Uchumskaya (Uzhursky District, near Lake Uchum) is a grain–oilseed farm that added potatoes three seasons ago. Now it’s running its own new potato store (2023/24) and has tripled area from 150 to 465 ha this season after acquiring a neighboring farm. Head agronomist Olesya Voronina focuses on clean storage logistics, adaptive varieties, and fast recovery from weather shocks.
Who & where
- Founded in 2000; base in Uzhursky District with an additional site in Sukhobuzimsky District (Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia).
- Potatoes entered the rotation three seasons ago (previously: grains, oilseeds, pulses).
Infrastructure & storage
- Potato store: main block built 2023; a new section added 2024 — first season rated “excellent.”
- Slotted floors chosen for easy wash-down and sanitation (“nothing gets trapped; cleaning is fast”).
- As of 18 July, all market potatoes had been sold by April; stores are prepped for the new crop.
Acreage & varieties
- Potato area x3: 150 → ~465 ha this season (helped by the farm acquisition with machinery and know-how).
- Variety set: Gala, Vega, Lesana, Colomba; added Wendy and Sadon (sourced in Yaroslavl).
- Experiment: 0.5 ha of Acrux (domestic line from KrasSAU) to test adaptation and quality on local soils.
Weather, risks & fieldwork
- Severe downpours & gale winds on June 11 and 14 caused rill erosion and ridge damage on rolling relief; some losses are unavoidable.
- Soils are heavy clay loams; teams are reforming ridges and planning targeted leveling in low spots while preserving the topsoil.
- Harvest start targeted for Aug 15–18 (last year began Aug 21).
Sales channels
- Mixed outlets: traders, retail chains, and private buyers — aiming to allocate lots flexibly to each channel’s spec.
Operating approach & economics
- Store accounting by delivered tonnage (with natural shrink factored).
- Practical equipment choices during rapid scale-up, including Belarus-made kit for value/quality.
- On-site canteens at both locations support crews through peak fieldwork.
Key facts (at a glance)
- 3rd potato season; sites in Uzhursky & Sukhobuzimsky Districts.
- Store: 2023 block + 2024 section; slotted floors.
- Acreage: 150 → 465 ha this season.
- Varieties: Gala, Vega, Lesana, Colomba, Wendy, Sadon; Acrux (0.5 ha) pilot.
- Heavy rains 11/14 June; ridge restoration underway.
- Harvest target: Aug 15–18.
Quotes
- “We count by what’s delivered into store — clean, transparent, and the facility is set up for that.”
- “Slotted floors make sanitation straightforward.”
- “Rains broke the ridges — we’re re-cutting fast and leveling problem spots.”
- “We added Acrux to see how it fits our clay loams and climate.”
