Ivan Brovkin on the State Farm

Ivan Brovkin finishes his military service as a sergeant and, with a group of friends, decides to head to the virgin lands after demobilization. He returns to his native kolkhoz, where the chairman, Lyubasha, and her mother greet him coldly and treat him as a traitor. The planned wedding is canceled, and Brovkin leaves for the virgin lands.

Brovkin arrives during the plowing season and joins the tractor brigade on the virgin lands. Winter passes as they work, and he writes home that everything is fine. News of how Ivan lives spreads through the village, fueling curiosity about his life on the project.

Lyubasha seriously considers escaping from her home to join Ivan on the virgin lands. The idea grows as she weighs the risks and imagined reunion. Her family remains opposed, complicating her plans.

In spring, Brovkin is appointed foreman of the tractor brigade. He steps into leadership and earns respect from the crew, becoming a key figure in the virgin lands project.

As harvest approaches, Brovkin considers returning to his native farm because he misses Lyubasha. The director of the farm, seeing his value, presses him to stay and even suggests building a house for him to stay.

To secure his continued stay, the director arranges a double-time house construction for the foreman during a subbotnik. He also instructs the driver to simulate an engine breakdown on Brovkin's way from the airport, buying time for the plans.

Zahar Silich arrives at the sovkhoz to fetch his bride Polina, who had left for the virgin lands. Seeing the situation, he decides to stay on the virgin lands instead. Soon Zahar Silich has a wedding with his beloved.

Polina's wedding to Zahar Silich takes place on the virgin lands, strengthening the community of couples who chose to stay. The ceremony underscores their ties to the new life on the project.

Following the harvest, Brovkin is awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the collective. The honor solidifies his status as a key figure on the virgin lands.

After the harvest, Zahar Silich together with his wife and Ivan Brovkin visit their native village for a brief time. The trip highlights changes in their lives and keeps their ties to home intact.

In a turning of fortunes, Ivan marries Lyubasha, reuniting with the woman who has represented his departure. The marriage marks a new personal chapter as life on the virgin lands continues.

Ivan and Lyubasha depart together for the virgin lands, starting a life as a married couple on the project. Their union ties their future to the ongoing development of the lands and the collective.