More than 2,000 participants attended the annual Herning Pig Congress whose overall theme was Securing the Future Together. H.C. Gæmelke, Chairman of the Pig Sector at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, and Christian Fink Hansen, Sector Director, reviewed the industry’s political, economic and technical developments while looking towards the significant challenges that lie ahead for Denmark’s pig farmers.
“I’m proud of Danish pig production, and I will always stand up for and defend our industry. I’m convinced that the way forward is through cooperation — not only within the industry, but also with politicians, experts, researchers and other stakeholders who want to find solutions,” said Mr Gæmelke in his opening address.
Progress never stops
Christian Fink Hansen then went on to outline the main issues currently at the top of the agenda of the Danish pig industry:
Making it more attractive to slaughter pigs in Denmark, while recognising the economic importance of exports. Last year, Denmark exported live pigs worth DKK 10.6 billion, while the industry supported more than 33,000 jobs nationwide.
Faster follow-up of sick and injured pigs and the importance of taking responsibility when standards fall short.
The transition to loose-housed sows. From this year, all new sow facilities must, by law, provide free-farrowing systems that allow sows to move freely in their farrowing pens. The Danish pig industry is currently working to encourage the remaining EU countries to adopt the same standards.
Delivering 3 million pigs with intact tails by 2027. The commitment to this objective has been shared by the majority of Danish pig producers.
Reinforcing the Danish pig industry's commitment to environmental progress, practical solutions and constructive cooperation. Through Denmark's Green Tripartite Agreement, agriculture has already demonstrated its willingness to contribute to long-term environmental solutions.
Continuing to deliver on sow welfare, longevity and survival.
A balanced breeding system: “Every pig born in Denmark should have the best possible chance of surviving and enjoy good health”
Strengthening biosecurity and aiming for even lower antibiotic consumption.
Ongoing research into emissions-reducing technologies, more efficient feeding strategies and improved sow nutrition to further enhance sustainability, animal welfare and productivity
Continuing to demonstrate that higher animal welfare and environmental standards can coexist with efficient, competitive production. In this respect, Denmark has an opportunity to lead by example and drive progress across the rest of the European pig industry.
All these issues – and more – were covered at the subsequent 66 presentations that followed over the two-day event, highlighting the importance of knowledge-sharing, collaboration and continued innovation in securing the industry’s long-term future.
One of the most significant advances in animal welfare in Danish pig production in many years is the transition to loose-housed, nursing sows.
From this year, it is a legal requirement that all new sow farms in Denmark provide loose-housing systems in their farrowing unit. We’re now working to encourage other EU countries to follow suit. In a video message, Antonio Tavares, Chair of the Copa-Cogeca Pigmeat Group, highlights Denmark’s proactive contribution to advancing and improving animal welfare standards in pig production.