TULUNGAGUNG – Goat farmers in Tulungagung, East Java, continue to face pressure as livestock prices fall ahead of Eid al-Adha. Weak industrial demand has also reduced income for many small-scale breeders in rural villages.

At Bale Arta Lestari Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) in Balerejo Village, Kauman District, workers still care for dozens of goats and sheep every day. Even so, many farmers worry about shrinking profits and slower sales.

Unlike cattle farmers, goat breeders still rely heavily on traditional animal markets. Most sales only increase during the annual Eid al-Adha sacrifice season.

“Goats are harder to sell compared to cattle,” said Krisna, one of the managers at BUMDes Bale Arta Lestari.

Krisna manages the village breeding program for goats and sheep. He said local farmers still struggle to access large industrial buyers. As a result, breeders mostly depend on local butchers, livestock traders, and seasonal customers.

The weak market has reduced farmers’ bargaining power. Prices for Javanese goats have dropped in recent months. Meanwhile, cattle prices continue to rise in many regions across Indonesia.

“Goat prices keep falling, while cattle prices can increase by millions of rupiah,” Krisna explained.

The declining market has also reduced profits for village-owned livestock businesses. Large goats, which usually attract buyers during Eid al-Adha, now sell more slowly.

At the Balerejo breeding center, farmers offer large Javanese goats for around Rp 4 million. The animals measure up to 95 centimeters in body length. However, many local buyers consider the price too expensive.

“Goats priced around Rp 3.5 million sell faster,” Krisna added.

Despite the difficult conditions, local farmers continue searching for ways to survive. Bale Arta Lestari has expanded into catfish farming to support the village economy and reduce dependence on livestock sales.

Ahead of this year’s Eid al-Adha celebration, the village enterprise still managed to sell six sacrificial animals. The sales included three Javanese goats and three Gibas sheep.

“Thankfully, we still made some sales even though the numbers remain low,” he said.

For many rural breeders, livestock farming means more than business. The sector supports local livelihoods and keeps small village economies alive.

Although large industrial markets remain difficult to reach, farmers continue caring for their animals every day. They also hope market conditions will improve in the near future.