November 18th, 2024

Decline in New Zealand's livestock numbers linked to reduced grassland areas

Recent statistics reveal a significant reduction in sheep and cattle numbers due to shrinking grasslands, impacting national agricultural outputs.

As of June 2023, the national sheep flock has decreased by 3%, a reduction of 773,000, leaving the total at 24.4 million.
As of June 2023, the national sheep flock has decreased by 3%, a reduction of 773,000, leaving the total at 24.4 million.

New Zealand's livestock population has experienced a notable decrease, with sheep and cattle numbers dropping as grasslands diminish, according to the latest figures from Stats NZ.

As of June 2023, the national sheep flock has decreased by 3%, a reduction of 773,000, leaving the total at 24.4 million. Similarly, beef cattle numbers have declined by 4% (167,000) to 3.7 million, and dairy cattle by 1% (45,000) to 5.9 million over the same period.

Stuart Jones, the Senior Manager for Environmental and Agricultural Statistics at Stats NZ, linked these declines to a long-term reduction in grassland areas.

"From 2011 to 2023, we've seen a 12% decrease in grassland areas, which translates to about 942,000 hectares - roughly the size of 15 Lake Taupos," Jones was quoted in the media release from Stats NZ.

Much of this land has been repurposed for forestry, with pine and other exotic forest areas increasing by 11% (179,000 hectares).

Despite these challenges, agriculture remains a cornerstone of New Zealand's economy. The country's total exports for the year ending 31 March 2024 amounted to $69 billion, with major contributions from agricultural sectors including milk powder, butter, and cheese (28%), meat and edible offal (13%), and logs, wood, and wood articles (7%).

The 2023 Agricultural Production Survey, which provided these insights, underscores the importance of agricultural data in supporting the informed management of resources, national accounting, and environmental monitoring. The survey's results help illustrate the economic and ecological impacts of agricultural practices in New Zealand.

Jones also highlighted a significant reduction in fertiliser use, with urea usage down by 11% (54,000 tonnes) compared to the previous year, reflecting a shift in farming practices amid environmental concerns.

As the landscape of New Zealand farming continues to evolve, Stats NZ acknowledges the contributions of the many farmers who participated in the survey, essential for tracking changes and planning for the future.