New figures released shows pig numbers have decreased to their lowest point since 2012, primarily due to a reduction in fattening pigs.

As of June 1, the UK’s pig population was calculated at 4.68million, marking a 10.3% (537,000 head) drop on numbers recorded in 2022.

AHDB senior analyst, Freya Shuttleworth described the decrease in pig numbers: “This is unsurprising given the size of decline seen in the breeding herd last year and the negative impacts the summer 2022 heatwave had on fertility."

Recent data released by Defra indicates the number of fattening pigs stands at an all-time low since 2015, totalling 4.26m head, representing a 11.2% decreased compared to June 2022.

Statistics align with the notably reduced slaughter rates witnessed this year, with year-to-date clean pig slaughter down by 9.1%.

Nonetheless, the total breeding population has experienced marginal change at just a 0.2% decrease from the previous year, with a total of 428,000 head. There have been mixed movements within this category.

The overall female breeding herd saw a modest decline at 1.5%, totalling 338,000 head, with a 3.6% drop in sows in pig from the previous year, while gilts in pig increased significantly by 13%.

Boars used for breeding experienced a 5.4% decline from 2022, while the number of gilts used for initial breeding increased by 6.5%.

Ms. Shuttleworth says: “The increase of gilts in pig and the number of gilts intended for first time breeding shows signs of improved industry sentiment, likely in part due to improved farm margins.

“While this may indicate cautious growth for some producers, we do not expect to see the industry bouncing back to the heights of 2021 in terms of pig numbers, throughputs or production.

“We will delve deeper into future forecasts in our 2024 Market Outlook in the new year.”