McIvor to step down in July
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor will step down in July.
New zealand beef export returns reached a record high, exceeding lamb and mutton returns for the first time in 20 years in the season ending September 30, analysis by Beef + Lamb New Zealand's economic service shows.
It is worth noting, however, that sheepmeat returns were constrained by supply.
NZ beef and veal exports generated $3.2b in 2014-15, up 39% on the previous season. This reflected an increase in shipments (+10%) and average value (+26%).
Driven by high beef prices, mainly due to strong US demand and low dairy prices, NZ beef production increased significantly in 2014-15.
Beef exports averaged $7510/tonne in 2014-15 vs $5970 in the previous season. In the 35 years since records have been kept, the average value of NZ beef exports has not exceeded $6000/tonne.
Demand was particularly strong in North America and Northeast Asia, where exports increased by 22% and 7%, respectively, while shipments to every other region declined. The two largest export markets were the US and China.
Despite an increase in lamb production in the 2014-15 season, NZ lamb exports were down 2%, but offset by a rise in the average value of lamb exports (+3.4%).
NZ lamb export returns reached $2.6b in 2014-15, up 1.3% on the previous season. In 2014-15 half of the returns were achieved in the EU, while Northeast Asia, the second largest export region, accounted for 21% of lamb export returns.
After doubling over the previous five years, NZ lamb shipments to Northeast Asia decreased by 12% in 2014-15. This was due to more product being exported to other markets.
While 2014-15 NZ mutton shipments were down on 2013-14 – dropping 8.8% to 85,300 tonnes shipped weight – the shipments were still 13% higher than the five-year average. This reflects higher levels of production and exports in 2013-14.
The combination of lower shipments and no change in the average value resulted in mutton export returns dropping 9.0% to $445m in 2014-15.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.