Livestock Industry of Kazakhstan Shows Production Growth and Expanding Export Opportunities Ahead of Livestock Workers' Day

Kazakhstan celebrates Livestock Workers' Day on the second Sunday of June. Representatives of the industry mark the professional holiday with positive results, including increasing production volumes, growing livestock numbers, the implementation of investment projects, and the continued modernization of production facilities.

During the first four months of 2026, the gross output of the livestock sector exceeded 1.158 trillion tenge. The physical volume index reached 103.5%, reflecting the industry's steady development.

Since the beginning of the year, Kazakhstan has produced 338.2 thousand tons of meat of all types, which is 3.4% higher than during the same period last year. Production included 126.7 thousand tons of poultry meat, 112.9 thousand tons of beef, 41.2 thousand tons of horse meat, 34.7 thousand tons of mutton, and 16.9 thousand tons of pork.

Growth has also continued in the dairy sector. Milk production reached 986.8 thousand tons, an increase of 3.1%. Egg production totaled 1.5 billion eggs, which is 8.6% higher than the previous year's level.

The number of agricultural animals continues to increase. Currently, the cattle population exceeds 9.7 million head, small livestock numbers have reached 25.7 million head, and the horse population stands at 5.1 million head. The total poultry population has reached 48.2 million birds.

One of the fastest-growing segments remains the poultry industry. Food egg production in Kazakhstan is carried out by 37 industrial poultry farms with a combined capacity of 4.5 billion eggs per year, fully covering domestic demand. To further expand export potential, a project is underway in the Aktobe Region to increase the capacity of a local poultry farm to 180 million eggs annually.

The meat poultry sector includes 32 enterprises with a total production capacity of 505 thousand tons. Several new facilities have been commissioned in recent years, contributing to a gradual reduction in import dependence. Between 2020 and 2024, new poultry farms with a combined capacity exceeding 46 thousand tons of poultry meat annually were launched.

In the coming years, poultry meat production capacity is expected to increase by an additional 220 thousand tons. Six poultry farms with a total capacity of 31.1 thousand tons have already been commissioned, while four major projects with a combined capacity of 190 thousand tons are currently under development. Among them are two anchor projects by Aitas and Alel Agro, with a combined capacity of 170 thousand tons. Their launch will fully supply the domestic market with locally produced products and significantly expand export opportunities.

Special attention is being paid to digitalization and automation. Kazakhstan currently has 373 dairy farms, including 112 modern digital farms.

As part of implementing the instructions of the Head of State, the successful experience of the North Kazakhstan Region is being replicated nationwide. Plans call for the construction of 116 modern dairy farms with a total annual capacity of approximately 600 thousand tons of milk. To date, financing has been provided for 94 facilities with a production capacity exceeding 500 thousand tons of milk. Already, 71 farms have been commissioned, while another 19 facilities are scheduled to begin operations by the end of the year.

These projects are expected to increase commercial milk production, strengthen food security, reduce dependence on imported dairy products, and create new jobs in rural areas.

Infrastructure development in the beef cattle sector is also continuing. Kazakhstan currently operates 314 feedlots with a combined capacity of 575 thousand head. In the Turkestan Region, the largest feedlot in Central Asia, designed for 50 thousand head and utilizing advanced Australian technologies, has been commissioned. In addition, a project is underway to build the country's first specialized livestock exchange with a throughput capacity of up to 12 thousand head.

Government support continues to play a significant role in the industry's development. In 2026, 117.6 billion tenge has been allocated for livestock subsidies. Most of the funding is directed toward dairy and beef cattle farming, poultry meat production, and sheep breeding. As of May 1, 48.9 billion tenge had been utilized, representing 41.6% of the total allocated funding.

To improve productivity and enhance the genetic potential of livestock, support measures have been expanded. Compensation for the use of sexed semen has been increased from 10 thousand to 18 thousand tenge, while subsidies for the purchase of high-value embryos within the country have risen from 80 thousand to 120 thousand tenge.

Additional momentum will be provided by the Comprehensive Livestock Development Plan for 2026–2030. Farmers already have access to the concessional loan programs Igilik and Bereke, offering financing at 6% annual interest for the purchase of breeding livestock. In the near future, a unified loan product called Zhailau is expected to be launched to support pasture-based and transhumance livestock farming, along with a working capital financing program at 5% annual interest.

Particular attention is being given to training qualified personnel and creating favorable social conditions for livestock workers.

The comprehensive measures being implemented are designed to stimulate further growth in production, increase livestock numbers, and strengthen the export potential of Kazakhstan's livestock industry.

According to forecasts, by 2030 the cattle population in Kazakhstan could reach 12 million head, the number of small livestock could rise to 28 million head, and meat exports are expected to increase 2.5 times.