Sheep Farming in Ukraine: Decline in Livestock and New State Support Measures
Sheep farming in Ukraine, which showed positive dynamics during the wartime period, is now facing serious challenges — there is a significant decline in the number of sheep. Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Taras Vysotsky reported that as of early 2026, the country has about 760 thousand heads, which is over 13% less than the previous year.
This is reported by AgroReview
State of the Industry and Export Prospects
According to the official, the economic situation in the sheep farming sector remains complicated. The production of both meat and wool is unprofitable; however, the state continues to focus on developing export potential. Currently, the volume of live sheep and mutton exports amounts to about 2–2.2 million US dollars per year. The main external markets remain the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, including the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Lebanon, and Libya.
“Already today, the export of live sheep and mutton amounts to about $2–2.2 million per year, targeting the markets of the Middle East and North Africa (UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya),” said the deputy minister.
State Development Program and Support for Farmers
Sheep farming is integrated into the State Program for the Development of Animal Husbandry until 2033, adopted in 2026. The program encompasses systematic development of the industry: restoring livestock numbers, increasing productivity, expanding the geography of exports, attracting investments, and modernizing farms. An important direction is the adaptation to EU standards and improving product quality, which will help strengthen the position of Ukrainian products in international markets.
According to Taras Vysotsky, the main goal of state support is not to achieve multi-billion indicators quickly, but to ensure gradual growth through the restoration of the industry and the development of external markets. The program includes the purchase of breeding animals, modernization, and construction of modern farms. The state compensates part of the costs for breeding sheep (both domestic and imported), provides subsidies for maintaining breeding stock of sheep and goats, as well as partially reimburses expenses for the construction and reconstruction of farms and reduces the cost of loans for animal husbandry.
This year, compensation of up to 25% of the cost of facilities is planned, and for frontline regions — up to 50%, as well as the payment of subsidies for maintaining livestock. The state provides comprehensive support: from purchasing animals to building infrastructure — to make the industry economically viable.