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
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Bernt Nelson provides an updated outlook on the current U.S. cattle market.
Sen. Roger Marshall: ‘I’m Begging Everyone to Take a Breath’ on High Beef Prices, New Import Markets
Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.
Record Australian exports and rising U.S. imports reflect continued tight domestic cattle supplies — a reminder that herd recovery remains key to balancing future beef prices.
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) discusses the USDA’s new cattle plan, ethanol policy, and the broader challenges ahead for rural America.
“President Trump Undercuts America’s Cattle Producers,” says NCBA
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
