Pig population increases while farm numbers decline significantly

The latest data from Germany reveals an increase in the pig population, despite a continued decline in the number of pig farms. As of November 3, 2025, Germany recorded a pig population of 21.5 million, a 2.8% increase from May 2025 and a 0.9% rise compared to the previous year. However, the number of pig farms has decreased by 2.7% over the past year.

Background

According to preliminary results from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the pig population has been on a slight upward trend, while the number of pig farms continues to shrink. This trend reflects a broader shift towards larger, more consolidated farming operations. Over the past decade, the number of pig farms has decreased by 40.8%, while the average number of pigs per farm has increased from approximately 1,100 to over 1,400.

Market Implications

The increase in pig numbers is primarily due to a rise in the number of piglets and young pigs, which grew by 8.1% to 10.9 million. Conversely, the number of fattening pigs decreased by 6.4% to 9.2 million. This shift in the composition of the pig population may have implications for market supply dynamics, potentially affecting pork prices and trade flows.

Despite the decline in the number of farms, the rise in pig numbers suggests that larger farms are becoming more efficient and capable of managing greater livestock volumes. This consolidation could lead to economies of scale, impacting production costs and logistics within the industry.

The data highlights a significant transformation in the German pig farming sector, with fewer but larger farms dominating the landscape. This evolution is likely to influence future market strategies and investment decisions within the industry.

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