On 02 October, the V International Scientific and Practical Conference of Academic Staff and Young Scientists was held at Odesa State Agrarian University "Topical aspects of science and education development". This is a real intellectual platform that combines the experience of scientists, the ambitions of young scientists and the desire of practitioners to change the agricultural sector of Ukraine.

Mykhailo BROSHKOV, acting rector of the OSAU, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Professor, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech:

"Ukraine and the world are facing new challenges: climate change, food security, and the search for innovative solutions for the agricultural sector. And it is up to young scientists, in collaboration with experienced scientists, to respond to these challenges. Our university is a space where science gives birth to the future."

📍Alla Stoyanova, Head of the Agrarian Odesa Region parliamentary group, made an extraordinary speech. She emphasised the importance of cooperation between science and practice, stressing that innovations should not remain only within the walls of laboratories - they should reach farms and become the basis for economic development.

💬"Today, more than ever, we need to join forces. We need to look at science as a driving force for change in the regions, as a foundation that makes the Ukrainian village strong, competitive and promising. Science, education and agrarians are three wings of one future," Alla Stoyanova emphasised.

🎓 Thematic areas of the conference

This conference is like a multifaceted mosaic, where each thematic area adds its own shade to the big picture of the development of science:

- Section 1: Veterinary Medicine, Hygiene, Sanitation and Expertise - discussions on food safety and animal health as a foundation for food stability.

- Section 2: Technologies for the production and processing of livestock products - search for innovative solutions to create quality products "from farm to table".

- Section 3: Agroengineering - intelligent mechanisation, automation and smart technologies for the agricultural sector.

- Section 4. Geodesy and land management - spatial solutions that shape future land use.

- Section 5. Agronomy, plant protection and quarantine, horticulture and viticulture - revival of traditional crops and introduction of biotechnology.

- Section 6. Economics, accounting, taxation and management - management models and financial architecture for modern business.

These areas not only cover the classical agricultural sciences, but also outline new horizons - from biotechnology to innovative management systems, from soil conservation to the development of the international agricultural market.

🐑 Interesting accent: development of sheep breeding in Odesa region

One of the most interesting and controversial speeches of the conference was Alla Stoyanova's report on the prospects for the development of sheep farming in Odesa region.

Key points of her report:

- Odesa region has unique natural and climatic conditions for the development of the industry.

- Sheep farming is becoming an additional source of employment in rural communities.

- The production of wool and lamb opens up new niches for export, particularly to the Middle East.

- Modern feeding and breeding technologies are taking the industry to a new level.

Alla Stoyanova noted:

"As of 1 August 2025, there were 981.7 thousand sheep and goats in Ukraine, compared to 843.3 thousand as of 1 January 2025, which is an increase of almost 140 thousand. Of these, 121 thousand heads were kept by agricultural enterprises, and 860.7 thousand by households.

In Odesa region, as of 01 September 2025, the number of sheep/goats identified and registered in the Unified State Register of Animals is 550,660 heads. Of these, 285,823 heads of sheep/goats were registered in the Unified State Register of Animals from 01.01.2025 to 31.08.2025.

According to the State Customs Service, about 520 tonnes of live sheep and goats were exported from Ukraine in the first eight months of 2025.

This figure is 13% lower than in the same period in 2024.

1.2 million$ is the cash equivalent for 2025, which is 26% higher than in the same period in 2024. Sheep farming is not only a tradition, but also a modern economic opportunity. By investing knowledge, support and the right investments, we are making Odesa region a regional leader in this area."

The fifth international conference was not just a scientific meeting, but a platform for the synergy of education, science and practice. Young scientists presented innovative research, teachers - best practices in the field of training, and practitioners - real challenges and ways to overcome them.

🔑 Key conclusions:

- Veterinary medicine and agricultural engineering are key to the safety and efficiency of the agricultural sector.

- Biotechnology and new methods in horticulture and viticulture are a tool for high value-added exports.

- Sheep breeding in Odesa region is an industry that can become a strategic direction for the revival of the agricultural economy.

- Science and practice must work in sync to provide quick and effective solutions.

💙💛STRONG AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE IS A POWERFUL UKRAINE.