NZ Red Meat Exports Hit $867m in August, Up 23%
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
MPI director-general Ray Smith say recovery for the red meat sector will take approximately two years.
MPI director-general Ray Smith acknowledges the tough times that sheep and beef farmers are going through in terms of loss of profitability and says he's been to many of the regions hammered by weather events. He describes the situation as heartbreaking.
"But I want them to hang on to is the fact that all the indicators are that we will return to a positive position," he says.
Smith says recovery for the red meat sector will take about two years, but the worst is over and prices are starting to come back. But he believes when they do come back, they will not be at the same high level as they were.
He says there are many positive things going on for the red meat sector. He notes NZ protein is still sought after by the growing middle classes in our markets and believes that because of our farming systems, climate change will have less impact on our farmers than our competitors.
"Our production system is highly efficient it doesn't rely on a whole lot of imported feed or other grown feed, and I think that will give us an advantage over the countries that we compete with," he says.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.

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