NZ Red Meat Outlook 2026: Growth amid trade uncertainty
While things are looking positive for the red meat sector in 2026, volatility in global trade remains a concern, says the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
Beef + Lamb NZ chair Andrew Morrison says the new strategy aims for better profitability and sustainability.
New Zealand’s red meat sector has launched a new strategy to identify and unlock market opportunities and improve the sector’s sustainability, productivity and prosperity.
The strategy is a collaboration between Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
It sets out four key goals for the sector to achieve by 2030, including sustainably profitable, premium value, vibrant communities, and trusted guardianship.
The strategy builds on the first Red Meat Sector Strategy which was adopted in 2011.
“Our vision is to grow sustainable value together and we are committed to doing the right thing by our people, animals and environment,” said Andrew Morrison, chairman of B+LNZ.
He says the new strategy would establish critical priorities B+LNZ and MIA would work on together with industry partners.
“We have set our sights on greater profitability, sustainability and resilience. We are seeking increased value for our customers and consumers and greater social and economic benefits for Aotearoa,” he said.
Morrison says that since the first Red Meat Sector Strategy was established, co-operation continued to grow and expand into new areas.
“By partnering across the supply chain on the most important challenges and opportunities for the red meat sector, we have been able to create value for all sector participants, as well as our country, communities and consumers.”
John Loughlin, chairman of MIA, says the strategy captures work the sector is already engaged in and the opportunities that will build the sector’s future.
“By establishing clear goals and priorities, the strategy provides a platform for partnerships of shared aspiration especially with Māori, the dairy sector, other primary sector leaders and the New Zealand Government,” Loughlin said.
“Our people and businesses are integral to New Zealand’s communities and economy. We are proud of what we do and our contribution to the wellbeing and prosperity of our country, and we’ll keep working hard to constantly improve.”
Keratin biomaterials company Keraplast and Wools of New Zealand have signed a new superpremium wool contract which is said to deliver a boost to wool growers.
While things are looking positive for the red meat sector in 2026, volatility in global trade remains a concern, says the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
The quest to find innovative practical, scientific solutions to deal with water-related issues at a catchment level has been the theme of an important conference at Massey University last week.
One of the country's top Māori farms faces a long and costly rebuild to get the property back to where it was before recent storms ripped through it.
The latest Global Dairy Trade auction results have delivered a boost to dairy farmers.
New Zealand potato growers are prioritising value creation from high yields to meet a complex mix of challenges and opportunities, says Potatoes NZ chief executive Kate Trufitt.

OPINION: First on the scene after the recent devastating storms in parts of the North Island were emergency services and selfless…
OPINION: Why can't Christopher Luxon stand up to Winston Peters over the latter’s high-profile attack on the proposed Indian FTA?