In 2025, Ukrainian dairy farms were able to increase their cow numbers, despite the difficulties caused by the war and rising production costs. However, the economic situation and the high cost of feed and energy create the prerequisites for a potential reduction in the herd in 2026, experts warn.

This was reported by the Association of Milk Producers (AVM), noting that the increase occurred mainly at industrial enterprises in ten regions, where the efficiency of farms allows them to withstand the load.

According to the State Statistics Service, as of January 1, 2026, the total number of cattle (cattle) in Ukraine amounted to 1 million 804.1 thousand heads, including 1 million 22.3 thousand cows. Compared to December 1, 2025, the cattle population decreased by 138.9 thousand heads (-7%), and the number of cows - by 53.7 thousand heads (-5%). Compared to the same date in 2025, the total number of cattle decreased by 232 thousand heads (-11%), and cows - by 158 thousand heads (-13%).

About 53% of the total livestock is kept at industrial enterprises, the remaining 47% - in households. In the industrial sector, as of the beginning of 2026, there were 947.7 thousand heads of cattle, which is practically unchanged compared to December (-0.03%). The number of cows on industrial farms increased by 1.1 thousand heads (+0.3%) and reached 386.3 thousand heads.

At the same time, the situation in the household sector is different: 856.4 thousand cattle are kept here, which is 139 thousand heads less than at the beginning of December (-14%). The number of cows in households decreased by 55 thousand heads (-8%) and is 636 thousand heads.

AVM experts note that although industrial farms demonstrate stable herd growth, the general trend of reducing the number of livestock in Ukraine is associated with high production costs and a decrease in the profitability of small farms. This may limit further growth in dairy production in 2026.

Thus, the development of the dairy industry in Ukraine remains dependent on the support of industrial enterprises, cost optimization and state programs to stimulate the production of milk and other products with high added value. A steady increase in the number of cows in the industrial sector is a key factor in ensuring food security and supporting dairy exports.