2018
This year marked the debut of a new experience-sharing format introduced by LNZ Group. It is called LNZ Hub.
The company decided not to hold large Field Days for several hundred participants, but instead to focus on an individual approach to each client. Instead of show programs, the goal was to demonstrate technologies in detail on demo plots and commercial crops, as well as its expertise in the seed business and the capacities of its own seed plant.
Anyone interested could book individual tours and consultations with LNZ Group's specialized managers on any day for a month, from 15 August to 14 September. Many gladly took advantage of this opportunity.
AgroPortal.ua asked LNZ Hub participants whether they liked the new format and what practicing farmers took away from their visit to Cherkasy Oblast.
Roman Kucher, co-owner of the agricultural company «Dytiatky», Kyiv Oblast:
I represent a young farm that has been operating for only 2 years. We were actively looking for seeds. At first we thought about how to save money, until we became convinced that the main thing is to care about quality if we want results. Friends recommended proven planting material from LNZ Group. We sowed their sunflower and corn and had no regrets. With sunflower we got almost 100% germination. In addition, the technology matched the specifics of our zone.
We accepted the invitation to visit LNZ Hub and talk to the specialists one-on-one. We came at a time convenient for us. We spent practically the whole day looking at the experimental plots, the commercial and seed crops, the laboratory and, of course, the LNZ seed plant.
Everything was shown to us by the heads of departments, each in their own area. We can see that they go deep into every detail.
I was pleasantly impressed by the level of the experimental plots. I didn't even think that, apart from research institutions, anyone in our country conducts professional research so thoroughly and meticulously. It was interesting to see the plots laid out in a checkerboard pattern, where special harvesting equipment operates.
We looked closely at both the seeds and the nutrition systems, and asked technologists and agronomists many questions. We have a specific zone — Polissia, mostly sandy soils. So we have our own nuances. I was interested in the specifics of split feeding. From next year we will use narrower row spacing to increase the nutrition surface area. This also better covers the soil against evaporation. And LNZ already practices this method on commercial sunflower crops. So we agreed to stay in constant contact to exchange results. For us this is invaluable, because it is direct experience.
We viewed all the laboratory complexes. The scale of the plant is impressive. It is especially pleasing that they already use a photo separator for calibration. This convinces you of the seed quality.
Volodymyr Oliinyk, deputy director of PSP «Novoselytsia», Zhytomyr Oblast:
We have been working with LNZ for 2 years, we have visited their plant before, and as partners they organize insecticidal seed treatment for us free of charge.
But in August we went to see other LNZ Group facilities in the new format. LNZ Hub is radically different from all other formats because there is no rush. We actually worked for 2 days: we arrived after lunch, had time until evening, and the next day we finished looking at everything that interested us. Nobody rushed around or hurried us along, everything was calm and measured. There were far fewer of us guests than company managers, who told us everything in detail, patiently, and answered everyone's questions. I found out all the details I wanted. I am sure I didn't miss anything useful.
It was interesting to see the demo plots, where such a vast range of plants with different FAO ratings is concentrated in one place. We also set up small demos for ourselves, but they can't compare with such a scale!
We also buy crop protection products through LNZ, so we took a close look at their trials with protection systems. In particular, thanks to thorough soil analysis, they monitor the aftereffects of various products here, so we examined everything in detail to analyze it.
In terms of the concentration of advice and knowledge received, this format was undoubtedly the most effective.
Alla Stoianova, head of the farm «Stoianov A.A.», Odesa Oblast:
I was invited by LNZ Group's regional representatives to see the new LNZ Hub format. We have had a reliable partnership for 3 years now, buying corn and sunflower seeds. I know that you can always rely on LNZ, they are reliable. And now I have become convinced of it.
For the first time I saw the absolutely complete seed production system: from the field to packed bags ready for shipment from the plant. Nobody had ever offered anything like this before.
It is one thing when at ordinary Field Days you see narrow little demo plots, and quite another when it is a whole field. I was especially impressed by the scale of the hybridization plots. There was nothing hypothetical that we had to take on faith — we saw everything with our own eyes. Both how the farm maintains spatial isolation, and how a great specialized combine harvests the ready crop right in front of us.
We literally went through the entire technological process. At the plant we saw how a truck with freshly harvested seed drives onto the scales, how the seed is checked and weighed. I examined all the stages very carefully. This significantly adds confidence in this partner's products.
