The effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on sheep and goat farming: The example of Yozgat province

In this study, it was aimed to reveal the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic period on sheep and goat production enterprises in Yozgat province, the problems faced by the breeders and to suggest solutions to these problems. The material of the study consisted of questionnaire data obtained from 200 enterprises engaged in sheep and goat production in Yozgat province. In the study, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic period on the land use of the enterprises, the status of continuing animal husbandry activities, the purpose of production, the characteristics of combining plant production and animal production, the number of animals in the enterprise and the status of the shepherd, the exit of the animals to the pasture, the supply and use of rough and concentrate feed, and the additional feeding status was found to be significant. In addition to the uncertainties experienced, breeders were negatively affected by the quarantine and restriction processes applied in this process. In particular, they were negatively affected by the problems encountered in the use of pastures and the disruptions in the supply of feeds, the rapid changes in the price policies of the products and the increase in costs. When we look at the problems encountered during the Covid-19 pandemic period, disruption of marketing, inability to reach the buyer, disruptions in registration and ear tagging procedures come first; in the second place, disruptions in access to technical personnel and transportation, and in the third place, economic uncertainty, inability to receive subsidies, and inability to access veterinary services. As a result, it is seen that the Covid-19 pandemic period has a significant effect on sheep and goat production enterprises in Yozgat province in general.