October 21, 2022

Spain cattle farmers affected by rising input costs

Cattle and sheep farmers in Spain are badly affected by rising input costs, even though the country's inflation declined last month to 9% in September from 10.5% in August, Xinhua Global Service reported.

The supply chain-wide increase in food prices is thought to be caused by rising energy costs.

Jose, a Spanish farmer, said it is getting more expensive because the raw materials to feed the animals are more expensive than ever and the weather has not helped either. He said we are going to get to a point where it isn't sustainable.

He also said they don't know what measures they are going to take as they will not be able to keep the farm running. 

One of the worst droughts on record has also affected Spain, which has increased the cost of livestock feed.

Berna, a cattle farmer, said there are a lot of costs due to feed, adding that cereals have got very expensive and that does not help.

Some farmers have made the decision to abandon pricey supplements and return to more environmentally friendly farming with hardy local breeds.

-      Xinhua Global Service