New Zealand reports increase of the beef cattle herd
In the last 12 months, New Zealand’s beef cattle herd increased by 1.9%, according to a survey released recently by Beef and Lamb New Zealand.
The herd in counting now 3.7 million cattle and the production is expected to grow as beef breeders in Marlborough-Canterbury are retaining most of the young cattle.
Meantime, the sheep flock has slowed its decline as farmers responded positively to strong prices and good grass growth leading into winter.
Beef and Lamb New Zealand Economic Service Chief Economist Andrew Burtt says the analysis reveals a younger ewe flock as farmers retain more hoggets for future production. The number of breeding ewes fell in all regions of New Zealand – and by 2.1% overall.
“The number of breeding ewes decreased 3.5% to 8.3 million in the North Island, while South Island numbers dropped 0.8% to 9.0 million. The decrease largely reflects farmers taking advantage of strong prices for mutton. There was also a preference – particularly in the older farmer demographic – towards less labour intensive livestock options to sheep.”
Consequently, the national hogget flock is up on last year. “Hogget numbers increased 2.5% to 9.1 million, largely from Marlborough-Canterbury where ewe hoggets were retained to replenish declining ewe flocks, and trade lamb purchases from Southland due to dry summer conditions. The lamb crop is expected to be down 3.8% to 22.8 million. This follows a record lambing percentage the previous season and a smaller breeding ewe flock but moderated by a lift in lambs from hoggets mated.
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