Agrifarm invests millions in Siberian alfalfa feed mill 

RUSSIA – Mayak, a Siberian agricultural firm, is set to invest 5.5 billion roubles (US$60 million) into the establishment of a state-of-the-art mill designed to process alfalfa into high-quality animal feed. 

With a keen eye on the burgeoning Chinese market, this venture promises to revolutionize the agricultural landscape of Siberia.

According to the announcement, a substantial portion of this investment, approximately 2.5 billion roubles (US$28 million), will be channeled into land reclamation efforts. 

This initiative underscores Mayak’s commitment to ensuring optimal conditions for alfalfa cultivation, a crucial component in their ambitious project.

The strategic vision behind Mayak’s endeavor involves the establishment of an advanced irrigation system aimed at enhancing alfalfa yields in Siberia’s challenging climate. 

By harnessing innovative agricultural techniques, the company seeks to transform locally grown alfalfa into a premium product, described as a “vitamin-herbal meal,” poised to capture attention on the global stage.

Governor Alexander Moor of the Tyumen Oblast echoed the significance of this venture, emphasizing the region’s dedication to expanding its agricultural footprint. 

During a press conference held in late 2023, Moor emphasized the pivotal role of export opportunities, particularly highlighting China’s soaring demand for alfalfa as a key driver of growth.

While alfalfa remains relatively underutilized in Russia’s feed industry, recent initiatives by prominent players such as Damate and Arabia Expo Agro indicate a shifting landscape. 

Damate, a leading turkey manufacturer, unveiled ambitious plans to cultivate alfalfa alongside soybean and corn to bolster its feed reserves, signaling growing industry interest in this versatile crop.

Arabia Expo Agro, another key player in Russia’s agricultural sector, unveiled plans to construct a complex dedicated to alfalfa cultivation and processing. 

Dmitry Makarov, the company’s general director, emphasized a commitment to employing cutting-edge processing methods to ensure superior product quality, aligning with global standards.

However, despite the enthusiasm surrounding alfalfa cultivation, challenges loom on the horizon. Pavel Reut, head of the innovation and sales support department at Krasnoznamensky Feed Mill, highlighted concerns regarding traditional ensiling methods prevalent in Russia and Belarus. 

Reut cautioned against potential risks associated with silage production and storage, advocating for modernized processing techniques to mitigate quality degradation.

Moreover, the Siberian alfalfa project faces a critical hurdle in the form of seed quality. Igor Baringolts, chairman of RM-Agro, raised concerns regarding the subpar protein content of domestically available alfalfa seeds, citing a significant gap compared to superior seed varieties. 

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