New Zealand's sheep flock dropped 3 per cent to the lowest level since the 1930s Depression as farmers sold stock to cope with drought conditions and facial eczema.
Lamb numbers are likely to fall 2.9 percent this spring.
New Zealand now has about seven sheep for every person, down from 22 per person in 1982 when there were more than 70 million sheep. All regions reduced sheep numbers in the latest year as farmers chased higher returns for cattle, facial eczema impacted flocks, farmers reduced stock due to dry conditions, and as a result of fewer lambs the previous spring. The number of breeding ewes fell 3.1 percent, the 10th consecutive annual decline.
Sheep numbers reduced to 28.3 million as at June 30 from 29.1 million a year earlier, marking the lowest level since 1934, according to the latest survey from the Economic Service of farmer-owned industry organisation Beef + Lamb New Zealand. Lamb numbers this spring are forecast to drop 2.9 per cent to 23.3 million.
"North Island ewe numbers decreased 2.9 per cent to 9 million with drought conditions and facial eczema a significant cause," said Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief operating officer Cros Spooner.