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Pig and cattle herds in the southwest: trend reversal in danger!
Agriculture in southwest Germany: Cattle and pig populations are declining. Causes and effects on animal husbandry.
Pig and cattle herds in the southwest: trend reversal in danger!
Agricultural businesses in southwest Germany are increasingly facing challenges. According to a report by the South German newspaper The number of pigs in Baden-Württemberg fell to 1.24 million animals at the beginning of May 2025, which corresponds to a decrease of 1% compared to the previous year. This development marks a stabilization of the decline, which was much more pronounced in previous years: in 2022 the decline was 10%, in 2023 it was 6% and in 2024 it was 2%.
The number of farms raising pigs has also decreased. This number fell by 2% to 1,460, representing a slowdown in decline compared to previous years; in 2024 the decline was 3% and in 2023 it was 10%.
Cattle population and milk production
A similar picture can be seen with the cattle population in Baden-Württemberg, which fell by 2% to 872,058 animals. The number of dairy cows also fell by 2% to 300,715 animals. The number of dairy farms also fell by 3% to 4,974. What is particularly alarming is the level of self-sufficiency for milk and dairy products, which is now only 56% and is trending downward.
The reasons for these declining numbers are diverse. Price pressure in retail, political requirements and increasing demands on companies are putting them under considerable pressure. According to the report, around a quarter of dairy farmers in Baden-Württemberg have given up their businesses since 2020.
Statistical surveys and their significance
The development on the livestock and meat markets is documented by various statistical surveys. The results of these surveys are crucial for political decisions at state, federal and EU levels, such as Statistics from the Federal Statistical Office present. This data supports agricultural and national accounting and forms the basis for supply balances in agriculture.
The main users of the statistics include the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, scientific institutions, communities and associations. The surveys provide information about the capacities of hatcheries and the volume of poultry for slaughter and thus offer valuable insights into the production structures of the companies.
The results contribute to assessing the market situation in meat production and are crucial for forecasting prices and offers. This data is important not only for agricultural policymakers, but also for basic food safety.
In summary, it can be said that developments in animal husbandry in southwest Germany are characterized by numerous challenges. The decline in pig farming is stabilizing, but at the same time it sets new standards for the future of agriculture in the region.