Pig population in Spain is at a record level

In Spain, contrary to the EU trend, the herd of pigs grew to a new record level last year. According to current data from the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat), a total of 34.45 million pigs were kept there in December 2021; that was 1.66 million units or 5.1% more than twelve months previously. Within the last five years, Spanish producers have increased their herds by around 4.5 million head or 15.0%; in the same period, the number of pigs in Germany fell by 3.96 million animals or 14.3%. The relocation of production is also reflected in the fact that the Iberians now keep 10.8 million more pigs than in Germany. Growth in stocks contrary to the European trend While in other countries of the European Union a decline in pig production is expected for 2022 due to reduced livestock numbers, there are no indications of this in Spain so far. Compared to December 2020, the total number of sows increased by around 50,000 animals or 1.9% to 2.68 million. While that's a ...