Main points
- As of March 1, 2026, there are 1 million 745.5 thousand heads of cattle in Ukraine, of which 953.1 thousand are cows.
- Over the past year, the number of cattle on household farms has decreased by 369 thousand heads (-32%), and the number of cows has decreased by 215 thousand heads (-28%).
Cattle population is rapidly declining / Photo Unsplash
The number of cattle in Ukraine continues to decline, especially in households. Despite a slight increase in the industrial sector, the overall trend remains negative.
The livestock population in Ukraine is declining rapidly
As of March 1, 2026, there are 1 million 745.5 thousand heads of cattle in Ukraine, of which 953.1 thousand are cows. This was reported by the Milk Producers Association with a link.
In monthly terms, the total cattle population increased by 20.7 thousand heads, or 1%, but the number of cows decreased by 5.6 thousand heads (minus 1%). In annual terms, the trend is more negative: the cattle population decreased by 337 thousand heads (minus 16%), and cows – by 197 thousand (minus 17%).
The majority of animals are kept in the industrial sector – 54%, while 46% are kept on private farms.
According to the State Statistics Service, enterprises currently keep 950.5 thousand heads of cattle, which is slightly less than a month ago. At the same time, in annual terms, this sector is showing growth: the number of cattle increased by 4%, and cows – by 5%.
The situation is the opposite in households. There was an increase in livestock per month, but a significant decrease in annual terms. Over the past year, the number of cattle in households decreased by 369 thousand heads (-32%), and the number of cows decreased by 215 thousand heads (-28%).
Please note! According to statistics, in 14 regions of Ukraine there is an increase in the number of cows at agricultural enterprises. The highest growth rates were recorded in Rivne, Lviv and Kharkiv regions.
Millions of heads lost: EU predicts decline in livestock production
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In the EU, cattle, sheep and goat production is forecast to decline in the second half of 2026, while pig production is expected to grow.
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France will remain the leader in beef production, and Spain a key player in pig production, despite the overall reduction in livestock numbers in the EU.