Domestic farms are increasing the number of cattle (cattle), which indicates a gradual recovery of the livestock industry. Despite the difficult economic situation and military challenges, the total cattle population in Ukraine has increased compared to February 2025, although the number of cows has decreased slightly. At the same time, demand for live cattle and beef on international markets remains high, creating opportunities for exporters.

According to the Association of Milk Producers (AVM), as of March 1, 2025, 2.082 million cattle were raised in Ukraine, including 1.150 million cows. The total livestock population increased by 53 thousand heads per month. (+3%), while the number of cows decreased by 6 thousand heads. (-1%). At the same time, compared to the corresponding period of 2024, the total number of cattle decreased by 161 thousand heads (-7%), and cows - by 105 thousand heads. (-8%). Currently, 44% of the total number of cattle is raised in industrial enterprises, the remaining 56% - in personal farms.

The increase is observed mainly in industry, where there are 918 thousand people. the number of cattle is 2 thousand heads. (+0.2%) more than in February. However, despite this, over the last month the number of cows in farms decreased by 1 thousand (-0.1%). In industrial farms, compared to last year, the number of cattle increased by 4 thousand heads. (+0.4%), while the number of cows has practically not changed.

Positive dynamics were also recorded in private households: as of March 1, 1.164 million heads of cattle were kept there, which is 51 thousand more than in the previous year. (+5%) more than in February. However, the number of cows in this area continues to decline - in March there were 773.4 thousand, which is 5 thousand more. (-1%) compared to less than a month ago. In annual terms, the decline is much more significant: over the year, the number of domestic cattle decreased by 165 thousand heads. (-12%), and cows - by 105 thousand (-12%).

The main reasons for this decline are the lack of long-term state support for dairy farming, as well as the consequences of the war. In particular, in frontline areas, a large number of livestock have died due to fighting, and farmers are forced to reduce their livestock due to lack of financing and working capital. Under such conditions, many farms do not risk investing in expanding the dairy industry.

At the same time, despite the difficulties, there is a trend of development of dairy farms in relatively safe regions of Ukraine. According to the AVM, currently more than 40 farms are modernizing existing production facilities, building new farms and introducing modern technologies to increase cow productivity. This allows maintaining a stable level of milk production and improving its quality, which is important for both the domestic market and export.