Ukraine has recorded yet another decline in the number of cows
27 May 20:41
In April 2026, Ukraine saw a decline in the number of cows in both the commercial and backyard farming sectors.
This was reported by the Association of Milk Producers, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to data from the Milk Producers Association, based on preliminary figures from the State Statistics Service, the number of cows has decreased to 944,500 head, representing a 0.4% decline compared to the previous month.
As of May 1, 2026, there were 1,784,800 head of cattle in Ukraine, of which 944,500 were cows. Compared to April 1, 2026, the total cattle population increased by 13,700 head (1%), but the number of cows decreased by 3,700.
On an annual basis, the total cattle population decreased by 395,000 head, or 18%, including a reduction of 209,000 head in the number of cows.
Distribution by Sector
Currently, about 53% of cattle are kept on commercial farms, while 47% are on private farms.
The industrial sector holds 946,700 head of cattle, which is 0.3% less than in March. The number of cows in this sector stands at 392,300 head, which also decreased by 0.4% over the month. However, on an annual basis, the number of cattle at enterprises increased by 3%, and the number of cows increased similarly.
As of May 1, private households had 838,100 head of cattle and 552,200 cows. Over the year, the cattle herd in the private sector decreased by 33%, and the number of cows by 28%.
An increase in the number of cows was recorded at agricultural enterprises in 11 regions.
The largest increases were observed in the following regions:
- Rivne: 25%
- Lviv: 20%
- Kharkiv: 16%
- Ternopil: 11%
- Khmelnytskyi: 9%
As reported, in April 2026, prices for certain dairy products fell in Ukraine. In particular, prices decreased for drinking milk in cartons and bottles, sour cream in cups and cartons, drinking yogurt in bottles, and butter.
