Abstract
This paper examines the economic and financial performance of Lithuanian dairy family farms from 2018–2023, divided into three periods shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic: pre-pandemic (2018–2019), pandemic (2020–2021), and post-pandemic (2022–2023). Drawing on Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) data, the analysis focuses on trends in farm net income, total and current assets, total liabilities and short-term loans, solvency, and liquidity. Results show that farm net income was highly sensitive to global price fluctuations, increasing markedly during 2020–2022 due to strong export demand and high farm gate milk prices, but declining sharply in 2023 amid falling international prices and weakening demand. Despite this income volatility, dairy family farms maintained financial resilience, with stable solvency ratios (12.6%–16.4%) and generally strong liquidity (4.5–7.2), though liquidity temporarily weakened in 2022. Public support measures, including targeted COVID-19 subsidies and exceptional aid in 2023, helped stabilise farm income during periods of reduced profitability. Overall, the findings highlight the financial resilience and adaptability of Lithuanian dairy family farms, despite their exposure to rapidly changing economic conditions.
Eičaitė, O. 2025. Economic and Financial performance of Lithuanian Dairy Family Farms: Evidence from 2018–2023. Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development : University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. ISSN 2284-7995. eISSN 2285-3952. 25, 4, p. 349–356. [Emerging Sources Citation Index (Web of Science)].