Beef Production in Russia




From RIA Novosti:

The Russian government is ambitiously implementing an almost $1-billion investment project in the agricultural sector in order to develop and secure domestic beef production that was severely damaged during the Stalin era.

In Russia’s southern region of Bryansk, which borders Ukraine and Belarus some 200 miles to the southwest of Moscow, the country’s biggest meat importer, Miratorg Agribusiness Holding, has so far launched 16 open range cattle ranches. By the end of 2014, the company plans to expand the number of ranches to 33 with an overall stock of 250,000 Aberdeen Angus, which is considered by many to be the best beef breed.

Live cattle stock is being imported from Australia and the United States by ship to the ports of Novorossiysk on Russia’s Black Sea, and St. Petersburg, and then hauled on semi-trucks to the farms.[…]

Each of the farms in this conglomerate in Bryansk is headed by an American rancher, selected for his knowledge, professionalism, skills, and his ability to share his wisdom with Russian farmers and students. There are more than 1,600 people from farmhands and veterinarians to construction workers and animal husbandry specialists working in Miratorg cattle farms throughout the region. As the business expands, so will job opportunities for local residents.

Anthony Stidham, 48, of Ada, Oklahoma, has been living on the ranch for 18 months and is also the “district head” in the area, supervising six ranches.