Two employees of EkoNiva’s Ryazan subdivision have been given professional awards by the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia. Renat Muratov, Deputy Director of Operation, received the Honoured Worker of the Russian Agriculture title, while livestock team leader Galina Petrakova – the Silver Medal For Contribution to the Development of the Farming Sector of Russia.

For Renat Muratov, this is the second federal award among his professional achievements. The first one was the commendation of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation for his contribution to the industry. Renat became interested in farming in early childhood, when he grew up in the Chechen Republic. His grandfather worked on a fine-wool sheep farm, and Renat was happy to help him every summer.

In 1993, the young man’s family moved to Sasovo district of Ryazan oblast, where he graduated from school and then entered the Department of Herd Management of Ryazan State Agrotechnological University n.a. P.A. Kostychev.

‘I was looking forward to finishing my studies, because life in the city was not my cup of tea’, says Renat. ‘I have always been drawn to the countryside, and I dreamt of getting to work as soon as possible. However, after receiving my diploma, I had to stay in Ryazan for another year.’

In 2006, Renat and his family moved to Pitelino district, where he lives to this day. In 2017, EkoNiva started operating there. Renat Muratov joined the company and worked his way up to the position of the deputy director of the operation.

‘To be honest, it was not easy at first’, admits Renat. ‘I knew the ins and outs of livestock farming, but I had to immerse myself in all the activities of the engineering and agronomic departments, as well as get to understand economics in order to coordinate the work of the operation. I am grateful to EkoNiva’s team for the support and help in gaining knowledge necessary for my new position. To improve my skills, I try to participate in educational projects organised by the company for its specialists.’

During his long career, Renat Muratov has achieved professional distinction in the industry. Yet, the Honoured Worker of the Russian Agriculture title is particularly special to him.

‘I feel like I belong here’, says Renat. ‘I have not regretted for a single day that I devoted my life to agriculture and EkoNiva. I really enjoy working with cows and seeing the result of my efforts. And we have a wonderful team. In my job, I like communicating with people most of all. Together, day by day, we improve the quality of our work, and that is why our performance indicators keep rising. Our Pitelino district, where two of EkoNiva’s dairy farms are located, is one of the region's leaders in cow productivity. I believe that it will only get better!’

The Silver Medal For Contribution to the Development of the Farming Sector of Russia was presented to livestock team leader Galina Petrakova by Dmitriy Filippov, Minister of Agriculture and Food of Ryazan Oblast, during the celebration of the Agriculture and Processing Industry Workers’ Day.

Galina has extensive experience in livestock farming. She was born and raised in Ryazan oblast, in Novo-Tishevoye village of Aleksandro-Nevskiy district. She received an education as a herd manager and began working as a cow milker while studying.

‘The job was very difficult’, shares Galina. ‘We did everything by hand: milking, feeding and cleaning the barns. After graduation, I did not immediately return to agriculture: I worked in a printing office for 10 years. It was only in 1990 that I was offered a job as a cow milker on a local farm. I thought about it and agreed, realising that this area is closer to me.’

Galina proved to be not only a good specialist, but also an employee who could find an approach to each colleague and promptly resolve any issue. Four years later, she was appointed a team leader. And in 2017, she went for a job at EkoNiva, in the same position. She coordinates the work of milking machine operators, the laboratory, controls the process of sending milk and is constantly improving in her profession.

Over 35 years of her career in agriculture, Galina has received various awards, including the Honoured Worker of Ryazan Oblast Farming Sector title.

‘I understand that my choice of profession was not in vain’, says Galina. ‘I have seen the industry growing and advancing before my very eyes, and it continues to improve. Farm operations are now mechanised, the enterprise is provided with modern equipment, strict milk quality control is ensured, literally “from field to shop shelf”. I am happy to be part of this large company and to develop together with it. And I am also very grateful to my team for their professionalism and for the friendly atmosphere that prevails at work every day. This is my happy place, and mainly, thanks to my lovely colleagues.’