AgruniekRijnvallei demonstrates that growth remains possible even in a shrinking sector. While farm closures, avian influenza, and price pressure are shaping the playing field, the cooperative is maintaining and even expanding its feed volume. This inspires confidence heading into 2026, although caution remains advised. The sharp drop in milk prices, as well as avian influenza, could slow growth. Read more about General Manager Arjen van Nuland's expectations for 2026.
The total volume of feed sold, including single raw materials, amounted to approximately 745.000 tons in 2025. In 2024, this was 727.000 tons. This represents an increase in feed volume of approximately 3%. More feed was sold, particularly in the pig and poultry farming sectors.
Compound feed production to increase significantly in 2025
While total compound feed production shrank slightly in 2024 due to reduced third-party contract production, this was corrected by an increase in sales of single raw materials. In 2025, the opposite occurred, according to General Manager Arjen van Nuland. "Sales of single raw materials remained stable in 2025. The growth was achieved in compound feed production."
When asked about growth by sector, Van Nuland stated: "In both pig and poultry farming, volume grew by around 3% to 4%. Cattle feed production did decline slightly. This is mainly due to the termination of contract production of cattle feed for third parties in the spring of 2024. The volume produced for our own customers did increase slightly."
Uncertain factors in 2026, but optimism prevails
Looking ahead to the new year, the company remains cautiously optimistic, although several factors could negatively impact volume. Avian influenza is one of them. "While the situation surrounding avian influenza fortunately doesn't seem to be worsening in recent weeks, we are seeing the effects in the first phase of the year. Several customer businesses have been evacuated and are temporarily vacant. How the situation will develop in the coming period remains to be seen."
Van Nuland also points to customers participating in one of the Lbv schemes. "Several customers stopped in the first half of 2025. We're still seeing this shrinking effect in the 2026 figures." The drop in milk prices could also have an impact. Not because farmers are making different feed choices, but mainly because they are more selective and are more likely to dispose of the lower end of their herd.
Yet optimism prevails. The loss of volume from closing businesses has been more than offset by the influx of a significant number of new customers. This is a remarkable achievement, especially in the rapidly shrinking pig farming sector. "We've seen volume growth, particularly in sow farming." Van Nuland anticipates stable to slightly increasing feed volume in 2026. The cooperative's turnover in 2024 was €356 million. The financial results for 2025 will be announced later this year.