LIVESTOCK LOSSES
Sheep
Sheep losses were confined mainly to the high and hill country areas in July but all areas were affected in August.
Average sheep deaths in the survey flocks was 13.2% (0 -49.6%). Losses in upland areas were similar (high country 14.8%, hill country 15.7%, Banks Peninsula 15.4%) and higher than downland (downs 10.9%. plains 8.4%). Individual losses varied from zero to a maximum of 3788 on a high country property. Thirteen percent of ewe losses occurred in July, 47% in August and 40% after the snows. Lamb losses averaged 604 per farm (range 5 -2400).
Total losses for both snows (N = 143 survey farms)
Sheep |
Deaths (%) |
Range |
Ewes |
15.0 |
0-66.7 |
Wethers |
19.2 |
0-45.5 |
Hoggets |
3.7 |
0-28.6 |
Total Sheep |
13.2 |
0-49.6 |
Cattle
Cattle losses averaged 4.9% (0-29.6%), cows being most affected. The highest loss on any one farm was 76. Cow losses were highest in the high country (11.2%), hill country (7.0%) and Banks Peninsula (7.4%) with only small losses on the downs (1.7%) and plains (1.7%). Two-thirds of the cow deaths occurred after the snows.
Class |
Deaths (%) |
Range (%) |
Cows |
8.2 |
0-37.4 |
Heifers |
2.7 |
0-20.0 |
Steers |
0.3 |
0-3.7 |
Wintering calves |
2.8 |
0-75.0 |
Total Cattle l |
4.9 |
0-26.0 |
' Includes bulls
Deer
Death rate averaged 7.6%, being highest on Banks Peninsula (20.2%) with up to 210 lost on one farm. Losses were lowest on the plains (1.6%). High, hill and downs farms were intermediate at 3.0, 4.2 and 4.9% respectively. Losses were similar among hinds, stags and weaners.
Contact for Enquiries
North Island
Phil Journeaux
Manager
North Island Regions
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Private Bag 3123
Hamilton
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 7 957 8314
Fax: +64 7 957 8315
South Island
John Greer
Regional Team Leader
Natural Resources Group
MAF Policy
PO Box 20 280
Christchurch
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 3 943 1703
Fax: +64 3 943 1757
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