Northern Woman Chooses Poultry Farm Over Office Career

While her peers dream of remote work, Marta Tugolukova chose a path that is noisy, smells of feed, and where the morning might start with weighing chickens. The northern woman told 29.RU how she became a zootechnician and what agricultural enterprises in the Arkhangelsk region are really like.

A zootechnician is a specialist responsible for the breeding, feeding, health, and productivity of farm animals. They select diets, control living conditions, monitor the development of young animals, analyze performance indicators, and help improve the efficiency of a farm or poultry farm.

«Love for Animals is Unchanging»

Marta grew up in the urban-type settlement of Siya, Pinezhsky District. At home, she was surrounded by pets: cats, dogs, chickens. As a child, the northern woman dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and helping animals.

The girl never considered a career in the now-fashionable IT field: she wanted to actively interact with the world, move around, and constantly develop.

— After finishing 11 grades, I entered one educational institution, thinking that there were no educational institutions in Arkhangelsk related to working with animals. However, after two years I found one and decided to change direction. I submitted documents to the Arkhangelsk Multidisciplinary College and successfully enrolled directly into the second year of the «Zootechnics» program, — she says.

According to her, her mother initially doubted the withdrawal. But Marta resolutely pursued her dream — to work with animals, and her mother supported her choice.

Studying at the college turned out to be interesting, the new classmates were friendly, and the teachers always provided support and guided the students, says Marta.

— Theory and practice are like two girlfriends — similar, but each is unique. As in life, in the learning process theory often diverges from practice, not always matching idealized ideas. Practice can disappoint students, especially those who are used to following strict rules of theory, — says Marta.

But the girl was not disappointed in her industrial practice. During her studies, she and five classmates ended up at a large agricultural enterprise in the Velsky district.

There, the students learned to work with documents, special feeding rations, and all categories of animals.

— I discovered an amazing world of professional skills. And we also met different people, whom I hope to meet in the future.

Connection with Birds

In August, Marta got her first job — at a poultry farm in Kotlas.

— In the last year of college, my boyfriend did his industrial practice here. Since I had already determined the topic of my thesis, I went to practice in another place. When I returned, we decided to discuss further plans and called the director of the poultry farm. As a result of the negotiations, we were offered jobs, and after finishing our studies, we started working here, — says the northern woman.

According to her, the team welcomed her warmly. Mostly the colleagues are adults, there are very few young people at the enterprise.

Marta«s working day starts exactly at eight in the morning. First, she changes into her work uniform and goes to get feed samples for analysis.

After the research, the girl waits for the results and records them in a journal.

— Periodically, it is necessary to weigh the birds to determine feed consumption and average weight of individuals. Also, if a new veterinary drug is introduced into the diet, it is necessary to track the effect of the drug on the condition of the birds, their productivity, and egg quality, — clarifies the young specialist.

The most pleasant part of the job is the direct connection with the birds and the opportunity for professional growth in this field, the girl admits.

Agriculture — Nothing to Be Ashamed Of

A zootechnician must be caring and responsible, the poultry farm employee is sure. According to her, a true professional not only loves and understands animals, but also knows how to make serious decisions concerning the well-being of both the wards and colleagues. Marta believes that only sensitivity, the ability to foresee the consequences of one«s actions, and the willingness to take responsibility will allow one to succeed in this field.

— Since I live in a small village where the vast majority of residents are connected with work at the poultry farm, the question about my profession arises extremely rarely. Only occasionally, when meeting old acquaintances, I hear curiosity: «What is a zootechnician?» Such cases are rare, — the interviewee tells 29.ru.

However, the girl has encountered stereotypes more than once. A popular misconception, says Marta, is that zootechnicians only work on farms.

— In fact, there are many places where specialists working with animals are required — from private farms to research centers and shelters, — assures the resident of Kotlas.

Another stereotype is the «cleanliness» on farms. Marta noticed that many people consider farms to be places of chaos, bad smell, and dirt. The girl assures: that is not the case.

— Modern livestock complexes are equipped with high-tech equipment that ensures clean premises and comfortable keeping of animals. In addition, competent care, regular cleaning, and quality nutrition can minimize unpleasant odors, making the conditions for keeping animals pleasant and safe, — says our interviewee.

These prejudices prevent young people from going to work at agricultural enterprises, she is convinced. Among the reasons, Marta highlights hard work and a high level of responsibility.

— For those who are sincerely passionate about working with animals and ready to take on the challenge, this occupation can bring great satisfaction and professional recognition, — says the zootechnician.

The agricultural sector in the region is rapidly transforming, says Marta: automated systems and modern equipment are in operation. According to her, many large enterprises and farms that have been operating for a long time have implemented innovative solutions and significantly eased the daily work of employees, increasing productivity.

— Although agricultural enterprises often remain in the shadow of the popularity of large industrial sectors, their role is irreplaceable, because every person needs food. Today, the state offers many grants and support programs for novice farmers, as well as experienced directors of successful agricultural organizations, ensuring the stable development of the country«s agro-industrial complex.

«Work and Work Again!»

Marta is not disappointed in the profession. She intends to continue working in her specialty and grow: study, improve process efficiency, and achieve better productivity indicators.

Today, Marta has a cunning and charming cat named Mia at home. The girl«s cherished dream is to start her own farm.

— I imagine a small cozy corner of nature, like a miniature zoo, where domestic animals of different breeds and decorative species peacefully coexist. Just imagine: graceful goats are walking here, fluffy rabbits are frolicking, colorful ducks are swimming, peacocks are strolling sedately. This entire space is filled with warmth, love, and care, giving joy to adults and children, reminding us how beautiful and diverse the animal world is!