New Zealand’s livestock numbers are on the decline.  

Latest figures from Stats NZ show a 21% drop in sheep numbers over the past 10 years – a total decline of 6.2 million sheep since 2014.  

The number of dairy cattle also fell 13% over the same period, coinciding with the increase in land being converted for forestry. 

Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard told Mike Hosking he believes the costs around RMA and other rules and regulations are partially responsible. 

He says one farmer he visited gave up and converted entirely to forestry as dealing with the wetland rules and requirements were too hard and costly.  

Hoggard hopes the work they’re doing around RMA will allow farmers to make smart decisions on their farms as opposed to giving up and planting trees. 

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