Heavy rain in July helps winter preparation

The heavy and torrential downpour that was experienced in July has helped feed preparation for livestock for the upcoming winter. It was estimated that one million tons of feed is needed to supply livestock over the course of the year.

Before the rainy July, 30 percent of the land in Mongolia was classified as having “normal” summer conditions and adequate soil to grow abundant fodder, while another 30 percent of land was classified as “moderate”, and the majority of land, 40 percent, was classified as “bad with drought”.

This year, 25,915 tons of fodder and 14,735 tons of forage are being prepared for reserve. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry has been working to ensure that the reserve is enough to cover any shortages while making sure feed harvest reaches the one million tons that is needed domestically.

Beginning in July, the heavy rain helped relieve drought in most areas of the country. This has helped most areas to grow adequate feed for local livestock. Selenge, Tuv, Darkhan-Uul, Khentii, Uvurkhangai, Arkhangai, Bulgan, Dornod, and Sukhbaatar provinces are the main regions for feed planting and harvesting.

Some regions have already begun to harvest feed beginning on August 1. Bayan-Ulgii Province has planned to harvest 62,800 tons of fodder, 6,770 tons of forage, and 7,345 tons of mineral lick. Most provinces will finish harvesting their feed by the end of August. Some regions will finish harvesting by early September, and by September 15, the total amount of feed harvested will be calculated nationally.

Currently, around 36,000 hectares of land have been used to plant feed for livestock. Compared to 1961, when the number of livestock dependent on every 100 hectares of feed was 32, the current amount stands at 99. Horses need to eat feed equal to two percent of their bodyweight daily, while cows need three percent, sheep need 3.75 percent, and goats need 3.5 percent. As a result, with the growing number of livestock, the need for feed has also been increasing. Compared to last year’s prolonged drought, this year’s rainy summer has been a positive for harvest.