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Restructuring assistance for former sovkhozes in 2020
Expert Farmer has supported a client in Russia with the development and management of large-scale farms, including Vaganovo and Zvezdnyy. Our work included technical assistance, strategic planning, and implementation of modern agronomic practices. We have also contributed to the development of strategic consulting services to promote the group's fertilizers.
Restructuring assistance for former sovkhozes in 2020
Location
Russia
Production
Wheat
Barley
Rapeseed
Soybean
Peas
Delivery
2020
Area
25 000 ha cultivated
Client
TPZ
Sector
Private
Service(s)
Management
Tailored service
The challenge
The project had poor initial farm organization, lacked of skilled personnel, outdated equipment, and inefficient crop management practices. Additionally, we had to overcome resistance to change and implement modern agronomic techniques under tight timelines and harsh climatic conditions.
The result
Our work has enabled our clients to improve strategic planning, optimize farm operations, and implement modern technologies. This has helped them increase productivity, reduce costs, and build a foundation for long-term development and training. Our support has also enhanced their ability to promote services and attract new clients.
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Brief of the project
Technical assistance and farm management
Our team delivered comprehensive on-site support in all aspects of farm management, with a focus on both immediate improvements and long-term sustainability. We collaborated closely with the client’s team to plan crop rotations tailored to the regional climate and soil conditions, ensuring optimal yields and soil health. Soil preparation was modernized using minimum tillage techniques to reduce erosion and preserve moisture. Advanced crop protection strategies were introduced, using both biological and chemical controls to safeguard crops. We have implemented precision agriculture technologies such as GPS-guided machinery and data analysis tools to enhance seeding accuracy, fertilization, and harvesting efficiency. Continuous training sessions helped local staff adopt these best practices and adapt to new technologies with confidence.
Strategic planning and farm development
For an abandoned site to be integrated in the four-site project as a pilot, we designed detailed farm development plans, including infrastructure layout, equipment selection, and budget forecasts. Our approach involved the development of a modular block system for crop rotation, allowing for flexible crop planning and efficient use of resources. Innovative solutions for crop storage and post-harvest handling were proposed, aiming at minimizing losses and maintaining high product quality throughout the supply chain. Special emphasis was placed on futureproofing operations for potential expansion into seed production and export readiness.
Organizational structuring and HR development
We established clear organizational structures, defined roles, and developed staffing plans to support efficient farm management. Job descriptions were tailored to meet the unique needs of large-scale agricultural operations. We launched training programs and advice on founding an agronomy institute, designed to build agronomic expertise and leadership capacity among staff. This focus on human resources aimed at fostering a culture of continuous learning and sustainable management practices.
Consulting services and marketing support
Our client is active in the production of agricultural nitrogen. As part of a drive to strengthen the local market and cut export logistics costs, our assistance extended to enhancing its consulting services by defining clear service offerings and optimizing marketing strategies. We developed demonstration trials and created comprehensive training materials to showcase the benefits of modern agronomic practices. These initiatives supported our client in promoting his solutions and attracting new clients, strengthening his position as a leader in agricultural innovation across the region.
Highlights
Siberia presents a distinctive agronomic environment shaped by its vast landscapes, rich soils, and extreme climatic conditions. Among its most valuable natural assets is the chernozem soil, which is widely recognized as one of the most fertile soil types globally. This dark, humus-rich soil, extending from Ukraine to China, offers excellent structure, high nutrient content (especially phosphorus and potassium), and strong water retention capacity. In the Kemerovo region, for example, chernozem layers reach 30–40 cm in depth, providing an ideal foundation for a wide range of crops including wheat, barley, rapeseed, and soybean.
Another key agronomic advantage of Siberia is its exceptionally long daylight duration during the summer months. From late May to early August, the region experiences extended photoperiods—up to 18 hours of daylight per day. This prolonged exposure to sunlight enhances photosynthesis, accelerates crop growth, and contributes to higher biomass accumulation. Combined with moderate summer temperatures (average 16–19°C) and rainfall concentrated in June–August, these conditions support robust crop development during a relatively short growing season.
Despite the challenges posed by harsh winters and limited annual precipitation (typically 400–500 mm), local agronomic potential is significant. With proper management practices — such as minimum tillage, precision fertilization, and controlled traffic farming — investors can harness the region’s natural strengths to achieve sustainable and profitable crop production.