News Pigs
German count hints at sharp decline in German pig herd
In Germany, the first results of the May census of pigs have become known. In the federal state of Niedersachsen, the number of pigs has fallen sharply. The German pig farmers' union (ISN) is concerned and calls the contraction 'frightening'.
In total, 7,3 million pigs were counted in Lower Saxony in May. That was 10,6% less than the 8,2 million in May 2021. The number of sows in particular seems to have shrunk sharply. The figures show a shrinkage of 13,5% to a total of 388.000 units. Niedersachsen is one of the most pig-dense federal states in Germany.
Pig union ISN delivered
According to the German pig farmers' union, the figures confirm that a new round of exits from the sector is underway. She calls the shrinkage frightening and assumes that the as yet unknown figures on the national development of the number of pigs will confirm the trend in Lower Saxony. According to the ISN, to stop the trend of shrinkage, the prices for piglets and pigs must first be increased. However, politics also has a role and must offer pig farms more certainty and perspective.
Steve Wissink
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