According to Defra, the English pig census stood at 3.78 million head on December 1, 2019, 2.7% higher than in 2018. The last time the December census had reached that level was in 2007.
The number of female breeding pigs decreased 1% from the year prior, and there was a noticeable 12% decline in suckling and dry sows (Other sows).
![](https://www.pig333.com/3tres3_common/dist_nou/css/images/imb5.png)
![*Either being suckled or dry sows being kept for further breeding
Source: Defra June and December Surveys of Agriculture](https://www.pig333.com/3tres3_common/art/pig333/15903/defra-june-and-december-surveys-of-agriculture_159653.png?w=820&q=1&ts=1653979446)
Source: Defra June and December Surveys of Agriculture
March 9, 2020 - 333 Staff with information from Defra