In Mordovia, the corn harvest for grain is now in full swing, with 28,000 hectares planted across 18 districts of the republic. As of mid-September 2024, the region has harvested 2,690 tons of corn grain, achieving an impressive average yield of 73 centners per hectare. This significant yield reflects the region’s commitment to boosting grain production, particularly for use as animal feed.
The importance of corn grain in livestock diets cannot be overstated. According to Mordovia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food, corn is nutritionally superior to many traditional crops, providing the highest energy content among grain cereals. This makes it an essential component of feed rations for nearly all types of livestock, from poultry to cattle, ensuring that animals receive the nutrients necessary for optimal growth and productivity.
Mordovia’s focus on corn production is part of a broader strategy to enhance the region’s agricultural output, with corn playing a crucial role in both food security and livestock development. The energy-rich grain not only supports local farming but also has the potential to contribute to the region’s feed market, which is essential for maintaining high-quality livestock production.
Corn’s nutritional profile, with its high starch content and digestibility, makes it a preferred choice for farmers and feed manufacturers alike. In comparison to other grains, corn delivers more energy per kilogram, which leads to better feed conversion efficiency in animals, making it a cost-effective option for livestock producers. Furthermore, the growing demand for high-energy feed as livestock farming intensifies places regions like Mordovia at the forefront of the grain market.
In 2023, Russia produced over 15 million tons of corn, with significant portions dedicated to both domestic consumption and export. Mordovia, while not one of the largest producers, is steadily increasing its contribution to this national total. With favorable weather conditions and continued investment in agricultural technology, the region is well-positioned to maintain or even improve its yield levels in the coming years.
As the harvest progresses, Mordovia’s success with corn grain will not only strengthen its local agricultural economy but also contribute to the overall national effort to meet growing feed demands. The high yields seen this year provide optimism for the continued use of corn as a critical feed crop, both in Mordovia and across Russia.
Mordovia’s corn harvest, with yields of 73 centners per hectare, demonstrates the region’s agricultural strength and the importance of corn in livestock feed. With its superior energy content and cost-effectiveness, corn grain plays a vital role in supporting livestock farming. As Mordovia continues to expand its production capacity, the region is set to become an increasingly important player in Russia’s grain and feed markets.