According to updated industry data, Wales' pig farming is moving towards more small herds.

In June 2007, a total of 959 pigs were counted in Wales, with an average of 25 animals per herd. Ten years later, the number of pigs increased by almost 500 animals to 1395 animals, while the average herd size was reduced to 18 pigs.

Recent data show that the number of pigs in Wales, despite the fact that the number of sheep and cattle is small, remains stable and amounts to about 23,000 animals.

According to Elerie Price, head of the meat quality department at Hybu Cig Cymru, this is a steady amount, but it hides the main trends. Behind the main figure is a small decrease in the breeding herd (from 3,800 to 3,400 heads for the same period) and a corresponding increase in the number of pigs for fattening (from 19,400 to 19,800 heads).

“Increasingly, the Welsh pig-breeding industry consists of small enterprises, many of which specialize in rare breeds and non-intensive production. Thus, most of the pork produced in Wales is a premium product and is mainly sold through short supply chains - often directly via the Internet from the producer, through butchers, farm shops or other specialized stores, ”said the head of the meat quality department Hybu Cig Cymru.

Of the meat produced in Wales, traditionally only 9% is sold to major processors, less than a third goes to the catering system, and almost two-thirds are sold through farmers 'markets, butchers, or farmers' shops.