Meat sector needs more dairy input

Northland’s Murray Jagger says a worrying decline in farmer confidence about how their levies are being spent, and the fluctuating profitability of beef and lamb, are sure signs governance must change. 

He is concerned that about 50% of farmers who pay a levy to BLNZ are not satisfied with how their money is spent.

The most recent BLNZ annual report (2015-16) shows that farmer confidence in the future of beef and sheep also decreased by 26%, to about 30% in the last 12 months.

“Sheep and beef farm profitability decreased by 20% in that last financial year,” Jagger says.

“Those figures concern me. Despite stronger market prices for sheep meat and beef over the last year, we must continue to leverage the collective value of our meat levy through industry-good activities and achieve a more profitable red meat sector and more resilient and prosperous communities.

“Dairy farmers contribute levies, so it makes sense that they see a return. This election is not just about the beef and lamb industry but about the red meat sector, so dairy farmers should register to vote and have their say.

 “With dairy cattle numbers increasing 56% over the last ten years, beef cattle numbers declining by 31% and sheep by 40%, we must ensure our levy is used effectively to provide tools, solutions and research that enhance our competitive position.”

One such enhancement, he suggests, is in breeding practices, with opportunities for farmers to see an increase in the return they get from their bobby calves.

Jagger, the Whangarei candidate in the northern North Island district election, farms 650 dairy cows and 250 dairy/beef (Jersey/Angus) at Whangarei Heads. He has been breeding his dairy stock with Angus for 35 years, to improve the quality of the beef.

“Most farmers currently breed for either dairy or beef. But if we could breed for both – with short gestation, easy calving and better-quality meat – there would be a greater return for farmers.”

He says breeds such as Herefords, Angus and Wagyu are examples of animals with high-quality meat. The Wagyu is in demand from Asia, where marbled meat is popular.

“We can increase the gross value from the national herd by having a beef focus.”

He says his onfarm breeding practices, and his role on the beef advisory group for Beef + Lamb Genetics, inspired him to run for election.

Jagger is running for a position against Martin Coup (Aria) and Ross Wallis (Raglan) as a director and chairman of BLNZ; James Parsons is not seeking re-election as chairman.

Jagger says dairy farmers need to register with BLNZ to vote, to ensure they have a say.

“Beef and dairy operators are part of the red meat sector and all pay a levy to BLNZ; 70% of the beef kill is from the dairy industry,” he said.

Jagger is in a governance role with LIC but will retire from that next year.

He says profitability is decreasing for beef farmers as land gets converted from beef and sheep to dairy.
Other challenges he sees for the sector include the price of wool and the impact of synthetic carpets and materials in the market.

He says strong governance and diversity can raise social and political pressure that bear on farmers’ “social licence” to operate. Other challenges he sees are environmental, animal welfare, biosecurity and market access, and the need for farmers to be better educated about succession plans.

How to vote

Voting papers will be posted to registered farmers on February 12; farmers not registered must register to be able to vote. 

To be eligible to vote, a livestock farmer must have owned at least 250 sheep or 50 beef cattle or 100 dairy cattle on June 30, 2017.

Voting papers must be returned by March 16; internet voting is available. Check if you’re registered by calling 0800-666032 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..