On September 24, 2026, when conversations about feed preparation take place at OJSC "Lipovka" or in the management offices of agriculture and food production by the district administration, the name Vladimir Vasilievich Zaytsev is first mentioned. This person is the true backbone of the agricultural enterprise, an innovator whose work ethic determines the success of the entire feed preparation campaign. Year after year, season after season, his powerful corn mowing combine UES-2U-250, and now the KVK-800, has become a symbol of labor valor, and Vladimir Vasilievich himself consistently leads the district contests on feed preparation.

"There are no secrets. You must feel the machinery like your own heart, and respect the field," he dismisses grand words directed at him. He does not grow accustomed to awards; last year was particularly special for him. The work of Vladimir Vasilievich was evaluated at the highest level—at the annual regional fair "Dozhinki – 2025" organized by the Mogilevsky obislispolkom, he was awarded the Honorary Prize of the Mogilevsky Regional Department of Agriculture. This award, the main one in his rich biography, now occupies a proud place in his home. Of course, it is good when you are noticed and recognized, but for him the best reward is nothing more than the steady hum of a well-maintained engine and the fresh grass or corn mass flying out of the truck that will become nutritious feed for livestock during the winter.

Our hero was born and grew up in the village of Ivkino, a small picturesque place located about 35 kilometers from Khotimsk. Later, his family moved to the village of Vetka. It was there, in his native land, under the influence of his parents, that his strong peasant character was formed, and his love for his native land and respect for the hard work of an agrarian were instilled. He remained true to his calling – to work where bread and milk are given by honest, diligent labor.

For almost two decades, his life has been inextricably linked with the fields of OAO Lipovka. And all these years, his main, unchanging task has been to ensure a plentiful winter for the community herd. Working on feed preparation is a continuous marathon, where one stage replaces another, leaving no time for a break. At the end of May and beginning of June, the responsible period of silage laying begins, which requires strict adherence to technology. Now, at the beginning of autumn, Vladimir Vasilievich has moved on to one of the most intense sections – harvesting corn for silage. The farm has to harvest 715 hectares of this crop, and more than 70% of its areas have already been harvested. The tall, juicy corn requires the machine operator to have special skills and maximum concentration, because the quality of grinding and the pace of harvesting depend on the nutritional value of the future feed. Zaitsev copes with his task flawlessly.

In Vladimir Vasilievich's farm, he is valued not only for his high performance. He is a reliable, modest, and indispensable person. Colleagues know that if Zaitsev has taken on a task, it means that the equipment will not fail, and the feed will be prepared on time and of the highest quality. The management of the agricultural enterprise, specialists from the rural economy and food department of the district executive committee, speak of him as the golden fund of the enterprise, on which one can always rely in the most responsible moment.