The actual size of European livestock farms

The article provides an overview of the state of family farming in the European Union, highlighting the diversity in farm sizes and specializations across different countries and livestock types. It reveals that the average European livestock farm occupies less than 50 hectares and hosts fewer than 50 livestock units, with variations depending on the type of livestock and the region. The data also indicates that there is no uniform trend towards factory farming in Europe, as many farms remain small and focused on cultural heritage practices. Furthermore, the article points out significant regional differences in farm sizes and mobilized capital, with countries like the Netherlands and Denmark standing out for their large livestock and working capital, despite having smaller farms. This information underscores the diverse nature of European farming and the efforts to balance the need for affordable food with the maintenance of small-scale, diverse, and well-cared-for animal operations.