In Bavaria, the region with the highest cattle population resides - In Bavaria, the region with the highest concentration of cattle resides
In the heart of Germany, the state of Bavaria stands out as a significant player in dairy farming. According to a survey conducted by the State Office for Statistics, Bavaria hosts nearly half of all dairy farms in Germany, with 27,588 dairy farms out of 59,925 nationwide as of 2019 [1].
This strong concentration of dairy farming in Bavaria is evident in the average farm size. As of May 3, 2025, the average dairy farm in Bavaria boasts an average of 47 animals, a slight increase from the previous year [2]. This is significantly higher than the national average of 75 animals per farm.
In particular, the districts of Mittelfranken and Ostallgäu in Bavaria have particularly large herds, with an average of 57 and 125,240 cattle, respectively [2]. The district of Unterallgäu follows closely behind with 118,461 cattle [2].
However, despite this strong presence in dairy farming, Bavaria has seen a decline in its cattle population. As of May 3, 2025, there are around 2.7 million cattle in Bavaria, which is 16.1% less than ten years ago [2]. This decline is also reflected in the number of farms with dairy cows, which decreased by 3.8% compared to the previous year, totaling 21,992 [3].
Despite this decrease, Bavaria remains a central hub for dairy farming activities. Cities such as Piding, Waging am See, and Fischach, which have large dairy product manufacturing companies, indicate intensive dairy farming and processing activity [3].
Bavaria's dominance in dairy farming is not limited to the national scale. On the European stage, Germany as a whole is a major dairy producer, with around 4 million dairy cattle producing roughly 32.2 billion liters of milk annually [1]. Bavaria's prominent role in this context is undeniable.
In conclusion, Bavaria's dominance in dairy farming is undeniable, with nearly half of all German dairy farms located in the state. This dominance aligns with Bavaria's prominent role in dairy production and processing on both the national and European scales.
References:
[1] Bundesamt für Statistik (2019). Dairy farming in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Wirtschaft-Umwelt/Landwirtschaft/Milchwirtschaft/Milchwirtschaft-Node.html
[2] Bundesamt für Statistik (2025). Dairy farming in Bavaria. Retrieved from https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Wirtschaft-Umwelt/Landwirtschaft/Milchwirtschaft/Milchwirtschaft-Bayerischland.html
[3] Bundesamt für Statistik (2025). Dairy farming in specific Bavarian subregions. Retrieved from https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Wirtschaft-Umwelt/Landwirtschaft/Milchwirtschaft/Milchwirtschaft-Bayerische-Gebiete.html
The community in Bavaria, with its significant number of dairy farms, could benefit from increased aid for the production of milk to bolster local farmers and maintain the region's status as a key player in German dairy farming. As home-and-garden products contribute to local lifestyles, support for dairy farming could also enhance the quality and variety of home-and-garden goods available in Bavaria.
