Russia and Belarus Join Forces in Cattle Breeding

October 29, 2026 · Tarım Pusulası

Russia and Belarus have decided to establish a joint digital platform and expand cooperation in breeding stock production to accelerate genetic progress in cattle farming.

Joint Digital Step in Cattle Breeding

Russia and Belarus have signed a comprehensive cooperation protocol in Minsk to accelerate genetic progress in dairy and beef cattle farming. As part of the work to be carried out within the framework of the Union State, it was decided to establish a joint digital platform, particularly for the breeding of red-colored dairy cattle. The relevant agreement was formalized by Olga Lukonina, Director of the All-Russian Research Institute of Animal Breeding, and Aleksandr Portnoy, Director of the Scientific and Practical Center for Animal Husbandry of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. Digitization will enable breeders in both countries to conduct more targeted and data-driven selection.

Russia's Breeding and Meat Capacity

The Russian delegation, led by Deputy Minister Roman Nekrasov, shared current data on the country's beef breeding stock during the meetings. According to data from the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, there are 33 breeding farms and 169 breeding material production facilities in the country. The number of breeding cows in the country exceeds 116,000. In Russia, where 14 different beef breeds such as Kalmyk, Hereford, Kazakh White-headed, and Aberdeen Angus are raised, live weight production from specialized beef breeds has reached 609,000 tons. This production level has shown an 18% increase in the last seven years.

New Investment Areas in Vitebsk Region

Inter-delegation contacts were not limited to genetic data sharing but also included new livestock projects. Within the scope of the working visit, on-site technical inspections were carried out at agricultural investment sites in Belarus's Vitebsk region. Belarusian authorities proposed allocating these areas for beef cattle breeding and integrated red meat production facilities. The two countries will continue joint steps aimed at strengthening the meat supply chain by combining regional potential, securing the supply of breeding material, and minimizing dependence on foreign sources in livestock farming.

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