Gennady Sabinich: "In 2024, the best indicator for average milk yield per cow was achieved in the farms of the Vitebsk region"
January 8, 2025
Last year, the average milk yield per cow in the farms of the Vitebsk region was almost 4.5 thousand kg of milk, which is the best indicator in the history of the region. "Vitebskiye Vesti" asked the First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Gennady Sabinich to comment on how this record result was achieved.
– It should be noted that according to the results of 2023, the productivity of the dairy herd was 4226 kg per cow, which was also the highest indicator in history. In 2024, we took another step forward. If previously the Vitebsk region was last in the country in terms of milk yield per cow, then in recent years we have strengthened our position to fourth place. There are no secrets. First of all, this is targeted work on herd reproduction, increasing the productivity of fodder fields and fodder procurement, increasing responsibility at the local level in matters of technological and production discipline, and training personnel of all levels to improve professional qualities.
– What are the results in terms of farms and regions?
– We must mention the farms that have had high indicators for several years. For 2023, the average milk yield per cow in SPC "Larinovka" of the Orsha district was 13,252 kg, which was the best indicator in the country. For 2024 (according to operational data), the farm increased by 355 kg and the yield was 13,608 kg. Over 11 thousand kg of milk per cow was obtained at SHP "MazolovoGaz" UP "Vitebskoblgaz", at OAO "Agrokombinat "Yubileyniy" of the Orsha district – 10,010 kg (an increase of 1400 kg), at OAO "Khotily-Agro" of the Postavy district – 9667 kg (+465 kg), at OAO "Shayterovo" of the Verkhnedvinsk district – 8644 kg. Among the regions, the Orsha district overcame the seven thousand mark with an increase of 1074 kg, and the Vitebsk and Gorodok districts exceeded the six thousand mark.
– How is the modernization of the livestock industry progressing?
– Currently, we have 537 dairy farms and complexes in operation, of which 98 are modern (they house approximately 36% of the milking herd, with the remainder on non-technological, outdated farms). In 2024, construction of 13 dairy complexes was underway; by the end of the year, 11 were commissioned, and the construction of another 10 dairy complexes for 7.8 thousand head began. Thus, by 2026, over 45% of the milking herd will be housed in modern complexes.
– What are the objectives for 2025?
– Of course, we do not intend to stop at the achieved results, which are quite modest, and we have room for improvement. It is important to understand that livestock productivity is not an indicator for its own sake, but the primary financial source for each farm and, in turn, raw material for our processing enterprises, utilizing their capacities and subsequently stocking store shelves, and forming the budget. Work on the construction and reconstruction of livestock facilities will continue. A high bar has been set for the quantity and quality of harvested fodder, and for increasing the productivity of fodder fields through increased sowing of alfalfa, corn, and clover. Prospects have been outlined for improving herd reproduction and many other tasks that will lead to increased livestock productivity and milk production growth, thereby strengthening the region's economy.