SFG ‘Urozhay’ Shevchenkiv: 30 Years of Agricultural Resilience and Energy Independence
The family farm ‘Urozhay’ led by Volodymyr and Mykhailo Shevchenkiv is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, remaining one of the most resilient agricultural enterprises in Sumy region. Located on the border of Sumy and Poltava regions, the farm combines a classical approach to agribusiness with the implementation of modern technologies and solutions that ensure efficiency and energy independence even in challenging wartime conditions.
This is reported by AgroReview
Modern Infrastructure and Autonomous Logistics
The main infrastructure object of ‘Urozhay’ is an elevator complex with a silo storage capacity of 70 thousand tons and additional floor storage of 30 thousand tons. Automated warehouses, modern dryers, and the presence of a private railway track ensure a complete cycle of grain processing and unloading. Volodymyr Shevchenko, the director of the complex, emphasizes that the main part of the equipment is from Ukrainian manufacturers, which allows for state compensation and simplifies service maintenance.
“The dryers have been converted to wood chips. Previously, we dried with gas, but we haven’t used it for three years… We switched to an alternative and dry the entire volume with our own resources, our own wood chips. In wartime, I believe this is one of our achievements. We are independent from price fluctuations, and we are calm about the situation with energy carriers.”
Thanks to its own locomotive, the farm fully controls the logistics process: from loading wagons to unloading routes directly from the station. This allows for optimizing time, reducing downtime, and unloading grain during peak price periods.
Implementation of Energy-Efficient Solutions and Development Directions
After the start of the full-scale war in the Russian Federation, ‘Urozhay’ focused on energy independence: the dryers have been switched to alternative fuel, and a solar power station is already operating at the gas station, allowing savings of up to 70% on electricity. Plans include installing solar stations at the elevator and farms to avoid energy supply disruptions. The enterprise also actively collaborates with local farmers, providing storage and logistics services, which are particularly relevant for farmers from border areas where infrastructure is often inaccessible due to shelling.
The elevator is primarily used for its own grain (up to 80%), and thanks to the automation of processes, a compact team of 30–40 people works here. The high level of automation minimizes the need for manual labor, although it is not yet possible to completely abandon it.
Resilience in Animal Husbandry and Social Responsibility
The animal husbandry direction in the farm is primarily viewed as a social project: each of the five farms employs up to 30 people, supporting the economy and social infrastructure of rural areas. Despite low profitability, the enterprise maintains jobs and supports local schools and medical institutions, being the main taxpayer in the community. In the local council, Volodymyr Shevchenko works on the financial committee, directing resources not only towards infrastructure development but also towards supporting the military and social sphere.
The enterprise actively implements innovations, monitors industry trends, and participates in conferences and exhibitions to remain competitive. Thanks to experience and flexibility in decision-making, ‘Urozhay’ not only successfully overcomes current challenges but also shapes the future of agribusiness at the regional level.
The story of the Shevchenkiv family is an example of resilience, innovative approach, and social responsibility that fuels the development of not just one farm but the entire community. In the year of its 30th anniversary, ‘Urozhay’ remains a symbol of the indomitability of the Ukrainian agricultural sector, and the family postpones the celebration of the anniversary until Ukraine’s victory.