Inside: Pig Market
Dutch pig herd closes in top 5
The count of the pig herd in the largest 5 countries in Europe shows a mixed picture. What comes out? Subscribe to 'Pigs & Feed Pro' and stay informed of all developments in the pig market.
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Spain has been the largest pig country in Europe for several years now. The Spaniards further expanded this leading position in 2017, as the number of pigs grew by 4,1% to 28.667.000 pigs.
Denmark passes the Netherlands
Denmark is growing by 1,3%, reaching 12.467.000 pigs. Denmark has thus surpassed the Netherlands. The Danes are now the fourth largest pig country in Europe.
1,74
procent
The other countries in the top 5 show a modest minimum. Germany, the second largest pig country, shrinks by 0,2% to 27.100.000 pigs. The French pig herd yields the most, with a minus of 1,8%. In 2017, the French still had just under 13 million pigs, which is good for third place.
More piglets, fewer pigs
The total number of pigs in the Netherlands will shrink by 0,2% to 12.397.000. These figures are based on the combined statement. The Netherlands had 1,74% fewer fattening pigs in April to 5.626.550. The number of piglets was 2016% higher than in 0,74, at 5.636.880. The number of (pregnant) sows also increased slightly.
Advance in Poland
Poland is well on its way to taking a position in the top 5. The Polish pig herd grew by 4,5% to 11.353.000 pigs. If this growth continues, the Netherlands will have to make way first.
The growth in Great Britain is also striking. The pig herd there has increased by 2,3% to 4.978.000 pigs. On balance, the pig herd in the EU-13 increased by 1% to 131.663.000 pigs.