UK pig herd declines to lowest level since 1952
The UK pig herd has fallen to its lowest level for more than 60 years, according to the latest livestock census.
The figures, collated by the UK’s regional agricultural departments, show that pig numbers fell by 2.4% in 2012 to a total of just 4.2m. That is the smallest national herd since 1952.
National Pig Association (NPA) general manager Zoe Davies blamed the decline on rising input costs and poor prices, which took their toll on businesses throughout the country. She added that the figures disguised a more worrying trait.
“The concern for us is that it is not just the less well-run units that have folded in the past year. We have lost some high quality, efficient units that have taken a cold, hard look at their businesses and decided to close,” said Dr Davies.
“High feed prices, a lack of demand and tough competition from continental Europe combined to make it impossible for many to keep trading. In July and August last year we lost a lot of good people.
“European farmers have the edge because their systems are cheaper to run. As many as 25% are still not compliant with the EU-wide stalls and tethers ban so they have lower costs,” she said.
But NPA chairman Richard Longthorp added that, although the figures were disappointing, there was still cause for optimism in the pig industry.
“It’s clear that farms which have been part of a good quality supply chain with a retailer have been able to survive in this tough marketplace. For example, the suppliers of Waitrose have been able to better weather the storm,” Mr Longthorp said.
In the wake of the horsemeat scandal, other retailers were now starting to review their links with the pig industry, he added.
“Tesco now has a feed price escalator built into its contract. That has to be a good thing. It will improve security and give pig farmers the confidence to invest and make them more competitive,” said Mr Longthorp.
Census highlights
Pigs – 2.4% to 4.2m
Cattle + 0.5% to 9.7 million
Sheep and lambs + 4.4% to 22.9 million.