KRESOJEVIĆ FAMILY – A MODEL OF HOW TO LIVE AND SUCCEED IN RURAL AREAS

At the Kresojević family estate in Kostreš, a new sound has recently become part of everyday life—the hum of a Belarus 952 tractor. For young farmer Stefan Kresojević, this machine represents much more than an investment; it symbolizes a serious and dedicated approach to the work he has embraced since childhood.

PHOTO: Derventa cafe

“I decided to buy the tractor to complete tasks faster and with better quality, but also because I simply liked it,” Stefan says with a smile. He adds that he already owns most of the necessary equipment, though an additional trailer with a capacity of five to six tons would significantly ease his daily workload

His love for agriculture began at an early age. Growing up alongside his parents, who were engaged in dairy farming until 2012, Stefan experienced both the rewards and hardships of rural life firsthand. The closure of the family farm—caused by a surplus of milk on the market at the time—did not discourage him. On the contrary, it further motivated him to continue working with livestock.

“That’s what inspired me to keep raising animals and producing healthy food, primarily for my own needs and selling the surplus. You have to love village life to stay here,” Stefan emphasizes.

Alongside his job at an agricultural pharmacy, he dedicates every day to maintaining the family estate.

The farm currently includes around 40 sheep and lambs, five bulls, and five breeding sows. The level of mechanization is also solid—besides the new tractor, the household owns a Belarus tractor with 80 horsepower, purchased by his father in 2011, as well as a smaller 40 HP tractor for lighter tasks.

The family cultivates approximately 20 hectares of land. Around 10 hectares are used for crops such as corn, wheat, soybeans, and barley, while the remaining land is covered with grass. However, as Stefan points out, rural life comes with numerous challenges.

“There are many difficulties. Weather conditions are unpredictable, and wild boars often cause significant damage. Market fluctuations are another issue—prices for cattle are currently good, but we don’t know for how long, while piglet prices are quite low. Global developments also affect us through fuel and fertilizer costs,” Stefan explains.

Despite all the obstacles, giving up is not an option. His plans are clear—expanding the sheep herd, fencing an additional two hectares of pasture, and increasing crop production. As early as this autumn, he intends to sow larger areas with wheat, continuing to build a sustainable future on the land.