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
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
Mexico’s tougher, two-step treatment and added checkpoints are catching cases before they can spread—good news for producers near the border.
Harvest Builds As Logistics And Input Costs Shape Fall Decisions
Jack Daniel’s will end its Cow Feeder Program, which served around 100 livestock operations near the distillery, and redirect spent grains to its anaerobic digester.
Farm debt is climbing to record levels at ag banks, reflecting pressure on crop producers’ finances even as livestock and land values lend stability to the sector.
Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.
