oblast Organiser: Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Ryazan oblast, Centre, LLC

August Amur Field Day Venue: Orletsk v., Tambov district, Amur oblast Organiser: Ministry of Agriculture of Amur oblast

August Kirov Field Day Venue: 48, Zapadnaya st., Orichi variety testing 12+ station, Orichi v., Kirov oblast Organiser: Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Kirov oblast, AgroInfo Association

/EkoNiva /EkoNivaCompany 5-7 July Russian Field Day in Lipetsk. Visit the major summer event with /amn.milk EkoNiva-Semena!

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: st for Mass Media ПИ № ФС77 - 34820 of 23 December 2008. Printed by VIP Publishing House LLC, 51 Mokovsky Publisher and founder of journal «ЭкоНива-Вести/ 79A Radishchev Street, 305004, Kursk, Signed for printing lane, 305007, Kursk EkoNiva-News»: IA EkoNiva-Media LLC tel. +7 (4712) 39 26 60 The circulation of the issue: 880 copies. Order № www.ekoniva-apk.ru According to the schedule: 17.07.2018 at 4 pm, Distributed free of charge Registered office: [email protected] In fact: 17.07.2018 at 4 pm. 79A Radishchev Street, 305004, Kursk Issue date: 26.07.2018 № 60 June 2018