As of June 2024, there were approximately ***** million sheep in New Zealand, a slight decrease from the previous year in which there were around ***** million sheep in the country. The number of sheep in the country has declined over the past decade.  Sheep farming New Zealand was once known for its disproportionate number of sheep per population. However, since the 1970s, the country’s sheep population has fallen drastically. A major factor that has contributed to this decline is sheep farming land lost to other purposes such as urban sprawl, dairy farming, and horticulture farming. The number of lamb livestock has similarly seen a decline. Consumption and exports Sheep in New Zealand are bred for wool and meat, including mutton and lamb. New Zealand is a significant player in the global wool market. The country exports strong wool to leading textile manufacturers around the world. However, along with sheep numbers, wool production has decreased significantly across New Zealand. In terms of domestic meat consumption, the per capita consumption of sheep meat in New Zealand was forecast to decline into the next decade. When looking at trade, the leading country for sheep meat exports from New Zealand was China, with the United Kingdom and the United States trailing behind.

As of June 2024, there were approximately **** million beef cattle in New Zealand, a slight decrease from the previous year, when there were around **** million beef cattle in the country. The number of beef cattle, including bulls, steers, and cows fluctuated during the measured period. Livestock farming industry in New Zealand New Zealand is well known for its superior livestock industry, especially in sheep and beef production. While the large sheep population in New Zealand has historical significance, it has declined significantly during the last ten years. The decline can be attributed to numerous factors, including the conversion of sheep farming land for alternative purposes such as urban expansion, the expansion of dairy farming, and the development of horticulture farming. Apart from sheep, there has also been a decrease in the number of lamb cattle. New Zealand’s dairy farming industry The dairy industry is vital to the country’s broader agricultural sector. New Zealand’s cows produce milk processed into various dairy products, consumed locally and internationally. Thus, the dairy industry accounts for a significant amount of New Zealand's export revenue. The environmental challenges facing dairy producers nationwide have gained increasing attention from the public and environmental organizations. The degradation of water quality and greenhouse gas emissions associated with dairy cattle production are two key issues being discussed.

As of June 2024, there were approximately 21.12 million lamb livestock in New Zealand, an increase from the previous year where there were around 21.04 million lambs marked or tailed in the country. The number of lamb livestock has decreased significantly compared to the beginning of the measured period, 2014.

Focusing on the forecast period: The consumption per capita of sheep meat in New Zealand was forecast to continuously decrease by *** kilograms per capita (-*****%) within the next years. Therefore, the consumption per capita is estimated to shrink to **** kilograms per capita in 2031.Consumption per capita is the amount of a certain commodity used per person. The figure is derived by dividing total consumption by total population.Find more key insights for the consumption per capita in countries like Australia.

The Norwegian White sheep (NWS) and New Zealand Terminal Sire Composite (NZC) sheep breeds have been developed based on crossing of multiple breeds, mainly of Northern European origin. A close genetic relationship between these populations could enable across-country genomic evaluations. The main objectives of this study were to assess the genetic connectedness between Norwegian and New Zealand sheep populations and estimate numerous genetic diversity metrics for these two populations. A total of 792 NWS and 16,912 NZC animals were genotyped using a high-density Illumina SNP chip panel (∼606K SNPs). The NZC animals were grouped based on their breed composition as: Finn, Lamb Supreme, Primera, Texel, “Other Dual Purpose”, and “Other Terminal Sire”. The average level of linkage disequilibrium ranged from 0.156 (for Primera) to 0.231 (for Finn). The lowest consistency of gametic phase was estimated between NWS and Finn (0.397), and between NWS and Texel (0.443), respectively. Similar consistency of gametic phase was estimated between NWS and the other NZC populations (∼ 0.52). For all composite sheep populations analyzed in this study, the majority of runs of homozygosity (ROH) segments identified had short length (

OvineExpectedRecombinationRate.txt. This file contains information about physical and expected recombination rate for the entire sheep genome assembly (ISGC Oar_v3.1). The first line gives the correct setting to load it in the UCSC genome browser. This file contains four columns, the chromosome, the physical position for the previous markers, the physical position for the markers, and the expected recombination rate between the two markers. (TXT 1492Â kb)

