Danish pig herd numbers have dropped to the lowest level in 22 years as farmer margins continue to come under pressure across Europe.
European prices have continued to fall in recent weeks, widening the gap with UK prices as domestic pig prices remain steady.
In the UK, prices broke through the 200p/kg barrier in mid-September, with a trend of small increases followed by small dips in the week to follow and prices in the week ending November 12 standing at 200.37p/kg.
The average producer was continuing to lose money on every pig sold.
In the EU, prices have continued to fall as the impact of poor consumer demand and retail price inflation have more than outweighed reduced supplies, according to the National Pig Association.
However, the decline now appeared to be slowing. The EU reference price was down 0.7p/kg to 171.47p/kg in the week ending November 6 with the gap to the equivalent UK reference price just short of 30p/kg.
In Denmark, the latest census in October showed the Danish pig population at 11.9 million head, a decline of 277,000 head or 2.3 per cent since July and down 9.9 per cent or 1.3m head year on year.
AHDB livestock and dairy analyst Freya Shuttleworth said: “This is the smallest pig herd recorded on the census since 1 April, 2000.
“Increased input costs are putting pressure on farmer margins and look set to remain so for the foreseeable future.”
Inflation was also impacting consumer demand.
The European Commission was forecasting a 5 per cent reduction in European pig production by the end of the year, with further declines in 2023 with African swine fever also impacting numbers.
Ms Shuttleworth said: “Therefore, it is unlikely we will see a quick recovery in pig population figures.”
