Cattle Numbers in Ukraine Fall by 400,000 in a Year

According to the Association of Milk Producers, compared with the same period last year, the cattle population decreased by 400,000 head (-19%), while the number of cows fell by 208,000 head (-18%). Compared with July of this year, the cattle population decreased by 15,900 head (-0.9%), while the number of cows fell by 8,600 head (-0.9%).

«About 54% of the animals are kept at commercial farms, while 46% are kept in household farms,» experts stated.

The commercial sector has 953,000 head of cattle (-0.2% compared with July and +3% compared with August last year). The number of cows stands at 392,800 head (-1% and +3%, respectively).

The household sector has 798,100 head of cattle (-1.7% compared with July and -35% year-on-year). As of August this year, the number of cows in household farms stood at 539,800 head (-0.9% compared with July and -29% compared with August last year).

The association noted that rising raw milk production costs, low purchase prices and the likelihood of higher prices for roughage are forcing farmers to reduce their cow herds.