Sheep & Beef Farm Conversion to Forestry Slows, Risk Remains
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
Esther Guy-Meakin has been announced as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
Kate Acland, chair of the NZMB, says Guy-Meakin is a senior trade policy and advocacy professional with experience across the public and private sectors.
"Esther has held senior roles spanning international trade negotiations, industry advocacy, strategic communications and government relations," Acland says.
“Her deep trade policy expertise and strong understanding of the red meat sector will be valuable to the Board as it continues its important work on behalf of New Zealand’s farmers and exporters.”
Guy-Meakin has had a career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), leading goods negotiations in the RCEP and India-New Zealand free trade agreements, serving as legal adviser to the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiating team, and representing New Zealand as a diplomat in New Delhi, India.
She has also held senior roles at Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association, leading trade advocacy and market access strategy for the red meat sector.
Guy-Meakin will start her new role on 3rd August.
She replaces Nick Beeby, who has been appointed chief executive of the Meat Industry Association.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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