According to the latest data published by Eurostat, for May-June of 2026, the breeding sow census shows mixed trends among the main pig-producing countries in the European Union, with increases in some Member States and declines in others.
Spain maintains the largest census among the countries with available data, with 2,68 million breeding sows, 2,6 % more than in the same period of 2025. By contrast, Germany records a slight decline of 0,2 %, to 1,39 million head, while Denmark reduces its census by 0,9 %, to 1,14 million.
France counts 835 900 breeding sows, 2,0 % fewer than a year earlier. The reduction is more pronounced in the Netherlands, whose breeding sow population falls by 5,6 %, to 748 760 head. Poland, meanwhile, remains practically stable, with 614 390 breeding sows (+0,01%).
Among the other countries with available data, Romania stands out, with an increase of 18,9 %, up to 258 200 breeding sows. Increases were also recorded in Sweden (+2,4 %), Ireland (+2,3 %) and Portugal (+1,7 %). By contrast, decreases were observed in Czechia (−3,3 %), Austria (−2,8 %), Belgium (−1,8 %) and Hungary (−1,5 %).
Change in the breeding sow population in the main EU producing countries (May–June 2026 vs. May–June 2025). *No updated data are available for Italy. Source: 3tres3 based on Eurostat data.
A different trend over the past decade
Comparison with the May–June 2016 censuses shows different trends among the main European producers. Spain is the only country among those reporting spring census data to have increased its breeding sow population over the past 10 years, specifically by 13,0 % , while Germany reduced its population by 27,4 %, the Netherlands by 28,9 % and Poland by 28,1 %. Decreases were also recorded in France (−17,0 %), Belgium (−23,2 %) and Denmark (−6,4 %).
Trend in the breeding sow population (May–June) in the main EU producing countries (2016-2026). *No updated data are available for Italy. Source: 3tres3 based on Eurostat data.
The data correspond to the May–June surveys and refer to breeding sows weighing 50 kg or more. The available information does not make it possible to establish the total census of breeding females in the EU, as data from some Member States are missing.
27 October 2026 | Editorial team 3three3 based on Eurostat data updated on 20 October 2026.