Declining livestock numbers continue to reduce feed demand in the Netherlands

Compound feed sales in the Netherlands fell by 2.2% in 2025 to 10.66 mln tons. At the same time, the total value of feed production remained broadly unchanged at around €5.9 billion. The decline was mainly driven by government livestock reduction programs, which resulted in a significant decrease in animal numbers, particularly pigs, according to the Dutch Feed Industry Association (Nevedi).

The pig sector recorded the sharpest decline in feed demand. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the country’s pig population fell by 5.1% in 2025, while pig feed sales dropped by 7.0% to 3.4 mln tons. The poultry sector also weakened, with poultry numbers declining by 0.5% and feed sales falling by 1.5% to 2.8 mln tons.

In contrast, the cattle sector showed a different trend. Although the cattle herd declined by 1.0%, feed sales for cattle increased by 1.8% to 4.0 mln tons. Nevedi attributes this growth to relatively high milk prices, which encouraged dairy producers to maintain higher production levels and increase feed use.

Nevedi expects the compound feed market to continue contracting in 2026. According to the association, the full impact of voluntary livestock farm closure programs has not yet been realized, meaning further reductions in animal numbers, particularly in the pig sector, will continue to weigh on feed demand.

Additional pressure may come from the Dutch government’s plans to further reduce nitrogen emissions. These environmental policies are expected to accelerate livestock reductions, negatively affecting feed demand and compound feed production over the longer term. At the same time, Nevedi believes that innovative feed technologies designed to reduce emissions and improve the environmental performance of livestock farming could create new opportunities for the feed industry.

Tags: compound feed, Netherlands