Mongolia Faces Livestock Crisis as Brutal Winter Takes Toll on Feed and Cattle
Source: The DairyNews
Mongolia is grappling with a severe livestock crisis as it endures one of its harshest winters in decades, endangering 12 million livestock, according to reports from the Mongolian government. The winter has seen 90% of the country covered in snow, reaching depths of up to 38 cm, significantly impacting the nomadic families that rely on pastures to feed their herds during the winter.
In 41 districts, farmers have already run out of feed, and in 48 other districts, the situation is approaching a critical level, as reported by the national emergency management agency. The town of Bulgan, in the northern part of the country, faces the worst feed shortage, with excessive snowfall threatening 3.6 million heads of cattle.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Light Industry warns that if weather conditions do not improve, losses could reach 12 million heads, out of Mongolia's total herd of 69.1 million cows, sheep, and goats. Last year, nearly 1 million animals died from starvation, resulting in losses close to US$100 million for farmers, particularly impacting those leading a nomadic lifestyle.
In response to the crisis, the Mongolian government has banned feed exports until the end of 2024. While this measure aims to address the long-term impact, the immediate relief for farmers remains a challenge. Feed exports from Mongolia were primarily limited to small cross-border trade.
The government's move suggests a preparedness for a prolonged battle against the weather, as forecasts indicate abnormal weather conditions persisting through winter and part of spring 2024, with heavy snowfall and extremely low temperatures, reaching up to -40°C. Despite aid from Russia and China in the form of feed, the quantities provided are deemed insufficient to make a significant difference, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Stay tuned for updates on Mongolia's efforts to mitigate the impact of this brutal winter on its livestock and agricultural community.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Light Industry warns that if weather conditions do not improve, losses could reach 12 million heads, out of Mongolia's total herd of 69.1 million cows, sheep, and goats. Last year, nearly 1 million animals died from starvation, resulting in losses close to US$100 million for farmers, particularly impacting those leading a nomadic lifestyle.
In response to the crisis, the Mongolian government has banned feed exports until the end of 2024. While this measure aims to address the long-term impact, the immediate relief for farmers remains a challenge. Feed exports from Mongolia were primarily limited to small cross-border trade.
The government's move suggests a preparedness for a prolonged battle against the weather, as forecasts indicate abnormal weather conditions persisting through winter and part of spring 2024, with heavy snowfall and extremely low temperatures, reaching up to -40°C. Despite aid from Russia and China in the form of feed, the quantities provided are deemed insufficient to make a significant difference, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Stay tuned for updates on Mongolia's efforts to mitigate the impact of this brutal winter on its livestock and agricultural community.
