Pigs in the UK rose by 4% in June, according to preliminary data from Defra

The UK pig herd increased by 4% in the year to June 2021 to 5.28 million, according to preliminary data released by Defra.

These figures take into account trends recorded in England and Scotland in 2021, with data for other regions of the UK carried over from 2020. The final results of the UK pig count, including all regional data for 2021, will be available at the end of the year.

The upward movement was driven by a 5% increase in the number of fattening pigs. “We always urge caution in interpreting census results, as trends are not always supported by subsequent slaughter data. In this case, however, they are certainly supported by the current difficulties faced by farms,” said AHDB analyst Bethan Wilkins.

“As discussed in our previous forecast, we believe there was some increase in sow numbers last year, although this was not captured by Defra's surveys. This could form part of the additional pigs currently available. The higher productivity of sows may also have played a role, although the available data from Agrosoft does not show significant changes over the past few years.”

The number of females in the breeding herd was about 2% less than a year earlier. 

“The unexpectedly low culling rate last year, caused by disruptions in the sow trade with the continent, does mean we expect more recruits this year. This gives the potential for future further growth in the productivity of the breeding herd,” said Ms. Wilkins.

However, she noted that the challenges faced by the industry this year, including low profitability, could trigger a decline in the number of breeding sows.

“A larger reduction in the number of sows in the second half of this year could lead to lower production levels in the second half of 2022.”