Beef Cows To The Rescue

Hill country farms - steep, harder-to-manage land - have traditionally relied heavily on sheep, but that balance is changing.

Beef cow numbers are starting to recover across the country. This reflects a mix of better prices for farmers, ongoing labour shortages and the practical benefits cattle bring to pasture management and parasite control in sheep farming.

For many of these farmers, cattle are an appealing option because they can simplify operations without reducing overall returns. Good news too for dairy farmers selling young stock to be raised for beef.