Denmark’s pig population continues to grow: As of July 1, 2026, the total number of animals increased by 2.5% to 12.19 million pigs. At the same time, the sow population declined slightly for the first time in a long while, which could indicate decreasing pig populations in future counts – especially given the current difficult economic and political climate.
Statistics Denmark (Danmarks Statistik) has published the results of the latest pig census, dated July 1, 2026. The data show differing trends across animal categories compared to the previous year: while the total pig population has increased, the number of sows in Denmark has declined. For the first time in a long while, the Danish sow population saw a decrease, falling by 0.9% year-on-year to 1.14 million animals. Despite this decline in breeding stock, the total pig population in Denmark increased by 2.5% year-on-year to a total of 12.19 million animals.
The number of young animals showed a slight upward trend: the number of suckling piglets rose slightly by 0.8% to 2.51 million animals, while the number of weaned piglets under 50 kg increased by 2.3% to 5.83 million. A remarkably strong increase of 6.3% to 2.70 million animals was recorded in the category of heavy slaughter pigs over 50 kg.
However, according to the Danish statistics agency, this significant increase is mainly due to a special effect, as a considerable number of pigs ready for slaughter were in the barns at the time of the livestock census, and their collection for slaughter was delayed.
Given the current very tense economic situation in pig farming and the uncertain political framework, further declines in Danish sow populations are expected in the upcoming months.
