Stalin's collectivisation programme enraged peasants. They were not ready to cultivate in collective farms. Hence, they resisted the authorities and destroyed their livestock. Between 1929 and 1931, the number of cattle fell by one-third. As they resisted collectivisation, peasants argued that they were not rich and they were not against socialism. They merely did not want to work in collective farms.
Those who resisted collectivisation were severely punished. Many were deported and exiled.