Global meat demand surges, but NZ’s supply is lagging

Global meat demand surges, but NZ’s supply is lagging
(Image: Getty)
Riley Kennedy
Global demand for red meat is strong, but New Zealand lacks sufficient livestock to meet it.Although it is difficult to put an exact figure on it, the country could be losing hundreds of millions of dollars in export revenue.It is a somewhat awkward dynamic that is playing out in the NZ red meat sector at the moment, with farmers getting near-record prices for their products. Still, processors’ margins are being squeezed as they scrap amongst themselves for livestock.NZ’s livestock numbers have fallen in recent years off the back of...

More Primary Sector

Spring Sheep’s Nick Hammond off to Zespri
Primary Sector

Spring Sheep’s Nick Hammond off to Zespri

He will be replaced at the sheep dairy business by Thomas MacDonald.

Riley Kennedy 30 Oct 2025
Zespri harvests record NZ crop
Primary Sector

Zespri harvests record NZ crop

Kiwifruit marketing company Zespri said this season’s New Zealand crop of around 215 million trays, or more than 770,000 tonnes, has been the largest yet.“Even with a significant increase in volume, from more than 195 million trays last season to 215 million this year, our market...

Rebecca Howard 30 Oct 2025