Less than 2019 pig farms in 4.000

The number of pig farms in the Netherlands is falling sharply. 140 pig farms closed their doors in the past year as well, according to the CBS agricultural census. If this trend continues, there will be less than 1 pig farms within 4.000 year. However, the downward trend does not (yet) affect the number of pigs.

The April count, which is based on the Combined Statement, shows that the number of pig farms has shrunk to 4.160 pigs. In 2014 there were still 5.110 companies in the Netherlands, which means that almost 4 companies have closed down in the past 1.000 years. In the past 5 years, an average of 274 pig farms were closed each year. In terms of earnings, this period had both good and bad years. There was also a constant decline in previous years. 

Stoppers Regulation
This means that the number of pig farms will most likely fall below the 4.000 mark next year. The so-called stopper arrangement will end on 1 January 2020. This means that the necessary pig farmers will stop before that time. These entrepreneurs will probably run a few more rounds and then throw in the towel at the end of 2019. It is difficult to estimate how many pig farms will leave. Banks and accountants are generally reluctant to provide clarity.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality will shortly unveil plans for warm remediation in pig farming. This arrangement also entails the necessary stoppers. Besides the fact that this scheme facilitates stoppages, the warm remediation will probably also aim at fewer animals by buying up pig rights. How many pork rights being withdrawn from the market will become clear in the coming months.

Never so many piglets 
Although the number of farms is declining rapidly, the pig population remains reasonably stable. In the past year there was even a slight increase (+1% to 12,5 million pigs). The number of breeding pigs grew by 12.000 to 1,17 million. The number of finishing pigs remained virtually stable at 5,63 million animals. This means that the pig farms keep more and more animals.  

The biggest increase is in the number of piglets. That group grew last year by just 100.000 head to 5,7 million animals. This is the highest number since the turn of the century. The growing number of piglets also explains the downward pressure on the piglet price, which has been in effect for several weeks.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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