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New Zealand's Sheep Population Plummets 21%; Kiwifruit Thrives

5/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand's agricultural landscape is shifting dramatically. By June 2024, the sheep population plummeted to 23.6 million—a staggering 21% decline since 2014. Dairy cattle and deer herds also faced reductions, while horticulture thrived, with kiwifruit plantings soaring by 32%. The nation exported a remarkable $74.1 billion in goods, mainly to China, the U.S., and Australia.

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Story summary

New Zealand's agricultural landscape is shifting dramatically. By June 2024, the sheep population plummeted to 23.6 million—a staggering 21% decline since 2014. Dairy cattle and deer herds also faced reductions, while horticulture thrived, with kiwifruit plantings soaring by 32%. The nation exported a remarkable $74.1 billion in goods, mainly to China, the U.S., and Australia.