‘Most affordable feed this year’
Demand for corn soars among livestock farmers in Rabia as alternative to barley and wheat
RABIA — A bustling market for corn feed has emerged in Awinat village, east of Rabia, Nineveh governorate, as local livestock farmers flock to purchase whole or milled corn. The area, now home to ten shops and a mobile milling machine, has seen heightened activity due to corn’s affordability compared to other feed options like barley or wheat.
Shop owners say corn is currently the cheapest feed, with a kilogram of milled corn costing about 315 IQD ($0.20), compared to 500 IQD ($0.33) for barley or wheat.
“The corn is mostly purchased by livestock farmers,” Hussein Nazzal, a local truck owner, told 964media. “This is the first time a dedicated corn market has been opened in Rabia, and we bring the supply from distant areas like Naama, Hamrin, Dor, and Kirkuk.”
Nazzal added that whole corn is purchased at 250–260 IQD ($0.16 to $0.17) per kilogram and milled before being sold to farmers at 315 IQD ($0.20).
The market, launched just a week ago, is already experiencing growing demand. Khalis Jadaan, a shop owner, noted, “Corn is currently the cheapest type of feed, which is why the demand is high. Despite our low profit margins, we let farmers to pay us later.”
Thamer Ali, the owner of a mobile milling machine, said his service costs 15,000 IQD ($10) per ton of corn milled. “There have been many orders since the market opened. Corn is undoubtedly the most affordable feed this year,” he explained.