Cattle and dairy farming losses ease; further efforts needed to reverse production and operation difficulties: MOA

The losses in beef and dairy cattle farming have been alleviated, though more efforts are required to fully resolve the production and operational challenges, an official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MOA) said on Monday.

In 2024, China's supply of livestock products, including meat, eggs and dairy, was abundant, though the livestock industry faced challenges, including significant losses in beef and dairy cattle farming, said Chen Bangxun, director general of the Department of Development and Planning of the MOA, at a press conference.

"In response, the MOA has taken timely and effective measures to help farmers overcome difficulties. The production of pigs, which accounts for a large portion of the livestock industry, has recovered significantly," Chen said, noting that "while losses in beef and dairy cattle farming have only been partially mitigated."

The alleviation came from the adaptive adjustment of production capacity and the implementation of various relief policies. As a result, the decline in beef and dairy prices has narrowed, alongside lower feed and forage costs, Chen said.

"However, further efforts are needed to reverse production and operation difficulties," Chen stressed.

To promote the sustainable and healthy development of beef and dairy cattle, MOA will work with relevant departments and major producing provinces to strengthen monitoring and early warning, extend relief policies for the beef and dairy cattle industry, enhance technical guidance services, stabilize production capacity while improving the industry's resilience, said Chen.