NZ Sheep Recovery in numbers but challenges remain

The annual B+LNZ Stock Number Survey shows sheep and cattle numbers in the national flock and herd are on the rise.

Sheep and beef numbers are on the rise indicating recovery in the national sheep flock and the national beef cattle herd. Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) recently released their its annual Stock Number Survey which provides an assessment of the stock numbers between June 30, 2024, and June 30,2025.

The report summarises the results from a survey carried out to estimate the number of sheep and beef cattle on hand at June 30 and provides estimates for the change in livestock numbers four months before provisional figures are available from the Statistics New Zealand Agricultural Production Survey.

The survey shows New Zealand’s total sheep numbers fell modestly by 1%, in contrast to sharp falls in recent years, while beef cattle numbers rose 4.4%.

B+LNZ Chairperson Kate Acland said the survey shows there are reasons for optimism in the sheep and beef sector given recent strong prices, although significant challenges remain.

“We’re seeing rebuilding of stock numbers in several regions after drought and other adverse weather events led to sharper reductions in the last two years. Farmers are getting much better prices and are feeling more confident about shorter-term prospects.”

Several areas such as Taranaki-Manawatū and Northland-Waikato and Bay of Plenty recorded above the average reductions due to a combination of dry conditions and land-use change.

Regions like East Coast and Marlborough-Canterbury showed signs of active flock rebuilding and growth in trading hogget numbers as they rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and drought last year. This recovery has been supported by strong continued prices for beef and a turnaround in sheep prices in the last nine months.

Source: B+LNZ and NZ Staff