EkoNiva Group, the largest raw milk producer in Russia, is currently making preparations for spring field works. In the 2024 farming season, it is planned to allocate a total of 465,000 ha for different plants in thirteen regions where the company operates. Fodder crops occupy most of the area, but the share of pulses, which are in demand in the market, has also increased.

The main goal of the holding’s crop production is to provide the cattle with own succulent and rough feeds. Therefore, plans are afoot to sow fodder crops on 190,000 ha. Besides, cash crops will be grown on 220,000 ha, seeds – on over 40,000 ha. A wide range of agricultural crops will be planted on EkoNiva farms this year: wheat, rye, triticale, barley, maize, soya beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, field beans, flax, rapeseed, clover, sunflower, sugar beet, annual and perennial grasses.

Over 69,000 ha are occupied by winter crops in the regions of the company’s operation. The specialists are satisfied with the condition of winter crops as of now.

EkoNiva is almost completely self-sufficient in seeds of cereals and pulses. Furthermore, the Group has signed contracts for the majority of its seeds of other crops, including those from the leading domestic producers. The deliveries of the purchased seeds have already started. EkoNiva specialists have completed machinery fault diagnostics and are now preparing it for the upcoming field works.

The agronomists will continue to implement precision farming methods. Plant growers intend to develop variable rate fertiliser application technologies. In addition, the specialists plan to allocate about 20,000 ha for variable rate sowing. When using these methods, the quantity of seeds and fertilisers is adjusted depending on the soil characteristics on a particular plot of land, expected yields, terrain, and other factors.

In 2023, EkoNiva harvested 1.33 million tonnes of cash crops in standard weight, which is 13% more than a year earlier, and 985,000 tonnes of fodder in dry matter compared to 831,000 tonnes in 2022.