The Netherlands are culling an additional 240,000 sows.

Multi-billion exit programs are causing a dramatic decline in pig herds. By 2030, the number of sows could decrease by almost 25%.

In the Netherlands, the rapid reduction of sow herds is expected to continue. The current stock of 670,000 sows could drop to 530,000 mother animals by 2030, as predicted by the breeding company Topigs Norsvin. This would represent a decrease of nearly 25%.

There could be a 30% reduction in fattening pigs.

The slaughter output could decline even faster during the same period, as expected by the Dutch tax and production advisory office aaff. Last year, an average of almost 280,000 pigs were slaughtered weekly in the Netherlands. This number could decrease to 200,000 slaughtered pigs within the next five years, representing a 30% decrease.

The main reason cited is the multi-billion exit programs through which The Hague buys out production facilities, especially those with high ammonia emissions. The government recently passed another exit program, which experts believe will further accelerate structural change.

The piglet deficit is growing.

The developments in our Western neighbor could exacerbate the German piglet deficit. Both in Denmark and in Germany itself, decreases in piglet production are expected.