Animal health is the top priority
Respondents rated improving animal health as particularly important and, with an average score of 1.63, it once again – as in the last survey – clearly tops the list of areas where innovation is desired. For farms, the key priorities are to detect diseases at an early stage, reduce their causes and continuously monitor the animals’ health. Daily animal observation and consistent herd management can be supported by digital monitoring and sensor systems. In line with this, participants also rate improvements in herd management and animal observation as important. Improved health and herd management can help to reduce labour and financial costs, prevent losses and stabilise animal performance. This, in turn, enhances the efficiency and profitability of farms.
Furthermore, respondents are hoping for innovations in the areas of improving the barn climate and needs-based feeding. Both of these have, amongst other things, a positive impact on animal health.
Animal health and herd management are also closely linked to animal welfare. Improvements in these areas can therefore not only promote operational efficiency, but also enhance the public acceptance of livestock farming and the external image of farms.
Work organisation is becoming increasingly important
Farms are also placing great hopes in improving work organisation. Good work organisation is becoming increasingly important, particularly given the growing demands for documentation, monitoring and animal observation on the one hand, and the simultaneous rise in the shortage of skilled labour and pressure on labour costs – but above all on costs – on the other. Innovations that simplify, automate or make work processes more transparent are therefore seen as a crucial lever for securing the future of these businesses. Digital solutions, automation and AI-supported systems can help to reduce routine tasks, make more efficient use of working hours and simplify herd management.
Biosecurity and hygiene remain key areas for innovation
Improvements in biosecurity and hygiene are also highly valued. In view of the ongoing outbreak of animal diseases and the stricter requirements regarding the health status of herds, this area remains a key focus for innovation.
African swine fever has significantly increased the importance of preventive measures in the European pig industry. For farms, the focus is on identifying risks at an early stage, reducing routes of entry and consistently integrating hygiene measures into daily workflows. Technical solutions can help to control access and the flow of goods, document processes and support compliance with biosecurity measures.
EuroTier 2026 as a key innovation platform
The DLG is offering interested pig farmers, as well as representatives from academia, industry and trade associations, numerous opportunities to find out about the latest innovations and engage in professional exchange, particularly at this year’s EuroTier, which takes place from 9 to 13 November in Hanover.
On the ‘Expert Stages’ dedicated to pigs, biosecurity and feed safety, key challenges will be highlighted and discussed with a focus on solutions.
DLG-Agrifuture Insights
DLG knowledge brand and platform for international trend analyses in the agricultural sector
It examines the business environment in agriculture in Germany and worldwide. For this purpose, farmers and people from agribusiness, science and consulting are surveyed annually on their assessments of the economic situation and development of agricultural businesses, as well as technology trends and innovations in the individual business sectors. A total of 1,772 people took part in the current survey in winter 2025/26.
