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New Zealand's Sheep Population Plummets Despite Government Efforts

5/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In New Zealand, the iconic sheep population stands at a staggering 23.6 million, outnumbering the 5.3 million residents by a ratio of 4.5 sheep for every person. This figure has dwindled from 22 sheep per person in 1982, driven by plummeting wool prices and a pivot towards dairy farming. Despite government efforts to reverse this trend, the decline persists.

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Story summary

In New Zealand, the iconic sheep population stands at a staggering 23.6 million, outnumbering the 5.3 million residents by a ratio of 4.5 sheep for every person. This figure has dwindled from 22 sheep per person in 1982, driven by plummeting wool prices and a pivot towards dairy farming. Despite government efforts to reverse this trend, the decline persists.