March 23, 2012

New Zealand beef production is expecting a 6.5% rise in 2012, due to ideal growing conditions which lead to higher carcass weights.

Cattle slaughter was down slightly at the end of 2011, due to good pasture conditions making it possible for farmers to carry more stock over the summer months.

As the dairy and beef herds increase, higher cow kills are expected due to replacements. On top of this the cow herd is expected to grow even bigger with additional 80,000 - 90,000 cows in 2012, the majority going into the expanding dairy herd.

Domestic consumption will remain unchanged, which means that the extra production will be ready for export.