New Zealand has long been known for having more sheep than people, but that iconic ratio is slowly shrinking.
In 2024, the country had 4.5 sheep for every person. That is a far cry from the 22 sheep per person in 1982.
As wool prices fell and farming shifted to more profitable industries, New Zealand’s sheep numbers have steadily declined. Despite efforts to support the wool industry, the national flock continues to shrink, with neighboring Australia facing a similar trend.
Related Stories
Customers have reported a 55-percent reduction in the use of antibiotics as a result of the new technology.
For many people, raising cattle isn’t just a job —it’s a legacy passed down from generation to generation.
According to the USDA Outlook Board, margins could improve for producers depending on a decrease in cases of High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI).
Chaley Harney, Executive Director of the Montana Beef Council, and Jonna Jones, Director of Marketing for Wentana, LLC, say it’s a great time for both cattle producers and beef consumers to celebrate one of America’s favorite proteins.
