Germany: Pig numbers to grow 2.8%, but number of farms to shrink 40% in ten years

According to preliminary results of the livestock census published by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), there were 21.5 million pigs in Germany as of November 3, 2025, distributed among 15,220 farms. This figure represents a significant increase of 2.8% compared to the previous census in May 2025, equivalent to an increase of 575,800 animals, and an increase of 0.9% (+196,300 animals) compared to November 2024 .

However, this increase in livestock numbers has not led to an increase in the number of farms. On the contrary, the press release states that the number of pig farms continues to decline, a trend that has remained virtually unchanged for over a decade, indicating a structural transformation in the sector.

Compared to May 2025, the number of pig farms remained virtually unchanged, declining by just 0.2% (30 fewer farms). However, the truly significant figure becomes apparent when considered over a longer period. Year-on-year, the number of farms decreased by 2.7%, representing a loss of 430 farms over the past twelve months. Compared to 2015, the decline is a staggering 40.8%, equivalent to the disappearance of approximately 10,500 pig farms over ten years.

This structural restructuring explains why, despite a 22.3% reduction in the total number of pigs since 2015 (6.2 million fewer animals), the average farm size continues to grow. The press release states that in 2015, the average German pig farm housed just under 1,100 pigs, while by November 2025, this figure will exceed 1,400 animals per farm. In absolute numbers, each farm now houses approximately 300 more pigs than it did ten years ago.

This process of concentration reflects the gradual exit from the market of small and medium-sized farms unable to cover rising regulatory, environmental and investment costs, while larger farms absorb production and increase their relative weight in the sector.

The press release states that the pig population dynamics are uneven across all categories. As of November 3, 2025, there were 9.2 million fattening pigs in Germany, a 6.4% decrease compared to the previous year, or 626,200 fewer animals. This decline contrasts sharply with the figures for the piglet segment.

Compared to November 2024, the number of piglets and young animals increased by a significant 8.1%, reaching 809,800 HEAD, bringing the total herd to 10.9 million. This growth suggests a possible future restructuring of the fattening herd, although it may also reflect temporary adjustments to production cycles or slaughter planning.

Meanwhile, the number of breeding sows increased slightly by 1.4% (+19,300 heads), reaching 1.4 million heads. This moderate growth confirms the idea of ​​a certain stabilization of the reproductive base after many years of significant adjustments.

Aside from pig farming, the November 2025 livestock census shows a relatively stable situation in the cattle sector . German farms housed 10.5 million head of cattle, including 3.6 million dairy cows. Compared to the previous year, the total number of cattle decreased by only 0.4%, or 41,000 fewer animals.

Specifically, the press release reports a slight annual increase of 0.2%, equivalent to 7,200 new animals. However, the long-term trend remains clearly downward: over the past ten years, the number of dairy cows has decreased by 16.0%, representing a loss of 688,000 animals.

The trend in farm decline is far more negative. In just one year, the number of dairy farms fell by 3.1% (1,500 fewer), stopping at around 47,200. If the analysis were extended over a decade, the decline would reach 35.6%, with approximately 26,100 dairy farms disappearing since 2015.

The sheep farming sector is showing a somewhat different trend, although it also sees a structural decline in the number of farms. As of November 3, 2025, German farms housed approximately 1.5 million sheep, representing an increase of 0.8% compared to the previous year, equivalent to 12,100 more animals. Despite this growth, the ten-year balance remains negative, with a cumulative decline of 3.6% (56,800 fewer animals).

Meanwhile, the number of sheep farms decreased by 2.7% in one year, to approximately 9,400. In a ten-year comparison, the decline reaches 5%, that is, 490 farms fewer than in 2015.

Overall, the November 2025 livestock census data confirms a general trend in German livestock production: a decline in the number of farms, an increase in average farm size, and increased concentration of production. The press release states that this process is not limited to pig farming but is also spreading to cattle and sheep, creating a production model with fewer participants but larger, more specialized farms.

This scenario poses serious economic, social and territorial challenges, particularly with regard to generational change, sustainable rural development and the balance between production efficiency and the diversity of agricultural structures.