There are only 5 sheep per capita in New Zealand
At its peak, in the 1980s, there were 22 sheep for every New Zealander. This fell to just 5 per capita in 2022, according to Stats NZ data reported by AHDB. Within 20 years, the sheep population declined by 36% to 25.3 million heads. Capital cuts are linked to falling wool prices, unfavorable weather conditions, and competition from forest plantations for carbon credits.
Exports that resist
Even if the herd declines, New Zealand's export performance remains stable. During recent years, for example, the national chip has a contract of 19%, with exports on a total flow of 400,000 tons (+7% between 2012 and 2022), which allows for an increase in Productivity.
Towards a decline in exports
Beef & Lamb New Zealand expects an 8.5% decline in lamb production for the 2022/23 season due to lower ewe numbers. Sheep meat exports are also expected to decline. New Zealand sheepmeat export volumes have risen slightly (+3%) since October, but exporters have favored China (+17%) over the UK (-37%) due to higher yields. The next supply is expected to decline.
“Reader. Travel maven. Student. Passionate tv junkie. Internet ninja. Twitter advocate. Web nerd. Bacon buff.”