On November 25, 2025, representatives of the Family Dairy Farms project conducted a training seminar at the Vidrodzhennia Family Farm in the village of Stara Moshchanytsia, Rivne District. Hosted by farm owners Nataliia and Vasyl Nykonchuk, the event was designed primarily for small dairy farms raising cattle.
The seminar was organized in response to upcoming legislative changes. Beginning January 1, 2026, animal welfare requirements, aligned with Ukrainian legislation and European standards, became mandatory for all cattle producers, including small farms. The primary objective of the training was not only to inform farmers about the new regulations but also to help them prepare for their practical implementation.
Participants received a comprehensive overview of the new cattle welfare requirements governing housing, care, and animal handling. They also learned how to use the Animal Welfare Self-Assessment Checklist, developed in accordance with Order No. 224 of February 8, 2021, as a practical tool for internal audits and preparation for official inspections.
The seminar focused on several key topics, including:
- practical approaches to cattle management in line with the new regulations;
- calf welfare as an essential component of dairy farm management;
- common implementation challenges and practical ways to avoid them;
- the relationship between animal welfare, herd health, and the quality and safety of raw milk;
- the importance of staff awareness and continuous training.
Special attention was devoted to dispelling common misconceptions about implementing animal welfare standards on small farms. Participants saw firsthand that most requirements can be introduced gradually, without excessive financial investment, provided there is proper planning and a clear understanding of the regulatory framework.
Representatives of the Natural Milk Agricultural Service Cooperative also contributed to the discussion by sharing practical experience and examples of successfully implementing animal welfare standards across member farms.
The seminar brought together 17 participants, who had the opportunity to complete the self-assessment checklist, evaluate their own farms’ compliance with current and upcoming regulations, and receive expert guidance on regulatory inspections and staff training.
The event was held as part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Roadmap for Introducing the Raw Milk Control Program in Ukraine (April 2024 – December 2026) and supports the broader Roadmap for the Integration of Ukraine’s Dairy Sector into the European Union.
It also formed part of a broader series of educational initiatives aimed at systematically preparing small dairy farms for the implementation of animal welfare requirements and modern raw milk quality control standards.
Training initiatives like this provide farmers with practical knowledge and guidance, enabling them to prepare for legislative changes, improve animal welfare, and align their operations with European Union requirements.