A study trip to New Zealand has shown that despite being more than 11,000 miles away, livestock farmers across the world share many of the challenges faced by domestic producers.
They met key industry organisations, farmers and the heads of NZ’s largest sheep meat processors.
In the past 30 years, NZ farmers have increased lamb output by 23 lambs per 100 ewes, with a 25% increase in average carcase weight and 85% more kilos or lamb per ewe.
This has meant that although farmers have seen a decline of 46% in ewe numbers, production has only fallen by seven per cent.
However, this year NZ lamb production is estimated to be at its lowest for four years which could have positive impact on UK?producers after recent turbulent times.
NFU members can read a full report from chief NFU livestock adviser Peter Garbutt here (you’ll need to log in).