Decline in Sheep and Goat Meat Production in the Tula Region: Causes and Consequences

As of October 1, 2025, sheep and goat MEAT production for slaughter amounted to only 3.5 tonnes, a critically low figure equal to only 0.2% of the levels recorded in the same period of 2024. At the same time, cattle meat production increased to 10,277.8 tonnes, an increase of 144.3% compared to the same period last year.

The main reason for the decline was the decision by one of the region's largest agricultural organizations, Fatezhskaya Yagnyatina LLC, to convert its operations to beef cattle breeding, which is due to changes in the market and attempts to increase profitability.

A decline in production could lead to a meat shortage on the market and higher prices, as well as negatively impact traditional industries such as wool and dairy production. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining biodiversity and sustainable rural development. Measures are needed to support farmers and stimulate growth in sheep farming; otherwise, the situation could become an economic and social problem for the region.