An internship at EkoNiva has changed Anastasiya Myakinina’s life: instead of returning to her hometown in the south, she stayed in Siberia to become a veterinarian and find her dream job. Fascinated by cows and calves, she draws her artistic inspiration from interaction with them and transforms her feelings into stunning works of art.

Anastasiya was born in Yeysk city, Krasnodar area, in a family where farm work was part of the everyday routine. Her parents were employed in agriculture, and her grandmother was a cow milker. The latter was the first person to entrust animal care to Anastasiya and teach her that attention, patience and commitment matter most in the profession.

As a girl, she learnt how to look after calves. She gave them water, watched them grow up and become stronger and later even milked cows. That is how a childlike curiosity and love for animals turned into a lifelong occupation.

‘I always liked being around calves and cows, that is why there was never a question for me as to the career I’d pursue. I just knew that I wanted to work with animals’, says Anastasiya.

The specialist received her professional education at Don State Agricultural University. During her studies, she went to EkoNiva’s Siberian subdivision for an internship. At that time, the employees were working on a major task – that of selecting and rearing calves which would replace older cows leaving the herd. As someone from the south, Anastasiya came to a cold region and saw so much snow for the first time. So, the internship left a lasting impression on her: the great team, responsible attitude towards the employees and overall atmosphere encouraged her to take a job at EkoNiva.

In 2020, Anastasiya Myakinina started her career in the holding as a veterinarian for replacement calves. Her working day begins with a round: together with her colleagues, she examines the animals and controls the morning milk feeding. Before lunchtime, health checks are performed and treatments are prescribed. Then, the calves are sent to a second feeding which includes electrolytes – a solution helping to restore water balance and regulate stomach function. Afterwards, the specialists collect blood from the newborn calves to test the levels of immunoglobulins, proteins that are responsible for immune defense, and prepare animals for dehorning. By the end of the day, another round, documentation and arrangements for the next day must be completed.

Despite loving all the calves, Anastasiya admits that those with distinctive coat patterns on their backs are her favourite ones. She affectionately calls them ‘caterpillars’.

To Anastasiya, her job as a veterinarian is of special importance. ‘Medicine heals people, while veterinary is vital for humanity. We are responsible both for animal health and food safety’, says the specialist.

Now, Anastasiya lives in Maslyanino urban-type village. The calm pace of life, nature and favourite occupation helped her to feel at home there.

‘Sometimes, I miss entertainment options that cities offer, but we do have everything for a comfortable life: shops, grocery delivery, hospitals, walking and recreation areas’, shares Anastasiya.

In her free time, she creates art, enjoying an unusual hobby – custom painting of clothes and headwear. Anastasiya finds her inspiration in the calves and cows she looks after every day: ‘I draw what I work with. More often than not, it is the animals that spark new ideas. And I just like drawing – it is relaxing and delightful.’

Anastasiya does not show her artwork to the public – she only offers gifts to her colleagues and internship students, who encourage her in her hobby. Sometimes, she makes items to order.

Communication with the students is an important part of Anastasiya’s job. She takes pleasure in training them and sharing her experience with those who are at the beginning of their career journey.

‘EkoNiva opens up great opportunities for development. Many of its employees had no specialised education, but the company is ready to train newcomers, giving them knowledge and contributing to their growth. It is crucial for a good start’, notes Anastasiya. She is positive that young professionals should embrace new experiences, trying various roles, not shying away from mistakes and always choosing to learn. Dreams will come true, but it is essential to live for today and cherish what they have now.