Since 2012, the Popov family — Vyacheslav and his son Artyom — has been growing the classic “borsch set” and potatoes in the Yaroslavl region. Today, YarOvoshi operates three distinct potato streams (seed, table, and chip processing), expands storage capacity and greenhouse seedlings, and maintains steady local sales across the region and neighboring areas.
Who they are and what they grow
- Family farm founded in 2012 (Yaroslavl Region).
- Crops: potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beets (the classic soup/borsch set).
- Since 2021, potatoes split into three streams:
- seed multiplication,
- table potatoes,
- processing (chips) — actively scaled since last season.
- Rough acreage split: 20–25% seed, 30–35% table, the rest — processing.
Planning, contracts, and prices
- A share of the crop is pre-contracted (about 30%) to reduce price risk.
- The market is volatile (this season saw gaps like ₽70 vs ₽25–26 per kg in different segments), so honoring contracts is critical — “next year it could be the other way round.”
Season: “typically atypical”
- Spring shifted, but potato planting has started and the team has “settled into rhythm”; carrots are sown, beets follow, cabbage seedlings launch next week.
- Main potato harvest — mid-September (they avoid lifting in heat to protect storage quality).
- Early digging is possible for fresh sales; the first veg into the market is early cabbage — late July / early August.
Sales and geography
- Cabbage: main buyers are local retailers and institutions; additional shipments go to Arkhangelsk; within the region: Yaroslavl, Vologda, Ivanovo.
- For processing — contract work with chip varieties (they grow Verdict, among others).
Infrastructure, storage, machinery
- Container storages: two operating buildings 15×30 m and 15×35 m, ≈500 t each (cabbage/carrots); a third is under construction.
- Greenhouse complex for seedlings (cabbage, etc.):
- sprinkler irrigation for seedlings,
- drip irrigation targeted to crops (incl. gherkin cucumbers in bags) for local fresh market, schools, and sanatoriums.
- Fleet: 7 tractors (incl. Kirovets K-530, 300 hp, MTZ, and imported units); upgraded implements (harrow, deep ripper, onion equipment).
- Potato lifting: single-row harvester; modern kit of the SE 260 class; plans to expand container turnover (≈800 boxes for potatoes this season).
Logistics and trading operations
- To keep a full assortment at the site, they do tactical purchases in the South with onward sales in the region — this helps supply schools, sanatoriums, and local retail reliably.
Team and succession
- The hardest part is working with people: “everyone has a character, and each needs a tailored approach.”
- Artyom Popov “picks things up on the fly,” blending agrochemistry, mechanization, and engineering; he drives new processing contracts and sales formats.
- The village means responsibility: grounds upkeep, winter clearing, and local support — “we work as one big team.”
Key facts (at a glance)
- Three potato streams: seed / table / chips.
- ~30% pre-contracted volumes for price-risk stability.
- Storage: 2 × ≈500 t (containers); a third facility is under construction.
- Seedling greenhouse; gherkins for the local fresh market and public institutions.
- 7 tractors in the fleet; upgraded implements; push toward containerization (≈800 boxes/season).
- Cabbage sales footprint: Yaroslavl, Vologda, Ivanovo, Arkhangelsk.
Quotes
- “Contracted volumes give us footing: prices swing, obligations stay.”
- “We try not to harvest in heat — storage quality is worth more than fast tons.”
- “Different generational approaches are our strength: classic + innovative.”
Bottom line
YarOvoshi is a case of family-run operations where resilience comes from diversified potato streams (seed/fresh/chips), container storage, greenhouse seedlings, and tight logistics. Contracts hedge prices, and the father-to-son team deepens technology and execution discipline.
“YarOvoshi”: a family farm with three potato streams and a robust vegetable lineup. How the Popov family builds storage, contracts, and logistics — in the new Potato Tour episode.
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