The forecast for grain collection in Russia has been reduced, leading to a decrease in exports: analysis by the USDA for the upcoming season.

Sugar factories of Prodimeks Holding set a record in sugar beet production - 1 million tons. The processing plan is being followed, and the completion of production in different regions is scheduled for December 2025. Stavropolsakhar has already finished the season.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia has contacted the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia with a request to index prices for fertilizers. Manufacturers have proposed a 15% price increase starting from January 2025. The "frozen" prices will be in effect until May 2025.

Sunflower meal is a valuable product with a high protein content, essential in animal feeding. The raw protein content should be no less than 38% in dry matter. Searching for precise methods and research helps improve the quality of meal. [Source: Federal Center for Animal Health, Russia]

The International Grains Council (IGC) has revised down its forecast for global corn production by 7 million tonnes to 1.218 billion tonnes, below consumption levels in 2023/24. Consumption has risen to 1.239 billion tonnes.

The forecast for global corn exports in 2024/25 has increased to 181.6 million tonnes, with the largest growth expected in the US and Ukraine.

In 2024, the export of sunflower oil from the Krasnodar region increased by 37%. More than 1.8 million tons of oil were shipped to 21 countries, including India, Turkey, and Egypt.

The volume of supplies to Iran in 2023 accounted for 12% of the total export.

The minister has announced an increase in agricultural production in the Astrakhan region. The region is leading in the production of vegetables and potatoes. The ban on catching vimba chubs is explained by critical stock levels.

Development of rice cultivation is an important direction. Plans for the year 2025 have been discussed.

Rosselkhoznadzor has expressed concern over the violation of temporary restrictions on the import of Kazakh wheat into Russia. Cases of grain products being imported without direct transshipment have been registered, posing a risk of spreading harmful organisms. Compliance with quarantine and phytosanitary requirements is required.

In 2024, rapeseed harvest in Russia reached a record level of 4,660.2 thousand tons, showing a growth of 10.9% due to an increase in sowing areas. However, the yield decreased by 13.9%.

Krasnoyarsk Krai leads in rapeseed collection, followed by Altai Krai.

New restrictions from KTZH: from January 11 to January 20, grain cargoes are not accepted and empty wagons are not processed through Altynkol station. Penalties for failure to meet the transportation plan are waived.

Ukraine exported 22.442 million tons of grain in the 2024/25 season. In January, they shipped 705 thousand tons. A year earlier, 19.422 million tons were exported, with 1.03 million tons in January.

Of the total, wheat accounted for 9.977 million tons, barley - 1.976 million tons, rye - 10.8 thousand tons, corn - 10.162 million tons. Flour exports reached 38.1 thousand tons, including 35 thousand tons of wheat flour.

In Volgograd, botanical walks with unique plant species have become popular. There are exhibitions and flower festivals organized. Environmental events are held, participation in scientific projects is encouraged. The plan is to increase the garden's attendance and develop tourism to 5 million people by 2034. The governor has outlined tasks for infrastructure development and personnel provision for tourism.

The Penza region ranks third in Russia for gasification. More than 9,000 agreements have been concluded, gas is connected to 79% of houses. The average cost of work is 98,000 rubles, citizens can receive subsidies of up to 130,000 rubles. By 2025, it is planned to gasify 639 houses.

It is unclear what the harvest will be in the spring of 2025 due to the climate. Farmers are forced to borrow money to pay for agronomic needs. The crop in the south of Russia is currently stable, but there may be problems with competition from exporters due to logistical difficulties. A critical crop failure is unlikely.

Two poultry farms are planned to be opened in the Aktobe region, with total investments exceeding 20 billion tenge. This year, a mini-factory producing 7.5 tons of meat for 1.5 billion tenge will be launched. Additionally, by the end of 2026, the launch of a large enterprise worth 20 billion tenge is planned.

The country will open 29 poultry farms producing 220,000 tons in 12 regions, with investments totaling 440 billion tenge, of which 262 billion tenge will be borrowed.