Modernization of dairy cattle breeding in the region: state of affairs and problems

The article is devoted to the issue of dairy cattle breeding modernization of the Vologda Oblast. Efficiency of modernization is analyzed using the example of CJSC Stud-farm “Zarya” and company Breeding and collective farm “Avrora” of the Gryazovetskii district (milk production using the loose-housing technology and milking operations in milking parlour and on robot-milkers). The article presents the analysis of current development trends, resource base of the region's sub-branch for the period of 2003 - 2013, which allows to reveal some problems restraining dairy cattle breeding modernization. Thus, the key problems such as high household debt and lack of free internal funds of households are revealed. During the period of investigation the problemsof outdated material and technical base, lack or total absence of technical equipment among some households, and insufficient skills of specialists supporting new facilities. Furthermore, in sub-branch there is no integrated approach, which provides creating clasters of technologically conjugated production works, interaction between branches of agro-industrial complex and branches of economics, cooperation with government authorities and local government bodies. In conclusion the author proposes the ways out of the current situation.