Germany’s pig herd has reached a record low as a result of rising input costs, including energy, fertilizer, and feed, which have increased production costs.

According to Destatis, the country’s Federal Statistics Office, there were 21.3 million pigs in Germany as of November 3, 2022, a decrease of over 10% compared to the previous year, and a near 20% drop compared to 2020. The number of pig farms in Germany also dropped by 1,900 this year, following a decrease of 1,600 farms between 2020 and 2021.

The energy crisis has affected many industries in Germany, with energy-intensive sectors such as chemicals, glass, and metals reducing production and some relocating their operations abroad.

Pig farms face additional challenges, including an outbreak of African swine fever and a decrease in exports to China due to its strict zero-Covid policy.