The Gross Margin of Beef Farms – the Case of Kosovo and Albania

The aim of this paper was to analyze the economic efficiency of beef farms in Kosovo and Albania. It’s a descriptive and quantitative survey and the random sampling technique was used to select the respondents, in Kosovo 35 farms, managing mainly Simmental breed; and in Albania 19 farms, mainly Holstein and beef breeds crossbred. Two methods of data analysis were used, namely: descriptive statistics, and gross margin analysis. Data on: meat production, farm expenses and returns, fodder production, and feed bought in the market for each farm were recorded during the first half of 2016. In Kosovo, the Gross Margin per Calf is 230.13 Euro, the price of meat sold 2.32 Euro/kg and the slaughtered weight 517,88 Kg; while in Albania these figures are 173.10 Euro, 2.6 Euro/kg and 277.89, respectively. It is a must that extension service to train the farmers for better: management of their farm, feeding system, fodder production, animal health etc

Impact of Covid-19 on cow\u27s milk producers in Kosovo- the case of Gjilan region

This paper aims to analyze the impact of Covid-19 on cow’s milk production in Gjilan region. It is a descriptive and quantitative survey. The random sampling technique was used to select the respondents of 71 dairy farms in three municipalities of Gjilan (Vitia, Kamenica, and Gjilan). Interviews include farms where 5-78 dairy cows are bred. Data on milk production, farm expenses, and returns for each farm were recorded during the period February- April 2020 and a comparison was performed with the same period for 2019. The farmers reported that restrictive measures undertaken as a result of Covid-19, did not have any negative impact on milk production, sales, expenses and returns, however, 26,8% of the farmers interviewed reported that milk production had decreased. Farmers should improve animal feeding in the second half of 2020 and at least achieve last year\u27s production

MILK SECTOR TRENDS: THE CASE OF ALBANIA

Since the transformation of Albania's agricultural sector in 1992, it has shifted from subsistence farming to a thriving commercial industry, making a significant 17.7% contribution to the country's GDP. Among the agricultural subsectors, animal production, particularly in the dairy sector, plays a pivotal role in both farm income and market supply, contributing about 40% to the total agricultural value. Despite this positive trajectory, the dairy production sector is confronted with a set of challenges. This paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of the dairy sector in Albania, using a systematic methodological approach that involves primary and secondary data analysis. The analysis underscores the need for substantial improvements in various aspects of primary production. These improvements should primarily focus on feed and forage practices, specialized dairy breeds, and advanced animal husbandry techniques. Attention is also required for milking and milk collection, which includes maintaining high standards of hygiene, animal health control, milk safety, quality controls, and effective cooling systems. Furthermore, the conclusions highlight the significance of strengthening public extension services, motivating agricultural advisors, and providing financial support to address the knowledge gaps among farmers. Additionally, it is crucial to emphasize that Albania currently depends on net imports for various agricultural products, including milk, as it aligns with EU standards. This underscores the need for efforts to enhance competitiveness and food quality within the dairy sector. The findings of this study are based on the information and data accessible at the time of the analysis, and thus, they may not capture the entirety of the complexities within the dairy sector in Albania. The dairy industry is subject to various external factors, such as changes in global markets, trade policies, and economic conditions, which can influence its performance. In summary, while this research provides valuable insights into the challenges and prospects of Albania's dairy sector, readers should consider these limitations to understand the potential constraints and biases in the study, as well as the dynamic nature of the industry beyond the scope of this analysis

THE DYNAMICS OF ALBANIA'S MEAT SECTOR: TRENDS AND IMPLICATIONS

Albania's agricultural sector is transitioning from subsistence-based farming to a vibrant commercial industry, significantly contributing 21.3% to the nation's GDP. Within this evolving landscape, animal husbandry, especially the meat industry, has emerged as a cornerstone for both farm revenue and market supply. Nonetheless, the sector faces numerous challenges. This paper offers an in-depth examination of Albania's meat production industry through a rigorous methodological framework involving a blend of primary and secondary data analysis. The results emphasize the critical need for significant enhancements across various facets of primary production. Priorities should include improved feed and forage practices, the introduction of specialized meat breeds for cattle and small ruminants, and the adoption of advanced animal husbandry methods. Additionally, it is essential to address meat hygiene standards, animal health controls, meat safety, quality controls, and the efficiency of slaughtering systems. Furthermore, the country currently depends on net imports for several agricultural goods, including meat, as it strives to comply with EU standards. This dependence underscores the urgent need to enhance both competitiveness and food quality within the meat sector. In summary, this research sheds light on both the challenges and potential within Albania’s meat production sector. However, readers should consider the study's limitations to fully grasp the potential constraints and biases, along with the evolving nature of the industry beyond the scope of this analysis