Our small group talked with managers and executives and asked all the questions that interested us. The time was spent very efficiently. Nothing interfered or distracted. And I have absolutely no time to watch various shows during the season.
Oleksandr Herman, acting director of TOV AF «Khvylia», Sumy Oblast:
When we saw the new LNZ plant, we immediately felt that we are getting closer to Europe. Because you can see the latest equipment, the optimal organization of the site, and safety measures. We can be confident in the seeds that are prepared here for us as well.
On the hybridization plots we saw a very serious scientific approach and work according to technologies. We are learning too, because we also have our own demo fields. It will be interesting to learn the results of the experiments, for example, with the application of various micro- and macroelements. As always, the whole truth will be shown by the hopper. So we agreed that we will get access to the results on a special company website and will be able to clarify everything with the relevant specialists. We took all the contacts.
LNZ Hub is an interesting and useful new format. There were not many guests, so we had the opportunity to look at everything and talk calmly over 2 days.
Oleksandr Petrenko, owner of the farm «Nadiia», Poltava Oblast:
I could only visit LNZ Hub for 1 day, as it was the busiest season.
I spent a little time in the field. I saw the plant where, among other things, the seeds we buy are prepared. We have been working with LNZ for 3 years now.
It was interesting to learn about seed processing technologies. We saw dryers, treatment shops and packaging. You can see that production is developing and new capacities are being built.
As a practitioner, to be honest, I will get the relevant information I need under any conditions and formats. When necessary, I will find a specialist, stay after the general presentations and ask about the details. I always get answers.
I realize that such a format of individual communication is very difficult and costly for the organizers. First, it is probably more expensive than gathering everyone together once a season. And second, each time top managers and specialists have to be taken away from their work and the production process. But it is very pleasing that they focus on an individual approach.
During traditional Field Days, in addition to the main program, I usually also take the opportunity to talk with farmers from different regions about different conditions and specifics, about different technologies. But here there were only a few colleagues from Poltava Oblast. That is the only limitation I saw.
Alina Nikolaienko, chief agronomist of TOV «Norma», Kharkiv Oblast:
This was our first visit to LNZ Group, although we have been cooperating for a long time, buying corn seeds and crop protection products. Just now we bought seed treatments.
It was especially interesting to look at the hybridization plots. They are irrigated; we cannot afford that yet, although we notice very striking changes in the climate.
Many agronomists in various areas told us the details of nutrition and the specifics of protection, and shared the results of various applications. Our soil and climatic conditions are similar.
We saw that the technologies on the farms here are more progressive — at the plant all products and solutions are prepared comprehensively. Whereas we make tank mixes right in the field. We understand what to strive for. After such a visit it is easier to analyze and draw conclusions about where we need to develop further.
For 7 years now we have also been organizing seminars on the basis of our farm. This year we had the largest area under corn and sunflower demo plots — 50 ha. On the one hand, it is troublesome, but also useful: we are confident which hybrids and which products for them will definitely be the best. And we also share experience with our neighbors.
Two days at LNZ Hub were extremely useful, especially thanks to constant dialogue with specialists.
Vitalii Okhrimenko, agronomist of PP «Agrospaske», Sumy Oblast:
We buy 90% of our sunflower and corn seeds from LNZ Group; we have been cooperating for more than a year. I noticed long ago: as soon as I buy from someone else, the yield drops significantly. So I no longer take risks.
You won't find demo plots like theirs in many places. I was glad to take a look at the new hybrids when I went to LNZ Hub. I looked at how each one performs and asked about nutrition and protection systems. The main thing is that, in comparison with others, everything is visible. Just choose.
We agreed on a convenient time in advance, and about 20 neighbors from Sumy Oblast went. There were farms like ours — up to about 3 thousand ha, and smaller ones with around 500 hectares. But we discussed problems together. It is interesting to get advice and consult with LNZ specialists. There was time and opportunity, because we stayed for 2 days.
We saw how they take soil samples in the field. In the last 2 years, companies have appeared that offer such services. We are looking at everything in detail, because we will also order this service for ourselves.
Good organization, so everything turned out well. A lot of benefit. We can arrange concerts and show programs for ourselves. But such personal, unhurried communication with specialists is very valuable. We communicate and call each other regularly.
Source: http://agroportal.ua/ua/publishing/lichnyi-vzglyad...
