Livestock
Beef + Lamb NZ forecasts lamb prices down 8% and profit down 20%, but still a strong year
Farm profit before tax is forecast to average NZ$267,200 in 2026-27 against a provisional record $335,500, with beef cattle prices down 4.5% and expenses up 4.2% on a stronger dollar, dearer fuel and fertiliser and a dry El Niño; chair Kate Acland says returns remain well above the five-year average