More than a third of German sow farmers want to phase out their production in the next five to ten years. This is evident from a study by the German interest group ISN.
The pig farmer organization conducted a survey among 492 pig farmers. Of these, 48 were pure suckling farms, 194 combined farms, 247 fattening pig farms and three piglet breeding farms.
If pig farmers who are not yet sure about their future were to also stop, almost 66% of piglet producers would disappear in the future. When it comes to fattening, only 44% of pig farmers are sure that they will continue with this.
Sow farmers must have carried out expensive renovations to the rearing and farrowing stables before 2036. 58% of respondents indicate that they plan to convert their breeding stables. It is not clear how many will implement this plan. There is more doubt about the farrowing stable, about 75% want to stop or have doubts about converting that stable.
Finally, pig farmers have difficulty finding staff. Farmers are particularly concerned about the deteriorating situations on the labor market. There are also concerns about political regulations and bureaucracy.