ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT STATE AND DYNAMICS OF MEAT CATTLE PRODUCTION IN UKRAINE
Abstract
Beef cattle breeding is a strategic branch of the agricultural sector that ensures food security, shapes export potential, and contributes to employment in rural areas. However, under conditions of martial law, economic instability, and structural imbalances, the industry demonstrates a steady trend of declining cattle numbers, reduced beef production volumes, and falling per capita consumption. The article provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state and dynamics of beef cattle production in Ukraine during 2020–2024, taking into account the impact of full scale military aggression, redistribution of resources, and transformation of consumer demand. The main development trends of the industry are analyzed, including the dynamics of cattle numbers, beef production volumes, structural changes in the sector, and the level of meat consumption in Ukraine and worldwide. It has been established that the industry is in a state of crisis, as evidenced by a reduction in cattle numbers by more than one-third, a 33.1% decline in beef production, and a decrease in its share of total meat production from 13.9% to 11.5%. The years 2022–2023 proved particularly critical, when military actions caused infrastructure destruction, livestock losses, and disruptions in supply chains. The necessity of modernizing the industry is substantiated, including the introduction of modern housing and feeding technologies, the development of a breeding base of specialized beef cattle breeds, and improvements in feed resources and infrastructure. Four groups of factors slowing down the development of beef cattle breeding are identified: economic, technological, infrastructural, and market-institutional. A SWOT analysis was conducted, which confirmed the potential for industry recovery provided that a comprehensive strategy of modernization, breeding renewal, logistics development, and strengthened state support is implemented. The conclusions emphasize the need to establish targeted programs for the development of beef cattle breeding as an element of Ukraine’s food security and agricultural policy.
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