Hay from natural pastures is by far the most important source of winter feed for Mongolia. This year, however, many pastures represent a sad scene after a very serious drought.  As winter approaches, the country has suspended all hay and fodder exports following the drought in which as much as a third of its farmland was seriously hit. According to agricultural specialists,  temperatures rose to the highest in more than half a century; the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industries reports that 94 soums (districts) in15 provinces were devastated by the drought and 153 soums in all 21 provinces are now dry. The Ministry aims to prepare 1.2 million tonnes of hay and fodder before the snow falls. Currently, 850 million tonnes of hay have been prepared; 400 thousand must now be found.

Approximately 66 million heads of livestock are expected to be overwintered this year, reports the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry. Every year, more than 10 million head of livestock is used for meat. This year 20 thousand tonnes meat will be prepared for winter and spring consumption. The Ministry plans that herders will exchange the additional livestock for hay and fodder.