Declining profitability, increasing efficiency: challenges and opportunities in pig farming

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 31. 11:30

Pig farmers are expecting declining profitability this year, despite their continuous improvement in efficiency. The sector faces both serious challenges and opportunities due to the expected lower purchase prices and the decline in Western European livestock. Although pork is losing market share in several countries, the development of Hungarian production and investments can maintain the stability of the sector – writes vg.hu.

Increasing efficiency and sustainability

In recent years, the efficiency of Hungarian pig farming has improved significantly: the number of piglets born has increased while the number of sows has decreased. New goals include the development of independent piglet rearing capabilities, which would not only reduce labor requirements but also reduce environmental impact. In order to improve efficiency, the development of feed utilization and increasing resistance to diseases are also receiving special attention.

Developments for the sake of economy

Szabolcs Bóna, Rábapordányi Mezőgazdasági Zrt. According to the chairman of the board, increasing economic efficiency and social expectations are compatible. Significant developments are taking place in the sector, especially in the areas of feeding systems, housing technology and reducing ammonia emissions. In the case of pig breeding and fattening, efficiency can be increased by introducing wet, fermented feeding. At the same time, the demand for organic farming and ecological pig farming is also increasing, which may mean new market opportunities for producers.