Kazakhstan farmers forecast barley, hay prices to double amid drought
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Kazakhstan's livestock association warns that barley and hay prices could rise 1.5-2 times due to ongoing drought, increasing feed costs. Small farms are already selling cattle, which may lead to meat shortages and higher prices later. The Agriculture Ministry disputes the outlook, citing a 9.1 million ton feed reserve and no expected mass culling.
Drought Impact on Feed
Zhanybek Kenzhebaev, representative of the Kazakhstan Livestock Association Turan, told LS that ongoing heat has scorched pastures in several regions, pushing hayfields farther away. This raises farmer costs and could trigger a 1.5-2 times price surge for barley and hay. The drought also stagnates water in steppe reservoirs, increasing parasites and forcing more frequent watering site changes and additional livestock treatment.
Cattle Sell-Off Risk
Feed shortages are driving many small farms to sell cattle ahead of a difficult winter, temporarily depressing live animal prices due to oversupply. However, Kenzhebaev warns that after herd reductions, the market may face meat deficits and rising prices. He advocates for consolidating small farms into agricultural cooperatives to centralize feed purchases, build hay and grain reserves, and improve veterinary care.
Ministry Reassurance
The Agriculture Ministry stated it sees no grounds for mass livestock culling, noting that the ongoing feed procurement campaign will secure necessary supplies for the winter. As of now, Kazakhstan has harvested over 9.1 million tons of feed, including 8.2 million tons of hay, 850,000 tons of haylage, and 35,000 tons of silage. The winter plan targets 25.6 million tons of hay, 2.3 million tons of haylage, 2.8 million tons of silage, 4.8 million tons of straw, and 5.7 million tons of concentrated feed. Regional headquarters are monitoring feed prices to prevent speculation, and 1.1 billion tenge has been allocated for feed production subsidies in 2026.
What's Next
The ministry will continue monitoring feed prices and may activate state support measures if extreme weather conditions are confirmed. It remains unclear whether the drought will persist and whether the official feed reserves will be sufficient to prevent price spikes.
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Kazakhstan farmers forecast barley, hay prices to double amid drought
