Soviet-Era Dairy Farming Innovation: A 1970 Look at the Kolkhoz Borets

In the heart of the Ramensky District, Moscow Oblast, a historical record unveils the ingenious agricultural practices of the Kolkhoz Borets in 1970. This black and white footage showcases the innovative solution to a common problem: ensuring sufficient fodder for dairy cows during the summer months. The video illustrates the establishment of a large-scale, irrigated pasture system, designed for optimal cow grazing and minimal travel distances. This innovative approach, implemented under the guidance of the Timiryazev Agricultural Academy's department of meadow farming, involved rotational grazing across over 400 hectares. The video also shows a summer camp built for the cows. "The proximity of the pastures to the dairy farms is crucial," explains a narrator, "as long drives exhaust the animals." The video concludes with a glimpse into the efficiency of this system. The Kolkhoz Borets' efforts to optimize dairy farming in the 1960s provide valuable insights into agricultural history and the importance of sustainable practices. This historical footage serves as a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of agricultural workers in improving efficiency and animal welfare.