NI pig numbers up, boosting overall UK population

By Bethan Wilkins

The latest figures published by DAERA report a 5% increase in pig numbers in the year to June 2021. At 716,800 head, this is the largest population on records covering the last decade.

There was also a sizeable 8% increase in the breeding herd, with numbers reaching 58,000 head.

The growth in the NI pig population means the UK population figure is now higher than the original estimate published back in October. The UK pig population in June is now reported as 5.32 million head, with a breeding herd of 503,000 (including maiden gilts). The total pig number is about 5% higher than last year, while the breeding pig population is virtually unchanged from 2020.

As in the rest of the UK, the strong pig population figures come despite high feed prices throughout 2020. There are expectations that the UK breeding herd will have gone into contraction in the latter part of the year, though official data supporting this is lacking so far.

Looking at UK clean pig slaughter numbers from June-November, numbers were only 2.5% higher than year earlier levels. We always urge caution over interpreting the census results, as the figures are not always borne out in subsequent slaughter levels. Nonetheless, there have clearly been difficulties in recent months with live pig supplies outpacing the rate of slaughter, and the strong increase in pig numbers seen in the June survey supports this.

Subscribe to receive pork market news straight to your inbox. Simply complete our online form.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.