Sheep, beef outlook looking more positive

Northern South Island Beef and Lamb Farmer Council is seeing signs that  the decline in sheep...
Northern South Island Beef and Lamb Farmer Council is seeing signs that the decline in sheep numbers may be halting. Photo from Allied Press files.
Prospects are looking promising for the sheep and beef sector in the northern South Island.

That is the view of Mike Williams, chairman of the Northern South Island Beef and Lamb Farmer Council and national deputy chairman.

Presenting his report to the council's annual meeting in Methven last week, Mr Williams said farmers on the east coast had experienced a kind winter and good weather for lambing and calving.

''Unlike the dairy industry we can anticipate slightly higher returns for this coming season.

''Over recent years we have seen a lot of land use change and the challenge is out there for us to make our industry competitive so that farmers will see sheep and beef as a preferred option. We are now seeing signs that give me hope that we have seen the end to the decline in sheep numbers,'' Mr Williams said.

The organisation had come a long way from the individual sheep and beef councils that were run from Wellington under Meat and Wool, he said.

''One of our biggest challenges now is deciding which events not to run as the event calendar is now a lot fuller and farmers have a lot more events to choose from.

''Stock firms, seed companies, veterinary outfits, to name a few, are all out there running events to promote what they have to offer,'' Mr William said.

''Co-hosting some of these events has worked well, as while some groups have the enthusiasm, the Beef and Lamb NZ team's extension expertise can add value to the day.''

Next year, farmers will vote on whether they wish to continue with sheep and beef levies, which fund the organisation.

Mr Williams said the Red Meat Profit Partnership programme was still in the first phase of its operation in gaining information, but farmers should reap rewards once the programme progressed.

''The land and water regional plan should be at the forefront of farmers' minds as it has significant implications on how we can operate,'' he said.

Beef and Lamb has been running land environment plan workshops, and the annual meeting followed one held in Methven. About 20 people attended.

The free workshops were designed to guide farmers through building their own farm plan. Beef and Lamb has developed a planning toolkit and those attending had some practice at identifying land and environmental issues on their farm, taking stock of the land, soil and water resources, assessing production opportunities and environmental risks, and developing an action plan.

- Maureen Bishop 

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