OREANDA-NEWS. Cherkizovo Group has met 100% of its target for sowing winter wheat. A total area of 28,600 ha was planted, which is 11,000 ha more than the last year's figure. The sowing campaign was completed in the optimum agronomic period, so it is expected that winter crops will be in good condition for wintering over.

Planting was concentrated in four Black Earth regions, where the weather last month was ideal for sowing. Altogether, 10,700 ha were planted in Voronezh Region, 8,100 ha in Lipetsk Region, 1,100 ha in Moscow Region, and 5,100 ha in Orel Region. The Group plans to treat the crops on schedule and to the highest standards, as well as monitor their condition.

Cherkizovo Group had high winter wheat yields this year. The company harvested a record 176,000 tonnes from 32,200 ha, or 54% more than the gross yield of the same crops in 2013. Dry and hot weather in late August allowed a quick, high-quality grain harvest.

At present, most of the agricultural equipment is concentrated on fields where the corn harvest is well underway. The machinery is working at peak capacity without any downtime that may be caused by heavy rain. The Group's machine operators have already worked 6,000 ha, and will work another 4,200 ha in the near future. As of October 8, 62% of the planned corn harvest had been completed.