Insights into New Zealand’s livestock

The number of livestock (including sheep, dairy cattle, beef cattle and deer) in New Zealand is estimated at 43.5 million – ten times New Zealand’s human population. Livestock prosper here.

Holding a strong place within New Zealand’s economy, livestock exports were valued at NZ$5.258 billion worth of meat and edible offal and $8.176 billion of milk powder, butter and cheese in the year ending November 2009. We’re renowned for our lamb and beef products.

Leading the way

New Zealand farmers and meat processors are widely regarded as leaders in farm management techniques and animal welfare. With a history of farming, ground-breaking research and stringent biosecurity standards, New Zealand has been able to stay ahead of its top competitors within the global market.

Listed as a Category 1 country, New Zealand has the best biosecurity risk assessment rating a country can receive. The European Commission classifies New Zealand as “highly unlikely” to have cattle which are, or will become, infected with Mad Cow disease. New Zealand’s beef industry is often considered the world’s largest “closed herd”.

Key Resources

We suggest looking at the following resources:

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry publishes up to date and relevant news, research and publications
• Meat and Wool New Zealand provides the latest news, resources and tools for beef and sheep farming in New Zealand
• Federated Farmers are advocates for New Zealand’s farmers and they develop policies, lobby and provide advisory services.