October 13, 2006

New Zealand's live cattle exports to China shows promise

With world demand for milk growing at 4 percent annually, but supply increasing at only 2 percent a year, there is definitely a bright future for New Zealand's cow exports, Manawatu Farmers Livestock manager Andy Wood said.

Manawatu is a region in the north island of New Zealand.

As evidence, Wood points to a recent order from China for New Zealand friesian heifers this season to meet its increasing demand for milk. China has been increasing orders lately, other customers include Mexico and New Zealand.

The Manawatu and Tararua- sourced heifers would be shipped to China as part of a consignment of about 4000 heifers next September as two-year-olds.

China wants quality stock, Wood noted and extra condition and weight growth in the last month have helped in marketing the heifers.