Between difficulties and hope: A year in Bulgarian dairy cattle farming

Dairy farming in Bulgaria has gone through another difficult year, marked by serious challenges, uncertainty, and tension. We spoke to Peni Hristova – co-chair of the Institute of Women Farmers and the Union of Livestock Farmers in Bulgaria – about the 2025 balance and expectations for the future. "It's very difficult to talk about feelings when you look at animals," says Peni Hristova. According to her, 2025 is being sent off with pain and anxiety, mainly due to the severe epizootic situation in the country. "We are sending off the year with prayers to God and with pain in our souls regarding what is happening on the farms," she shares. The sight of suffering animals leaves a deep mark on every real livestock farmer. "When you see the animals suffering silently, their pain swells in our hearts. It is our duty to care for them with compassion and love," adds Hristova. 2025 also brought some positive moments for the sector, related to financial support. "In 2025, there was record ...