The Rostov Region Livestock Crisis: How Sanctions and Government Inaction Are Destroying the Industry

Due to soaring feed prices and inflation, livestock farming in the Rostov Region is facing difficult times. In early September 2024 , a kilogram of butter cost 1,057 rubles, while beef cost 607 rubles. According to Rostovstat, MILK prices are rising significantly faster than MEAT prices . Farmers, faced with rising prices, are being forced to cull their breeding stock, which could lead to a complete crisis in the industry.

Problems and crisis in animal husbandry

• Livestock decline: The cattle population fell from 625,000 HEAD at the beginning of 2022 to 589,300 by April 2025. With the number of breeding stock needed for milk production declining, farmers are beginning to sell off their livestock to pay off debts.
• A growing crisis: Reduced crop yields due to unfavorable weather conditions have led to rising feed prices. Milk production costs have increased by 30% in two years, making livestock farming extremely unprofitable.
• Social issues: Due to the difficult economic situation, farmers are left without a livelihood. Many are considering changing professions to a more stable one, such as security guards.

Market and price of products

As a result of these changes, residents of the Rostov region are actively seeking dairy products in stores, avoiding buying from farmers. This also points to a growing shortage of agricultural products.

Conclusion

The crisis in livestock farming in the Rostov Region requires immediate action from human rights organizations and the agronomic community. Farmers are urgently calling for increased subsidies and government support to stabilize the situation and prevent further declines in livestock numbers. Economic insolvency and political factors are creating a contradictory situation.reality for farmers, threatening the security of the food market in the region.