NZ Cattle Production Falls 10 Per Cent In January
NEW ZEALAND - Total cattle production in New Zealand (NZ) decreased 10 per cent year-on-year in January, falling from 62,718 tonnes cwt in 2010, to 56,140 tonnes cwt in 2011.
24 March 2011
1 minute read
This decline in production was driven by fall of eight per cent year-on-year in slaughter, to 206,337 head (Statistics NZ).
The declines in production and slaughter resulted from one of the wettest Januaries on record, especially on the north island - the major cattle producing region. Rainfall records were broken in many north island areas, with totals exceeding double the norm in nearly all districts (NZ's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research). Subsequently, the mustering and movement of cattle became difficult, with flooding disrupting supply channels. As a result, North Island production declined 14 per cent year-on-year, to 43,285 tonnes cwt.
National average carcase weights also fell three per cent year-on-year in January, dropping to 272 kg/head. Although this was a slight decline, carcase weights throughout January are traditionally high, reflecting the better season at this time of the year.
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