Day 4 - A view into Ukraine

Frozen Runway

A snowy morning in Moscow was the backdrop for Class 41’s departure from Russia.  Many of us were sad to be leaving after our two day visit to what we learned is an amazing country; home to a people who have endured much suffering, yet survived with their religion, culture, and pride much intact.  It is a complex culture; a result perhaps of the Nation’s East meets West location, among other influences.

We were disappointed to have to leave our travel guide Olga at the airport, not being able to take her along on the rest of our journey.  Her knowledge of Russia and her evident pride in her country packed our two days with a whirlwind of information and appreciation.

After nearly an hour aboard the plane on the runway waiting for de-icing, we were off for our short flight to Kiev.  We arrived to the welcome of Dietrich Treis, our guide for the time in Kiev.  During a short bus tour on the way to the hotel, he provided a brief overview of Ukraine and its capitol city.  Dietrich is a wealth of knowledge of the Ukrainian Ag industry being a market entry and farm evaluation consultant, as well as part time tour guide. 

Ukranian National Bank

The afternoon was spent on a walking tour of downtown Kiev, facilitated by another Olga.  With much enthusiasm she marched us up and down the hills of Kiev, sharing the history of Kiev and pointing out some of the more loved and not so loved architecture found in the downtown area. 

Pechers'kyi district

The day was finished off with two presentations on the Ukrainian Ag industry from the perspectives of Dietrich and guest Carsten Heftrig, Sales and Marketing Manager for John Deere Ukraine.  The country, similar to Russia, has found itself in a transitional period, although this transition seems to be never ending.  In terms of agriculture production capability they are on par with the rest of the modernized world, yet the country currently lacks the infrastructure and internal government support to make them a world or even regional supplier. 

We look forward to our visit to the Embassy tomorrow to gain further insight into the constraints and opportunities facing the Ukrainian Ag sector. 

Please check the Class 41 Facebook page for more photographs of our international trip.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/CALFClass41/

Respectfully submitted with gratitude,

Juan Guzman, Todd Snider, and Bre Owens