Farmers' association: Livestock numbers in Thuringia are falling rapidly
The Thuringian Farmers' Association has reacted with concern to the declining livestock numbers in the state. The association announced on Monday at a meeting of farmers and veterinarians in Erfurt that many farms were being forced to give up their livestock farming. The main reasons for this are uncertain regulations for future livestock farming in conjunction with the high costs of converting stables. In addition to the increasing demands on livestock farming, farmers were also struggling with low and highly fluctuating prices as well as high costs for feed and personnel.
According to the association, the number of pigs kept in Thuringia has fallen by 25 percent and the number of cattle by 18 percent over the past ten years. While there were still 814,900 pigs in Thuringian stables in 2013, this year there were only 615,200. The number of cattle fell from 334,500 to 273,000 animals during this period. The decline in dairy cows (23 percent) was particularly sharp, according to the report.
The association has highlighted the impact of these declining livestock numbers on the farmers' health, as the physical and mental stress of managing fewer animals while dealing with high costs can be significant. Furthermore, the decline in the livestock population might also affect the overall agriculture industry in Thuringia, potentially impacting the well-being of various animal species that are crucial for agriculture.
Source: www.dpa.com
