RUSENG
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Agricultural productionEkoNiva’s enterprises are pilot plants for development and introduction of the world’s latest agricultural achievements in the Russian farming sector.
· Production of the newest seed varieties · Livestock breeding · Advanced, cost-effective crop production technologies · Education and consulting in the agricultural sector EkoNiva’s agricultural enterprises operate in the Voronezh, Kursk, Kaluga, Orenburg, Novosibirsk and Tyumen regions. Over 2,500 employees are engaged in agricultural production. Total agricultural land area is 159,000 ha, of which 121,300 is arable land.  Dairy productionIn 2006, EkoNiva embarked on a dairy project. Over the last several years, the Company has built two livestock breeding complexes with a capacity of 1,200 head each, commissioned the first phase of a livestock breeding complex for 1,900 head and completed the reconstruction of 10 dairy farms and complexes. The construction work is not over yet: the Company has laid the foundations for three more complexes with a capacity of 2,000 head each. The total number of livestock in EkoNiva amounts to over 26,800 head, including 10,500 forage-fed cows. Dairy enterprises of EkoNiva produce over 180 tonnes of milk daily. Total milk output of the enterprises for fiscal year 2010 reached 30,000 tonnes. All the milk produced by EkoNiva in 2010 was sold as First or Higher class milk to milk processing plants. EkoNiva has been mastering and implementing the free-stall housing system. The milking procedure is performed in “Herringbone”, “Side-by-Side” and “Carousel” milking parlours. Breeding Ekoniva’s livestock breeding enterprises are engaged in reproduction of Simmental, Schwitz, Black and White and Red Holstein-Friesian breeds with the use of semen from the best breeding bulls. The company employs intensive technologies for raising replacement heifers: the average daily weight gain of heifers from 0 to 12 months is 850-900 g; first insemination is performed at 15 months when the heifers reach 380-420 kg of live weight. Beef production EkoNiva is successfully implementing its beef project with the use of Hereford, Simmental and Aberdeen-Angus beef cattle. The livestock keeping and feeding technology involves maximum use of natural meadows and pastures by the female breeding stock and the young cattle and intensive feeding of bulls at the finishing stage in order to obtain “marbled meat”. Crop production The company grows cereal, pulse, fodder and industrial crops. Total grain yield in 2010 reached 55,780 tonnes (including maize), while the yield of sunflower seeds and rape amounted to 5,970 tonnes. Soil fertility is preserved and enhanced by implementing a minimum tillage system. The development of varietal technologies is aimed at attaining the full genetic potential of the varieties and hybrids at minimum growing cost. EkoNiva employs advanced grain management technologies comprising the whole handling cycle from harvesting through cleaning and drying to storage.  Seed breedingEkoNiva’s agricultural enterprises produce and sell basic and first generation hybrid seeds of cereal crops, pulses, grasses and European and Russian cultivated potatoes. In 2010, the Company produced 19,154 tonnes of seeds, including cereals – 13,471 tonnes, pulses (including soy) – 3,439 tonnes and potatoes - 349 tonnes. Selection of varieties for seed breeding is based on many years of investigation and competitive testing of varieties. The enterprises work in close cooperation with FGU Gossortkomissiya (State Committee for Protection and Testing of Selection Achievements of the Russian Federation). All EkoNiva partners receive free consulting services regarding varietal technologies and the operation of agricultural machinery and implements. The company holds annual Field Days and seminars dedicated to various aspects of crop production. | ||
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