With a focus on modernization. How animal husbandry is developing in the Shklov District

shklovinfo August 27, 2026 9:14 Modernization of existing facilities, construction of new objects, and attention to the social sphere — Deputy Head of the Presidential Affairs Nikolay Sherstnev familiarized himself with the development of the animal husbandry sector in the Shklov District during a working trip, reports a BELTA correspondent.

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So, one of the points of the visit was the Novoselki commercial farm. A full reconstruction of the existing premises was carried out here. The director of OAO Novogorodishchenskoye, Anatoly Mkhitarov, spoke about what work had been done there. "Our commercial farm this year, thanks to the assistance of the Presidential Affairs, received a second life. From dilapidated old buildings, the structures were transformed into a modern complex for keeping young cattle. And here they are kept by us until their pre-breeding weight, which is 360 kg," he said. A canopy for storing coarse feed was also repaired here. "Previously, three dilapidated barns were located on the farm's territory. Their complete reconstruction was carried out. Instead of drilling and building anew, we took the existing premises, removed everything that was unnecessary from there, and reconstructed them. I think we gained financially from this as well and got a modern facility for keeping livestock," he says.

Currently, the farm houses 419 head of young cattle; its total capacity is designed for 500 head. The total livestock population on the farm is almost 2,400 head.

The next stop is the dairy complex "Staroselye," owned by OJSC "Lyubinichi Agro." Here too, the existing premises were reconstructed, and a new warehouse and a prophylactorium for calves were erected. The construction work, as in "Novogorodishchensky," was carried out by Dribin SPMK No. 1. "At the MTK 'Staroselye,' we went through every step with the leadership of the Presidential Affairs Administration. We analyzed the mistakes of other facilities and made sure they wouldn't happen here. First, we reconstructed the old premises, then we raised the question of where to store feed. Previously, a small part of the barn was set aside for expensive compound feed. So we built a separate warehouse with full sealing," says Sergei Kokits, director of Dribin SPMK No. 1. "Then we tackled the prophylactorium. For its construction, we used fairly strong laminated timber, as well as an anti-condensation coating. All this will make it possible to create optimal conditions for calves both in summer, so that there is no heat, and in winter, in conditions of severe frost."

The maintenance issues of the prophylactorium were also thought through here. "It is divided into clean and dirty zones. The main task of the facility is minimum manual labor and maximum safety for the calves. Therefore, we purchased an electric tricycle, and provided special washers for nipples and buckets. Having thoroughly studied other facilities, we created comfortable conditions here both for workers and animals," Sergei Kokits summarized.

The MTK workers appreciated the updated conditions. "I've been working at the complex for two years. Thanks to the work done, conditions at the complex have improved. Our livestock breeders, machine milking operators are very happy, they go to work with joy. They are glad that the calves, as we say, our kids, will live in a warm house," shares Alesya Magdenko, head of the Staroselye complex. "There are already results. We tightened up the technology, discipline, and we're getting an increase in milk. Calf reproduction has also increased. Every month we get at least 80 newborn calves, from November we'll move to 140. The dynamics are visible. In such conditions, you want to try and work well. We are determined to maintain all this."

Another important issue for the farm is the development of the social sphere. In the village of Okunevka, the reconstruction of two houses is nearing completion — these will be dormitories that can accommodate about 50 people. As Andrey Strugovets, director of OJSC "Lyubinichi-Agro," emphasized, newly arrived workers who service nearby MTKs, as well as those who perform seasonal work: machine operators, drivers, will be housed there.

"Here we have 13 rooms in one building and 16 in the other. All the amenities will be provided: shower rooms on the first and second floors, kitchens, recreation rooms. So after work, you can rest and catch up on the news. In terms of timing, we will commission the first dormitory by October 1, and the second will be ready by November 1," he said. "This year, 12 young specialists joined us. We are housing them in the existing dormitory, and we also have apartments in Shklov. For those who settle in and start families, we provide housing. A decent salary and a well-developed social sphere — we welcome young people to join us. And it's gratifying that they are coming to us, and with them, the farm is getting younger."

The progress of work at all three sites today was reviewed by Deputy Head of the Presidential Affairs Nikolai Sherstnev. He noted that everyone today understands the role of a livestock specialist, but at the same time, it is necessary to enhance the standing of the profession.

"First and foremost, we understood that we needed to create conditions so that, in the long term, young people would work on the farm. Therefore, we developed a plan of measures across all dairy complexes of the Shklov district. It is necessary to put in order not only the production technology, but first and foremost the technology of keeping animals, create the necessary microclimate, replace and update equipment, and create comfortable conditions both for the animals and for young people," he said. "People will go to work in modern conditions, receive a decent salary, and ensure the production that the state needs. After all, this is not only about our country's food independence, but also its export component."

He also noted that at the Staroselye dairy complex, the finish line of a major effort is already practically in sight, with great attention being paid to supporting elements. "How much has been put in order: concreting of manure platforms, silage trenches, access roads, weighing stations. It's not visible visually, but these are enormous material expenditures. We are confident that the local authorities and the leadership of the Shklov district will carry our plans through to final implementation, and perhaps come up with something even more high-tech to improve and build on our work," Nikolai Sherstnev noted. "Our entire policy is aimed at obtaining the maximum output, reducing production costs, creating comfortable working conditions for people, and ensuring they receive a decent salary. This is how we will raise the prestige of working in livestock farming."

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