Szepietowo

Szepietowo is an urban-rural municipality in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, located in the Wysokie Mazowieckie County. It was established in the 1970s and was known as Szepietowo-Stacja between 1973 and 1984. The municipality gained importance due to its favorable transport location and agricultural character. The seat of the municipality is the town of Szepietowo, which plays a significant role in the life of the local community. According to demographic data, in 2004 the municipality had 7,522 inhabitants, and by 2019 this number had decreased to 6,890. The municipality is home to several educational institutions, including kindergartens, primary schools, and a middle school, as well as a Municipal Cultural Center, highlighting the importance of culture and education in the region. Szepietowo is characterized by a short growing season, lasting from 190 to 200 days, and a significant area of agricultural land, which accounts for 75.3% of the total land. Most farms are over 10 hectares in size, with the average farm area being 13.3 hectares. Class III and IV quality soils dominate, favoring the cultivation of grassland plants. In animal husbandry, cattle and pigs prevail, and the region specializes in milk production. The municipality also stands out for its natural richness, with over 290 species of vascular plants and a significant number of birds. Throughout the history of the municipality, mayors and village administrators have played a key role in governance, with Stanisław Roch Wyszyński serving as mayor and village administrator for over 20 years, the longest tenure. The municipality borders other local government units, such as Brańsk, Czyżew-Osada, and Wysokie Mazowieckie. Interestingly, the municipality has a rich agricultural heritage, rooted in deep rural traditions, including annual festivals and local cultural initiatives that integrate both rural and urban communities.