What should farmers do in winter?
After the end of the sowing period of winter crops, agrarians begin a period of prolonged winter calm. Of course, there is always enough chores. But this period is almost the only opportunity to devote time to learning and learning new skills.
It is absolutely impossible to say that professions in agriculture are seasonal - from seedlings to harvesting in the fall. In winter, agricultural workers face multiple tasks that need to be planned and decided before the start of the sowing season. For example, for a manager - this is to make a calculation of expenses, expected profits, depending on yield; for the machine operator - to analyze the technopark for the next season, assess the feasibility of using one or another unit, calculate the cost of components and stock up on them in advance; for the agronomist, this is the search for new solutions for pest and plant disease control, the purchase of seed and the calculation of the necessary field processing work in the future. In addition to the key work tasks, there are many more classes for the “winter holidays”.
Professionalize
In Ukraine, there are many initiatives to improve skills in agriculture - both foreign and Ukrainian. Often they are organized on the platforms of Ukrainian agricultural universities. For example, the Agrarian Demonstration and Scientific Center (ADSC) offers practical training and makes it possible to implement new approaches in modern agribusiness. The project includes training for young professionals and continuing education courses. There are practically no restrictions - both students and experienced professionals can become participants. Advanced European manufacturing companies contribute to the allocation of agricultural units of machinery and equipment in order to study more efficiently and in the wake of recent developments.
The practical part of the training takes place in the field research format on the basis of the Ukrainian Research Institute for Forecasting and Testing of Engineering and Technology for Agriculture named after Pogorely (UkrNIIIPVT named after L. Pogorely). By the way, this institute offers its own scientific certification programs for technical personnel.
Official distributors of agricultural machinery are also involved in the business, who not only advise, but also train agricultural personnel how to properly operate and maintain the equipment. For example, Zeppelin conducts annual training of engineers and technologists for agricultural companies who buy their equipment. As a rule, such events are free and beneficial to both parties, and also help strengthen cooperation.
In-house training
Some companies organize their own trainings, inviting leading foreign and Ukrainian specialists not only for their employees, but also for everyone. Usually, workshop colleagues from other enterprises are invited to such “field days” and demonstrations. After the main session, they share experiences in an informal setting.
For example, Alfa Smart Agro held a series of winter training seminars for agronomists and distributors of plant protection products at the beginning of this year. The theme of the event is topical issues of reliable plant protection. At such seminars, participants share experience and knowledge, applying which, agricultural producers achieve the best results in growing crops.
Other large companies, such as BASF, Astarta, Corteva, etc., conduct similar training sessions. The companies post announcements of such events on public pages on Facebook.
Joining forces
Abroad, there has long been a practice of exchanging personnel between regional offices of one company or as part of a joint partnership of several enterprises. In the European countries, the so-called Food Valley are hubs of agricultural production and science, which annually arrange business trips and excursions to their enterprises. Similar events work with us.
The Dykun global consulting company allows combining business with pleasure, which arranges business tours to different countries with a cultural program. The groups attend not only foreign production and farms, but also specialized conferences, exhibitions and other events.
Open seminars are held by Ukrainian Food Valley at the base of the Kiev-Mohyla Academy, where weekly various workshops are held on relevant topics in the agricultural sector, most of which are free to attend.
Of course, each farmer has his invaluable experience, but training is an integral part of development, and this is one of the most profitable investments.
