As the agricultural season pivots from summer to fall, efficient farms are masters of multitasking. A prime example is the KSUP “Krivsk” enterprise in Belarus, where the crucial operations of harvesting corn for silage and sowing winter cereals are being conducted simultaneously. Under the direction of Director Alexander Kalykhan, the farm has allocated 1,900 hectares for winter crops, a strategic decision that balances crop rotation and market needs. The breakdown includes 1,000 hectares for winter wheat, 550 hectares for barley, 200 hectares for rye, and 150 hectares for triticale, a versatile hybrid gaining popularity for its forage and grain quality.
The success of such a complex operation hinges on two factors: skilled personnel and modern equipment. In a display of coordinated field efficiency, two mechanizers work in tandem on a single field. Alexander Belbukhov prepares the seedbed using a new, high-horsepower Belarus tractor equipped with a combined implement that performs three operations simultaneously: plowing, land leveling, and cultivation. This practice of combined tillage, which aligns with the principles of conservation agriculture by reducing passes over the field, saves time, fuel, and minimizes soil compaction. Following closely, Evgeny Sverdlov operates the seeder, placing the seed into the ideal conditions created by his partner.
This synchronized workflow is essential for establishing a strong winter crop. According to a 2024 study in the Journal of Agricultural Science, precise seedbed preparation and timely sowing are the most influential factors in determining winter wheat yield potential, significantly impacting root development and winter hardiness.
Meanwhile, the corn silage harvest is underway elsewhere on the farm. Experienced operator Viktor Sverdlov, with a remarkable 39 years of service, operates a KVR-800 harvester. The efficiency of the forage harvest is critical, as the nutritional value of silage is highly dependent on cutting at the correct dry matter percentage. The harvested material is promptly transported by Vadim Solonenko, a graduate of the local agrarian-technical college who represents the next generation of skilled labor choosing to continue the family legacy in agriculture.
The operations at KSUP “Krivsk” offer a microcosm of successful modern farm management. It underscores that productivity is not just about owning advanced machinery, but about the seamless integration of that technology with experienced, dedicated human capital. The combination of multi-operation tillage equipment, skilled operators working in coordinated teams, and a clear chain of logistics for both harvesting and planting ensures that critical autumnal field operations are completed within their optimal windows. This synergy between man, machine, and management is fundamental to maximizing efficiency, controlling costs, and ultimately, securing the yield and quality of both the incoming harvest and the next season’s crop.
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