Otaogo, Southland identified as regions in New Zealand with fastest growth in beef cattle numbers
 
 

Farmers in New Zealand's Southern region are seen as the key players pushing the growth of the country's beef cattle numbers which increased 2.6% in the year ending June 30, NZ Herald reported this month.

Based on a recent annual stock number survey released by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, there is currently an estimated 3.8 million of beef cattle in the country.

Otago and Southland were identified as the regions with the fastest growth in beef cattle numbers - growth was up by 12.9% and 12% respectively in both regions, as strong prices encouraged farmers to maintain or lift herd sizes, the report said.

According to ANZ's latest Agri Focus report, beef prices were not far below records, which was driving positivity in the red meat sector.

In addition, demand from China continued to underpin beef markets.

- NZ Herald