It is well known that the production of green feed is very important for the cultivation of farm animals. Green food actually plays a major role in feeding dairy animals. This type of feed provides essential nutrients for milk production as well as the health of dairy animals. Recently, more and more questions arise to the ecology of feed, the soils on which they grow. In Russia, the flagship of scientific research in this matter is the V. R. all-Russian Williams feed production research Institute (WFRI). Forage production, as a scientific discipline, is focused on the study of forage agro ecosystems. The article describes the new results of the Institute in the cultivation of environmentally friendly forage crops and seed propagation, production of field feed and pasture management. Results of research of ecological technologies for preservation and use of forages, technologies of grain-fodder production and utilization are resulted.

The article of the current state of small and medium-sized businesses in the Russian Federation is discussed. The problems that unlike the countries of Western Europe, hamper the harmonious development of small and medium-sized businesses are noted. Most attention is paid to the problems of small and medium-sized businesses in rural areas. A large imbalance has been established between the number of small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas and the city. The results of studies in the form of diagrams are presented. The reasons for the large difference in the number of small and medium-sized enterprises between the countryside and the city are determined. It is noted that the emergence of a large number of urban-type villages in rural areas near large cities does not change the situation. Areas of activity in which small and medium-sized businesses will more conveniently develop in rural areas are identified. Conditions have been established that will contribute to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas. The proposals for improving the efficiency of small and medium-sized businesses in rural areas in the Russian Federation are presented. Particular attention in the proposals is given to the problem of reducing the young population in rural areas. Therefore, the submitted proposals take into account the strategic and socio-economic aspects of the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Russian Federation. It is noted that this approach to solving problems is used in Western Europe.

The rural areas of Russia are characterized by a great variety of natural conditions, depending on their geographical location. This determines the historical economic use of these areas and hence the formation of certain types of agro-ecosystems. The rapid growth of cities in some regions of Russia has led to a marked disruption of life-supporting processes in the surrounding natural ecosystems, as well as in rural areas adjacent to cities and their agglomerations. From this point of view, it is important to find models for ecologically balanced rural development. Compared to “organic agriculture”, it is a broader concept that may be closer to “sustainable” agriculture.

The Paper discusses the main characteristics of educational programs for pre-master training of foreign students in engineering and natural sciences. The most important feature of these programs is the individualized approach together with the orientation of the program on the student’s master study area. We give the brief description of pre-master program content. In addition, we emphasize on the requirements to Russian language training of the students. We show the importance of preparing and public demonstration of presentations related to the bachelor final works of the students. Based on the analysis we give the recommendations for improving the quality of pre-master training.