New Zealand Cattle Slaughter to Increase Slightly in 2025
Source: DairyNews.today
According to a recent USDA Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report, New Zealand’s cattle slaughter numbers for the 2025 marketing year (MY) are forecast to rise slightly, reaching 4.645 million head.
This marks a modest increase of 5,000 head compared to the 2024 MY. The projected uptick is attributed to evolving practices within the dairy sector, particularly the increased retention of non-replacement calves for finishing to mature weight.
Historically, calves not intended for herd replacement were considered wastage, but changes in farming strategies have led to more heifers and steers being raised for slaughter. This shift has resulted in a higher number of "other cattle" (heifers, steers, and bulls) being processed, despite a decline in cow slaughter numbers.
New Zealand’s livestock landscape continues to evolve, with cattle herds gaining prominence as sheep and deer numbers decline. This species mix shift is contributing to heavier carcass weights, as cattle are prioritized for feeding in a national herd that was once more heavily focused on sheep.
On the global front, USDA data points to a growing demand for beef and veal, increasing at a rate of 0.3% annually. As the world’s sixth-largest exporter of beef and veal, New Zealand is expected to meet this demand, with FAS/Wellington attributing the stable beef cow numbers to this global trend.
The recent easing of government restrictions, following a change in political leadership, is expected to slow the previously rapid decline in herd numbers. Notably, adjustments to regulations surrounding winter grazing and stock exclusion are making beef farming more viable in marginal and extensive grazing areas that were previously forecasted for conversion into forestry. These regulatory changes could help bolster the sustainability of New Zealand’s cattle industry in the coming years.
Historically, calves not intended for herd replacement were considered wastage, but changes in farming strategies have led to more heifers and steers being raised for slaughter. This shift has resulted in a higher number of "other cattle" (heifers, steers, and bulls) being processed, despite a decline in cow slaughter numbers.
New Zealand’s livestock landscape continues to evolve, with cattle herds gaining prominence as sheep and deer numbers decline. This species mix shift is contributing to heavier carcass weights, as cattle are prioritized for feeding in a national herd that was once more heavily focused on sheep.
On the global front, USDA data points to a growing demand for beef and veal, increasing at a rate of 0.3% annually. As the world’s sixth-largest exporter of beef and veal, New Zealand is expected to meet this demand, with FAS/Wellington attributing the stable beef cow numbers to this global trend.
The recent easing of government restrictions, following a change in political leadership, is expected to slow the previously rapid decline in herd numbers. Notably, adjustments to regulations surrounding winter grazing and stock exclusion are making beef farming more viable in marginal and extensive grazing areas that were previously forecasted for conversion into forestry. These regulatory changes could help bolster the sustainability of New Zealand’s cattle industry in the coming years.