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Rabobank animal proteins analyst Jen Corkran.
Farmgate beef prices remain at record levels and show no sign of easing.
By February, the North Island bull indicator had reached $9.65/kg CWT, an all-time high, and premiums on top, meaning some producers may be getting closer to $10/kg.
Rabobank animal proteins analyst Jen Corkran noted that farmgate beef pricing had held at record levels across the first two months of 2026, supported by strong offshore demand.
She says December 2025 saw the average export value for New Zealand beef reach $12.42/kg, another record, reflecting both a supportive currency at the time, and broad global demand."
ANZ agri economist Matt Dilly says beef prices continue to rise both at the farmgate and in-market.
With strong demand overseas and great pasture conditions, prices should easily hold through the end of 2025/26 and likely longer, says Dilly.
Corkran agrees that the NZ summer has so far delivered very favourable grass-growing conditions across the country.
"This has enabled farmers to hold stock longer and add additional weight. While positive for productivity, this does contribute to localised procurement challenges at times, even as export demand holds firm," she says.
Corkran says New Zealand beef export volumes are expected to increase by 3-4% in 2026, in line with higher production.
Chinese beef trade quotas and a looming suspension of Brazilian beef imports into the European Union are expected to reshape global beef trade flows over the remainder of 2026, with implications for New Zealand exporters, according to Rabobank's Q3 Global Beef Quarterly report.
New Zealand consumers are paying more for beef mince than ever before, with the average retail price now sitting above $24 per kilogram, according to Rabobank.
West Otago dairy farmer Luke Kane has been awarded the 2026 Rabobank Dr John Morris Business Development Prize.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.
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