Dutch pig population declines sharply due to quitters

The Dutch pig population took a significant step down in 2025. Compared to the previous year, the total pig population decreased by a staggering 7,6%, according to data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The new 2025 census shows that the effects of this decline are substantial. Besides the sharp drop in the pig price, which generally reduces supply, it is clear that the LBV+ scheme is causing an additional decline.

The pig population has not declined so sharply at any point since 2021. This means the structural decline is very substantial. Since 2021, the pig population has decreased by 15,4%.

The number of piglets declined even more sharply in 2025, by a whopping 11,3%. This decline cannot be entirely attributed to the LBV+ scheme. The piglet market experienced a sharp decline in exports and a drop in prices in 2025, which likely slowed piglet production. In 2024, the number of piglets in the Netherlands decreased by 6%. 

Shift to heavier pigs
It's also notable that the Netherlands has a relatively large number of heavy pigs. The number of pigs weighing over 110 kg increased to 669.000, a 17,4% increase. Conversely, the number of pigs weighing between 80 and 110 kg decreased by 4,6% to approximately 1.298.000. This shift is partly due to the increase in slaughter weights in the Netherlands.

The high piglet price, particularly in the first half of 2025, led to a significant increase in slaughter weights. In early 2025, slaughter weights even peaked at 104 kilograms. This category of pigs is expected to decline significantly. Meanwhile, slaughter weights are clearly declining. They are now consistently below 100 kilograms.

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