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According to the latest data published by Eurostat, covering May-June 2026, the breeding sow herd shows varied trends across the European Union’s main pork-producing countries, with increases in some Member States and decreases in others.
Spain has the largest herd among the countries for which data is available, with 2.68 million sows—an increase of 2.6% compared to the same period in 2025. In contrast, Germany saw a 0.2% decline to 1.39 million head, while Denmark reduced its herd by 0.9% to 1.14 million.
France has 835,900 sows, down 2.0% from a year earlier. The reduction in the Netherlands is more pronounced, falling by 5.6% to 748,760 head. Meanwhile, Poland's herd remains virtually stable, with 614,390 sows (+0.01%).
Among the other countries with available data, Romania stands out with an 18.9% increase, reaching 258,200 sows. Sweden (+2.4%), Ireland (+2.3%), and Portugal (+1.7%) also recorded increases. Conversely, declines were observed in Czechia (-3.3%), Austria (-2.8%), Belgium (-1.8%), and Hungary (-1.5%).
Change in the breeding sow inventory in the main EU producing countries (May-June 2026 vs. May-June 2026). *No updated data available for Italy. Source: 3tres3, based on Eurostat data.
A different trajectory over the last decade
Comparing the census data with May-June 2016 reveals divergent trends among the major European producers. Among the countries that report spring census data, Spain is the only one to have increased its sow herd over the last 10 years—specifically by 13.0%—whereas Germany (-27.4%), the Netherlands (-28.9%), and Poland (-28.1%) have seen declines in their herd sizes. Decreases were also recorded in France (-17.0%), Belgium (-23.2%), and Denmark (-6.4%).
Trends in the breeding sow inventory (May) in the main EU producing countries (2016–2026). *No updated data available for Italy. Source: 3tres3, based on Eurostat data.
The data correspond to surveys conducted in May-June and refer to breeding sows weighing 50 kg or more. The available information does not allow the total number of breeding sows in the EU to be determined, as data from some Member States are missing.
October 27, 2026/ 3tres3 with Eurostat data updated as of October 20, 2026.
