Upcoming Trade Shows in Germany for Animals & Pets

Germany’s animal industry and meat production sector are experiencing several serious shocks over the last decade as changing consumer tastes trigger a major restructuring within the sector. So far, poultry has come out of the fray as the definitive winner. While overall livestock numbers are declining, poultry figures are soaring, reaching 170 million animals in 2020, out of which 107 million are fattening poultry like turkeys, ducks, and geese. The laying hen population, updated annually, has also seen a rise, reaching 44 million in 2022. Pig farming, historically significant in Germany, has received the short end of the stick. There’s been a decrease to 20.95 million pigs, with nearly two-thirds being fattening and young pigs, according to the May 2023 census. Another area to suffer is cattle farming, which used to be one of the main pillars of German agriculture. We’re seeing a steady reduction with cattle herds coming down to just under 11 million. This decline is most felt in the dairy sector, where the number of dairy cows has reached a 20-year low at 3.8 million. Sheep farming, while playing a minor role, has experienced a slight increase, reaching fewer than 1.5 million animals in November 2022. The overall structure of cattle farming in Germany is diverse with over half of cattle farms having fewer than 50 animals. In contrast, 52% of all cattle are concentrated in herds of more than 200 animals, which in turn represents around 11% of farms. It's crucial to note that this figure encompasses all cattle categories, including dairy cows, suckler-cows and beef finishing cattle. These shifts in livestock dynamics reflect evolving agricultural practices, economic considerations and changing consumer preferences. Amidst this challenging climate, the German animal industry has to modernize its operations by prioritizing animal welfare, sustainable practices and efficiency.