New Zealand's pasture-based industry, worth NZ$14 billion, focuses on sheepmeat and beef exports (>80-95% output). In 2025, slaughter down early due to high prices.
Production Sheepmeat ~0.45 million tonnes, beef ~0.70 million tonnes, total ~1.15 million tonnes. Poultry and pork minor.
Exports and Consumption Exports to Asia/U.S. dominant. Per capita consumption ~101 kg, high globally.
Relative to Population Population 5.3 million 2025. Per capita production ~217 kg, consumption ~101 kg, export-focused.
Represents sheep and beef farmers, promoting sustainability, market access, and innovation through advocacy and industry-funded programs. www.beeflambnz.com
The peak body for dairy farmers, supporting milk production through advocacy, sustainability initiatives, and farmer education. www.dairynz.co.nz
Represents farmers across livestock sectors, advocating for policy, biosecurity, and economic interests of cattle, sheep, dairy, and other producers. www.fedfarm.org.nz
Represents pork producers, focusing on welfare standards, biosecurity, and market development for the pig industry. www.nzpork.co.nz
Advocates for poultry meat and egg producers, ensuring biosecurity, welfare, and sustainability in the poultry sector. www.pianz.org.nz
Promotes wool production and trade, supporting sheep farmers with market strategies and sustainability initiatives. www.nzwool.co.nz
A Crown Research Institute specializing in livestock genetics, nutrition, health, and sustainable farming systems for cattle, sheep, and dairy. www.agresearch.co.nz
Fosters research in animal production, including nutrition, meat science, welfare, and genetics, publishing the New Zealand Journal of Animal Science. www.nzsap.org
Conducts research on animal health and biosecurity, including livestock-related studies, supporting sustainable agriculture and food safety. www.cawthron.org.nz
