The cattle population has already decreased by 12-15%: Ukrainian livestock farming is at risk of a devastating blow this winter

Ukraine’s livestock industry, already facing challenging times, is at risk of a devastating blow this winter.

Ukrainian media reports on this issue.

The problem stems from several factors, including the emigration of many Ukrainians, rising feed prices, and the overall uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict. Consequently, many farmers are opting to cull their livestock to generate some income rather than continuing to raise them. As a result, the livestock population has decreased by 12-15% in just the summer.

According to the State Statistics Service, in 2022, Ukraine had 1.54 million cows, but by 2023, the number had dropped to 1.35 million, a reduction of 200,000 heads in one year. By the end of 2023, the cow population may shrink by 30% compared to 2022.

In the near future, Ukraine is likely to face a deficit in milk and dairy products.

However, it’s not just the livestock sector that is in crisis. The increased cost of logistics has made Ukrainian agriculture unprofitable.

According to Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy, Taras Vysotsky, costs have risen sharply, while global prices have fallen. As a result, the export of many agricultural products has become unprofitable for Ukrainian farmers. If these costs cannot be reduced, such as through increased sea exports, many producers may face bankruptcy. Vysotsky believes that this poses a significant threat to the Ukrainian economy.