The scale of pig farming in Gangwon Province has reached an all-time low, and beef cattle farming has decreased for 12 consecutive quarters. Concerns are growing over a surge in livestock prices due to supply and demand instability. The National Data Center recently released the "Livestock Trend Survey for the 1st Quarter of 2026." According to the survey results, the number of pigs raised in the province in the first quarter of this year (as of last month 1st) decreased by 14,324 (3.2%) compared to the previous year, totaling 441,444. This is the lowest number since statistics began to be compiled in 2017. The decrease in the number of pigs raised is attributed to a reduction in breeding sows and the impact of African swine fever (ASF), among other factors. The scale of Hanwoo and beef cattle farming has decreased by the largest margin ever. The number of Hanwoo and beef cattle raised in the province in the first quarter was 213,715, a sharp decrease of 15,743 (6.9%) compared to last year. The decrease in beef cattle farming has been ongoing since the second quarter of 2023. The National Data Center attributed this to a continuous decrease in breeding cows. The number of breeding cows in the province decreased across all age groups compared to the same period last year: less than 1 year old (-7.6%), less than 1-2 years old (-4.4%), and 2 years old or older (-4.8%). Dairy cow farming also reached an all-time low due to a decrease in milk consumption. During the same period, the number of dairy cows raised in the province decreased by 532 (3%) compared to the previous year, totaling 17,419. This phenomenon is leading to actual increases in the prices of beef and pork. According to the Livestock Quality Evaluation Agency's livestock distribution information, as of the 25th of last month, the consumer price of domestic beef (1++ grade) was 17,979 won per 100g, up by about 3,000 won from 15,072 won last year. The consumer price of 1++ grade beef tenderloin per 100g increased by more than 2,000 won over the past year. The consumer prices of pork belly (2,795 won) and chuck (2,638 won) increased by 15.3% and 17.9%, respectively, compared to the previous year. An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said, "In addition to strengthening supply management through continuous monitoring of supply and demand and prices of major items, securing reserve and contract quantities, and unreasonable factors in the price determination structure of agricultural and livestock products..."