The latest figures provided by France’s May 2011 pig cencus show the continuation of a decade-long downward trend in the French pig herd. image expired

Overall, pig numbers were around two percent lower than in May 2010. The total number of sows fell one percent. Although numbers continued to fall, 2011 had the smallest percentage fall since 2003.

However, numbers of maiden and in-pig gilts were down more significantly, by around five percent, suggesting the breeding herd is unlikely to increase in the coming months.

As in the rest of Europe, high feed prices are a key factor in the French decline, having risen by around 50 percent compared with last year’s levels.

More recently, weak domestic demand led to declines in French pig prices during May and June, when prices elsewhere in Europe were generally stable, making conditions more challenging.

Earlier in the year, disgruntled pig farmers carried out protests and actions to highlight the hardships facing the industry.

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