June 26, 2024

Pig numbers in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, dropped 2% in May

Baden-Württemberg, Germany, saw 1.25 million pigs kept in the German state as of May 3 of this year, according to its State Statistical Office.

Compared to a survey in May 2023, this represents a drop of 23,000 pigs (-2%), a less severe decrease compared to the three previous years ranging from -6% to -10%. The decline in the number of pig farms was also less pronounced than in previous years, falling 3% to 1,490. In 2023, more than a tenth of farms closed compared to the previous year.

The number of breeding sows stabilised, increasing slightly by 1% to 103,900 animals. This was mainly influenced by the 3,600-head increase in the number of gilts not yet pregnant (13,800 animals). While the numbers of young pigs (-10%) and finishing pigs (-4%) were below the previous year's level, more piglets (+4%) were housed again.

As of the reporting date, there were 447,200 piglets, 183,700 young pigs and 509,700 finishing pigs in local barns in Baden-Württemberg.

- Baden-Württemberg State Statistical Office