PEP Success Story - Anatoli the Farmer
SUCCESS STORY
ANATOLI B.
(written by Nelli Schukina in Voronezh, Russia)
Anatoli Petrovich B- is the head of the farm called "Zakubezhiye", which is located in Novozhivotinnoye, a village in Ramon district, Voronezh Oblast. Anatoli was on the internship in the States in Fall '96, along with two other farmers from our city. As it is known, the delegation was very highly evaluated by the sponsors as well as home and business hosts. The delegates also were very happy about their trip and told us a lot about it.
Anatoli was the first one to show up in the office on return home. Not only did he show us an enormous pile of photos (a large number of which, by the way, included those of parts of machinery) and tell amazing stories about his stay in the USA, but he also brought a lot of documents to be translated. Those documents comprised tillage instructions, sample charters, sample contracts, sample acceptance forms, etc. It was obvious that he was trying to keep up with the latest trends in agriculture and agribusiness. Anatoli doesn't talk much as a rule, but from what he said it was clear that he got a lot of new ideas on what to do now.
So, six months after the internship Anatoli was the first in his location to finish seeding this year despite very unfavorable weather. He points out that this was very much thanks to the techniques he got to know during his internship. The harvest is going to be very good, as he says. He keeps in constant contact with the local Russian-Swiss Fund office in terms of cooperation - the Fund focuses on supporting ag business development. They say, he is a very reliable partner. Anatoli never misses specialized conferences and seminars on agriculture held by Voronezh business centers. Apart from all that, he was a generous host who twice received Neil Humburg, a consultant coming to Voronezh - on his trips last and this year. Neil evaluated Anatoli's business very highly and really appreciated Anatoli's hospitality. Anatoli is not bound only to his land and equipment. He keeps in touch with PEP Fellows from Voronezh office who were on the internship with him - Vera Pigareva and Pavel Ponomarev. They exchange important information, share their experience and give each other professional advice and support.
Together with the local farmers, they organized a Farmers' Association which influences the business climate in agricultural business immensely. He also brought some new clients to the office, and we would like to specify that some of them (not only farmers) are attracted to the Program by the fact of Anatoli's participation in it and his bright personality. Anatoli was and still remains an active participant of all CCI activities. When he comes to the office, he brings in the spirit of good humor and wisdom, so it is clear why we always very much look forward to his visits and are very glad when he comes in with his usual "Hello!" in an impeccable American accent.
[Return to PEP Main Page]
[Return to Ag Main Page]
[Return to CCI Home Page]