March 24, 2011

New Zealand cattle output decreases in January

Overall cattle output in New Zealand declined 10% on year in January, falling from 62,718 tonnes in 2010, to 56,140 tonnes this year.

This decrease in production was caused by a fall of 8% on year in slaughter, to 206,337 head.

The declines in production and slaughter resulted from one of the wettest Januaries on record, especially on the north island which is also a major cattle producing region. Rainfall records were broken in many north island areas, with totals exceeding double the norm in nearly all districts, according to New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. Subsequently, the mustering and movement of cattle became difficult, with flooding disrupting supply channels. As a result, North Island production declined 14% on year, to 43,285 tonnes.

National average carcass weight also fell 3% on year in January, dropping to 272kg/head. Although this was a slight decline, carcass weight throughout January is traditionally high and reflects the better season at this time of the year.