A Model of the New Zealand Beef Value Chain

New Zealand’s beef industry produces approximately 580,000 tonnes of beef per year, about 80% of which is exported, with approximately 70% of this beef destined for the North American manufacturing market. Around 65% of beef cattle originate from the dairy industry. Beef cows produce 1.1 million calves (killed as heifers or steers) per year for the prime beef market. In addition, 0.4 to 0.6 million of the 3.3 million calves produced by the dairy industry, predominantly Friesian or beef-sired dairy cross bulls, are retained for the manufacturing beef market. Cull dairy cows also contribute significantly to this market. Improved efficiencies, changing management strategies and better linkages between the dairy and beef industries, have the potential to provide benefits along the whole beef value chain. However, it is difficult to objectively assess and quantify these.