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The majority of the Danish producers of weaners/growers are already prepared for loose operation in gestation stalls. This will be an EU regulation from 2013.Department Manager Martin Andersson, Agriculture and Food, Denmark, Knowledge Centre for Pig Production, has made the following statements in advance of the Agromek 2010 exhibition in the MCH Exhibition Centre in Herning, Denmark.
“Our investigations show that 68 percent of the Danish sows in gestation stalls are currently held under loose operation.”
“There will be a number of pig producers who will stop prior to the new regulations coming into force. However, our investigations show that, if credit facilities are available, then the total number of sows will increase during the coming years as those producers who are prepared to continue have retained their optimism. As soon as the financial crisis is ended, they are ready to invest and thus expand their production capabilities.”
Martin Andersson explained that the current average Danish herd involves approximately 500 sows and that the younger farmers have established their production on a basis of at least 1,000 sows.
“In five years, the average herd will involve 1,000 to 1,200 sows and we will have individual herds of up to 2,000 to 3,000 sows,” estimated Martin Andersson.
During recent months there has been a fall in pig production in Denmark and Martin Andersson associates this with the current poor economy for pig producers.
Increasing exports of weaners/growers
The Danish pig farmers produce approximately 28 million pigs this year and 7.5 million of these are exported for fattening up in Germany. Exports of weaners/growers increase at a rate of approximately half a million every year.
“For several years there have been better prices for weaners/growers in Germany. In addition, there have been too few porker units in the stalls in Denmark due to environmental regulations having forced Danish pig producers to concentrate on sow herds as this demands less farm area and it is easier for young farmers to start with sow herds. This requires less capital and provides the young farmers with opportunities to exploit their professional competence.”
Export of breeding stock
The Danish export of breeding stock is also impressive – and is continuously increasing.
“This is due to the fact that we have good, healthy pigs with the qualities which are demanded by pig producers in other countries,” stated Martin Andersson.
Danish breeding stock are exported to many European countries. Germany, Belgium and Italy are the primary markets.
“However, Eastern Europe has also grown into an important market with the emphasis on Russia and the Ukraine. The DanBred organization, which is responsible for exports of breeding stock, has also recently entered into a joint venture agreement with China and Danish breeding stock is also exported to other Asiatic countries and to the USA and Canada,” stated Martin Andersson.
At Agromek, which will be held from Tuesday 30th November to Friday 3rd December inclusive, there will be an expansive presentation of technology and equipment for application in pig production. Out of the total of 517 exhibitors, many are specifically directed at the pig production sector.
Agromek
