""" The journey of grain from field to finished product doesn’t end with harvest. Once delivered to the grain elevator, it must be accepted, cleaned of impurities, dried and cooled if necessary, stored properly, and then sent for further processing. Each of these stages relies on the efforts of enterprise employees, including grain processing operators. One such operator is Elena Chalei, who has dedicated nearly four decades to working at the plant.

Elena joined the company in 1988 at just 21 years old. She started in the packaging department, where the work was physically demanding, but as she recalls, the team welcomed her warmly, helping her adjust and adapt to the work rhythm. Later, she moved to the grain elevator, where she has worked for 28 years.

Today, her primary responsibility is overseeing the cleaning of grain from impurities using separators. However, an operator’s job isn’t limited to a single task. The workday begins with equipment inspection: staff check filters, conveyors, augers, and other machinery. They then monitor the technological process, the condition of the grain, and its proper movement.

“Everything matters in our work—attention to detail and responsibility. We must ensure the grain stays clean and prevent crops from mixing. Even visually, you can tell if something is wrong,” explains Elena.

Production is gradually improving, and some processes are now more convenient than they were in the early years of her career. However, it’s impossible to eliminate human involvement entirely: much still depends on the attentiveness and practical skills of the employees.

The team is especially important to Elena. The site is predominantly staffed by women, many of whom have worked together for years. According, Elena, a friendly atmosphere and mutual support have developed within the shift.

Outside the plant, Elena Chalei spends time on household chores, caring for her home and garden. On her professional holiday, she wishes her colleagues good health and stability above all.

“The most important thing is that everyone is healthy and our team remains as united as it is. Of course, I’d like new people, young people, to join so there are people to pass on our experience to. Our work is responsible, and it’s crucial to have reliable colleagues nearby who can always be counted on,” says Elena.

Daria DOROSHEVA, photo by the author """