Andrii Troian and Volodymyr Ruban once studied together at an agricultural academy. Ruban transferred to the correspondence program and went to work in a village. While pursuing postgraduate studies, Troian developed a new wheat variety called Maria. After becoming director of a state farm, Ruban invites Troian to serve as chief agronomist in order to test the wheat in practice. Their relationship proves difficult: conflicts arise over methods and styles of leadership. Troian’s personal life is equally complicated – particularly his relationship with the schoolteacher Maria…