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
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
A smaller U.S. turkey flock and resurgent avian flu have tightened supplies, driving prices higher even as other key holiday foods show mixed trends.
Experts highlight the importance of monitoring insecticide resistance in crops and improving disease traceability at livestock shows through RFID technology.
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