Several factors have negatively impacted the Wool Scouring industry over recent years. Wool prices have fallen, global demand has slumped and competition from inexpensive synthetic alternatives has intensified. Over the past five years, domestic and export wool prices have declined in real terms, reducing commissions for wool scourers and discouraging wool production, which lowers demand for wool scouring. Tensions between China and the United States have slowed China's textile manufacturing sector, decreasing China's wool purchases from New Zealand and reducing wool scouring demand. The reduction in New Zealand's sheep population as land shifts from grassland farming to forestry has lowered wool supply and activity for scourers. The industry saw revenue climb when wool grease was used in COVID-19 vaccine production, which temporarily widened profit margins. However, as vaccine demand decreases, this revenue stream has dwindled, causing profitability to recede, although it remains above pre-pandemic levels. Overall, revenue is expected to have fallen at an annualised 3.7% over the five years through 2024-25, to $301.5 million. This trend includes an anticipated 2.6% drop in 2024-25. WoolWorks dominates the industry as the only commission-based wool scourer. Wool scouring primarily involves fixed costs that don’t fluctuate with output volumes, which makes it crucial for scourers to attract market share so they can maximise capacity utilisation and support profitability. This creates high barriers for new entrants, allowing WoolWorks to maintain its dominance. The industry faces competition from synthetic substitutes and exporters who bypass scouring and export unscoured wool. The Wool Scouring industry’s future remains uncertain despite efforts to focus on sustainability and position wool as an eco-friendly fibre. The increasing global focus on environmental sustainability is set to position wool as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic fibres. However, this may only slightly slow the decline in wool scourers' revenue, as synthetic fibres will maintain high demand because of their inexpensive pricepoint. Export markets are set to recover slowly from pandemic-related impacts. Revenue is forecast to dip at an annualised 1.7% over the five years through 2029-30, reaching $277.0 million.

The agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry is a major production and export industry in New Zealand. In the year ended March 2024, the gross domestic product (GDP) of this industry amounted to over **** billion New Zealand dollars.  New Zealand agriculture  Pastoral farming of sheep and cattle constitutes a large portion of the New Zealand agriculture industry. Despite continuing a declining trend, New Zealand’s sheep population exceeded ** million in 2024. Sheep meat and wool are both important agricultural commodities produced in the country. These products, along with beef and lamb, are consumed domestically as well as exported overseas. Horticulture production is also an important segment. A wide variety of fresh and processed fruit and vegetables are produced, consumed, and exported from New Zealand. The highest value of horticultural exports from New Zealand went to Asia in 2024. Changing consumption habits The consumption of beef and veal in New Zealand is projected to decrease over the next years. At the same time, global meat consumption is predicted to reduce significantly in the next 15 years, with meat replacements and alternatives filling the market. With the country’s agriculture industry dependent on its meat exports, this presents both challenges and opportunities for New Zealand agriculture.

Background: Merino and Merino-derived sheep breeds have been widely distributed across the world, both as purebred and admixed populations. They represent an economically and historically important genetic resource which over time has been used as the basis for the development of new breeds. In order to examine the genetic influence of Merino in the context of a global collection of domestic sheep breeds, we analyzed genotype data that were obtained with the OvineSNP50 BeadChip (Illumina) for 671 individuals from 37 populations, including a subset of breeds from the Sheep HapMap dataset. Results: Based on a multi-dimensional scaling analysis, we highlighted four main clusters in this dataset, which corresponded to wild sheep, mouflon, primitive North European breeds and modern sheep (including Merino), respectively. The neighbor-network analysis further differentiated North-European and Mediterranean domestic breeds, with subclusters of Merino and Merino-derived breeds, other Spanish breeds and other Italian breeds. Model-based clustering, migration analysis and haplotype sharing indicated that genetic exchange occurred between archaic populations and also that a more recent Merino-mediated gene flow to several Merino-derived populations around the world took place. The close relationship between Spanish Merino and other Spanish breeds was consistent with an Iberian origin for the Merino breed, with possible earlier contributions from other Mediterranean stocks. The Merino populations from Australia, New Zealand and China were clearly separated from their European ancestors. We observed a genetic substructuring in the Spanish Merino population, which reflects recent herd management practices. Conclusions: Our data suggest that intensive gene flow, founder effects and geographic isolation are the main factors that determined the genetic makeup of current Merino and Merino-derived breeds. To explain how the current Merino and Merino-derived breeds were obtained, we propose a scenario that includes several consecutive migrations of sheep populations that may serve as working hypotheses for subsequent studies.

Electric Sheep Shears Market Outlook

The global electric sheep shears market size was valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for efficient and time-saving shearing solutions in the agriculture sector. With the rise in sheep farming and the need for high-quality wool across various industries, the adoption of electric sheep shears is expected to witness significant growth.

One of the major growth factors in this market is the continuous technological advancements in agricultural equipment. Modern electric sheep shears offer enhanced precision, reduced shearing time, and improved animal welfare compared to traditional shearing methods. These advancements have made shearing less labor-intensive and more efficient, encouraging more farmers and professional shearers to invest in electric options. Additionally, the growing awareness about animal welfare and the need to reduce stress and injury during shearing are further propelling the market's growth.

Another significant factor contributing to the expansion of the electric sheep shears market is the increasing global sheep population. As the demand for wool and mutton rises, so does the need for efficient shearing tools. Countries with large sheep populations, such as China, Australia, and New Zealand, are witnessing substantial growth in the adoption of electric sheep shears. Moreover, government initiatives and subsidies aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector are also playing a crucial role in driving market growth.

The rise of e-commerce platforms and online retail is another critical driver for the market. The convenience of purchasing equipment online, coupled with the availability of a wide range of products, has significantly boosted sales of electric sheep shears. Additionally, the ability to compare prices and read reviews online allows farmers and shearers to make informed purchasing decisions. This shift towards online shopping is expected to continue, further fueling the growth of the electric sheep shears market.

