The dairy industry is facing unprecedented challenges, with the ongoing conflicts in regions like south Ukraine disrupting farms and their operations. Promin Agricultural LLC, a dairy farm in the Mykolaiv region, is a prime example of how the war in Ukraine is affecting agricultural businesses. Despite the constant shelling, power shortages, and logistical hurdles, Promin farm’s staff is working tirelessly to keep the farm running smoothly.
At Promin dairy farm, director Serhiy Yasevin leads a team that manages 8,600 Holstein dairy cattle, including 3,360 milking cows, along with a large pig herd and a feed mill. The farm’s daily milk production stands at 125 tonnes, with protein levels at 3.15% and butterfat at 3.5%. This level of production showcases the farm’s commitment to quality and efficiency in the face of adversity.
As a family-owned enterprise, Promin farm has a rich history dating back to the 1990s when four smaller farms merged to form the current operation. Over the years, the farm has expanded to cover 7,000 hectares and employs over 350 workers, a significant number of whom have been deployed to serve in the Ukrainian army during these tumultuous times.
### Milking
The dairy side of the farm has seen steady growth since its inception, with the number of cows increasing from 50 in 2004 to the current count of 3,360 milking cows. The farm employs a rigorous milking schedule, with cows milked three times a day using two rotary milking parlours. The addition of a new barn in 2022 has further enhanced the milking process, with a focus on maintaining cow comfort and productivity.
### Breeding and Feeding
Promin farm prioritises breeding strategies to ensure the health and productivity of its herd. By working with companies like Semex and Alta Genetics, the farm selects bulls based on a balanced approach that considers productivity, fertility, and health. The use of sexed semen in insemination has been a key strategy in improving the quality of the herd and meeting market demands for high-quality heifers.
### Russia/Ukraine War – Supplying Armed Forces
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, Promin farm has remained steadfast in its commitment to supplying milk to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. By leveraging their resources such as generators, fuel reserves, and delivery trucks, the farm has managed to maintain its milk supply chain to support the military. The farm’s proactive measures to reduce feed wastage and conserve resources have been instrumental in sustaining operations during these difficult times.
### Challenges
One of the primary challenges faced by Promin farm is the difficulty in finding markets for their grain surplus and sourcing qualified staff. The farm’s dependence on a reliable workforce has been strained by the loss of workers to military service, necessitating recruitment efforts from neighbouring villages. The escalating energy costs pose another challenge, with the farm exploring options such as building a biogas plant to generate its own energy from manure resources.
The resilience and adaptability of Promin Agricultural LLC in the face of adversity are a testament to the agricultural community’s strength and determination in the midst of crisis. As the farm continues to navigate the challenges of the war, Serhiy Yasevin and his team remain focused on sustaining their operations and supporting their community amidst uncertainty.
### Conclusion
Promin Agricultural LLC’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and dedication of farmers in the face of hardship. Despite the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine, the farm continues to uphold its commitment to quality, efficiency, and community support. By staying true to their values and embracing innovative solutions, Promin farm sets an inspiring example for the dairy industry and beyond.
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