80% of Belarus' Milk is Produced at 1,700 Modern Dairy Complexes - Ivan Smilgin

According to him, it is the concentration of production at large, technologically equipped facilities that allows the industry to maintain resilience, increase exports, and improve efficiency. In 2025, Belarus earned a record $10 billion from food exports, with dairy products remaining one of the key export categories.

"Today, around 1,700 dairy complexes with modern housing and milking conditions operate in the country. They account for roughly 80% of all milk production. We continue to develop this direction," noted Smilgin.

48 New MTCs and Over 500 Calf Facilities

In 2026, Belarus plans to construct around 48 new MTCs, which will further strengthen the industry's production base. Simultaneously, a program is being implemented to move young cattle from outdoor housing to specialized facilities.

Before the start of the winter-stall period (by November 1), authorities aim to completely transfer calves to calf facilities. By the end of the year, the construction of over 500 facilities with a total capacity of 95,100 cattle places is planned.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, this will allow:

• to reduce young cattle mortality,

• to increase productivity,

• to improve working conditions for staff,

• to reduce veterinary risks.

Vaccines and Feed: No Shortage

According to the department, veterinary support for the industry remains stable. Vaccines produced in Belarus, as well as products from Russia and the EU, are available in sufficient quantities. Vaccination schemes are approved in all agricultural organizations, and no issues with preventing infectious diseases have been reported.

Feed reserves are also considered sufficient to get through the winter-stall period. Special emphasis is placed on quality compound feed for calves with the necessary level of protein and energy. Their production is provided by national compound feed plants and BNBC.