Prices for live cattle have risen sharply in Ukraine – by almost 20% over the past week, as of February 5, they increased from 64 to 74 UAH/kg and demand remains high, according to the Association of Milk Producers (AMP).
“The main driver is the increased demand from exporters. There are a number of factors, including the early Ramadan 2025 and the limited presence of live cattle from the EU due to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease,” analysts said.
Experts explained that usually the demand for live cattle fades in November and after the New Year’s lull is restored in March under the influence of growing export demand to Arab countries. However, this year Ramadan begins on February 28, so the demand for slaughter cattle from Lebanon and Jordan has increased since the first days of January.
The industry association predicts that amid a shortage of bulls of marketable condition, a rapid decline in raw milk prices and a lack of working capital for the sowing season, including due to delays in payment for raw materials, dairy farms may begin to actively reduce their livestock.
