In the first eight months of the year, Russia produced 23.3 million tons of milk - an increase of 0.3%

Russia 06.10.2025

Sourse: сельский-час.рф

According to Rosstat, in August 2025, the volume of agricultural production in Russia amounted to 1.005 trillion rubles, and for January–August — 4.884 trillion rubles. The production index in the agricultural sector reached 101.6% compared to the same period last year (in 2024 — 98.1%). The growth is primarily due to harvest results, while the contribution of livestock farming remains limited.

In the first eight months of the year, Russia produced 23.3 million tons of milk - an increase of 0.3%

Forecasts for the year have been adjusted downward: analysts estimate that the increase in production in comparable prices will not exceed 2.2–2.3%.

Food Industry: Negative Dynamics

The production index of food products decreased to 98.1% in August, and to 99.1% over eight months.

The business confidence index also shows a negative trend: from 10% in May to 6% in September. Experts note a growing depression in the food industry, and the Ministry of Economic Development's forecast of a 0.4% growth by the end of the year becomes unlikely.

Harvest: Grains Compensate for Sunflower Decline

As of September 1, 90.9 million tons of grain were harvested (+7.4% compared to last year). Sugar beet production increased by 27.4% (4.8 million tons). Meanwhile, the sunflower harvest decreased by 33.7% (0.6 million tons).

The potato harvest increased by 6.2%, and vegetables by 1%. By calculations, about 34% of the grain and legume crops (excluding corn) remained to be harvested by September.

Livestock Farming: Reduction in Livestock and Weak Dynamics

By the end of August 2025, the cattle population was 16.8 million heads (–3.2%), including 7.3 million cows (–3.3%). The number of sheep and goats decreased by 5.5%, while the number of pigs increased by 1.3%, and poultry by 1%.

In eight months, the following were produced:

10.5 million tons of livestock and poultry (+0.1%),
23.3 million tons of milk (+0.3%),
32.5 billion eggs (+4.3%).

In agricultural organizations, milk yield per cow increased to 6,342 kg (+3.9%), and the egg production of laying hens increased to 211 eggs (+0.5%).
However, overall growth is constrained by reduced production in farming households and individual farms. A minimal growth is forecasted for the year: +0.5% for meat and +0.4% for milk.

Sales: Sales Grow Faster than Production

From January to August, the following were sold:

34.2 million tons of grain,
9.1 million tons of livestock and poultry,
14.1 million tons of milk,
23.4 billion eggs.

Sales growth is recorded in all categories except grains, but the increase in sales volumes is not accompanied by a comparable increase in production, indicating structural imbalances.

Rosstat notes:

Crop production shows steady growth,
Livestock farming is reducing livestock numbers and operating at the edge of profitability,
The food industry is entering stagnation,
Farming households are losing ground, limiting the overall potential of the sector.