date:Aug 14, 2014
l be a key factor determining the final lamb crop.
For the first time since 2006-07, beef cattle numbers increased to 3.76 million reflecting good feed conditions and improved returns, which led farmers to hold on to older cattle.
Breeding cows were in good condition at mating. With favourable feed supplies over the winter, and assuming good feed supplies continue into spring, the calving percentage is expected to be similar to last year, Mr Burtt said.
The only exceptions are Northland and