Regionally, the market outlook varies significantly. The Asia Pacific region, led by China and India, is expected to dominate the market due to its large sheep population and increasing demand for efficient shearing tools. North America and Europe are also anticipated to witness substantial growth, driven by technological advancements and the rising awareness of animal welfare. Meanwhile, regions such as Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually adopting electric sheep shears as part of their efforts to modernize agricultural practices.

Product Type Analysis

The electric sheep shears market can be segmented based on product type into corded and cordless shears. Corded shears are traditionally more popular due to their consistent power supply and ability to handle extensive shearing tasks without interruptions. These shears are typically preferred in large-scale operations where long hours of continuous use are required. They offer robust performance and are generally more durable, making them a staple in professional shearing scenarios. However, their dependency on a power source can limit their mobility, which is a significant consideration in the field of sheep shearing.

On the other hand, cordless electric sheep shears are gaining traction due to their convenience and flexibility. Advances in battery technology have significantly improved the performance and battery life of cordless models, making them a viable option for both small-scale farmers and professional shearers who need to work in remote locations without access to electricity. The ease of maneuverability and the ability to shear sheep in any location without being tethered to a power outlet make cordless shears increasingly popular. Despite their generally higher cost, the benefits they offer in terms of flexibility and ease of use are driving their adoption.

The choice between corded and cordless shears often depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. For instance, professional shearers who travel frequently and work in different environments may prefer cordless models, while those who operate in a fixed location with access to power may opt for corded shears. The market for both types is expected to grow, with cordless shears likely to see faster adoption rates due to their increasing reliability and convenience.

Manufacturers are also

Description of the population based on pedigree information. The description of the populations based on pedigree information is given. (XLSX 15Â kb)

Description of the markers used for the analyses including physical position, number of informative meiosis, number of meiosis with known phase. (XLSX 320Â kb)

New Zealand's average farm sale prices showed significant regional variations in the three months to November 2024. The price of farm property in the country was the highest in the Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman region as of November 2024, with an average sale price of around ******* New Zealand dollars per hectare. In comparison, in the Auckland region, the average farm sales price came to just over ****** dollars per hectare. A farming nation The agriculture industry is a major economic pillar of the country. The contribution to the nation’s GDP is valued in the billions of New Zealand dollars. Horticulture, livestock, and dairying are all important segments, and the commodities produced within them are exported across the globe. While sheep livestock numbers have declined, they still make up a large share of the country’s livestock population. Horticultural farming While New Zealand exports various horticultural products, including wine grapes, potatoes, and apples, it is perhaps best known for its kiwi fruit. Accordingly, the land area dedicated to kiwi fruit farming has continued to increase over the years. New Zealand’s leading horticultural product export destinations include Asia, Europe, and Australia.

The global cored livestock shear market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for efficient and humane animal shearing practices across the agricultural sector. The market, valued at approximately $150 million in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the rising global meat consumption is directly impacting the demand for shearing equipment, particularly in regions with significant livestock populations like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America. Secondly, technological advancements are leading to the development of more powerful, quieter, and ergonomically designed shears, enhancing operator comfort and efficiency. Finally, the growing awareness of animal welfare is pushing farmers towards adopting less stressful shearing methods, boosting the adoption of advanced cored livestock shears. However, several restraints could potentially impede market growth. High initial investment costs for advanced models, coupled with fluctuating raw material prices, can affect profitability for manufacturers and limit adoption among smaller farms. Moreover, the market faces regional disparities in technological adoption and infrastructure development, with certain regions lagging behind in implementing modern shearing techniques. Nevertheless, the long-term outlook remains positive, as continuous innovation and the increasing global livestock population are expected to overcome these challenges and ensure sustainable market expansion. Segmentation analysis reveals that the 300-500W power range is currently the dominant segment, though higher-powered models are gaining traction due to their increased efficiency in processing larger animals. Sheep shearing remains the largest application segment, followed by cattle and camels. Key players like Lister Shearing, Heiniger, and Andis Company are actively shaping market dynamics through product innovation and strategic expansion.

OvineGeneticMap.IMF.txt. This file contains information about physical and genetics positions for the entire sheep genome assembly (ISGC Oar_v3.1). The first line gives the correct setting to load it in the UCSC genome browser. This file contains four columns, the chromosome, and the physical position for the previous markers, the physical position for the markers, and the genetic position for a marker. (TXT 1492Â kb)

Mean and variance r2 estimated for each chromosome and for 2000 genetic distance points evenly distributed between 0.05 and 50 cM (100 and 1 generations in the past, respectively). For instance, the spreadsheets for the mean r2 were coded as: meanR2rep1_CompRCPT.xlsx, where 1 indicates method 1 and “CompRCPT” indicates the corresponding breed group. The spreadsheets for the r2 variances were coded as: “varR2rep1_CompRCPT.xlsx”, for example. (ZIP 29639 kb)

Focusing on the forecast period: The consumption per capita of sheep meat in Australia was forecast to continuously decrease by *** kilograms per capita (-5.03%) within the next years. Therefore, the consumption per capita is estimated to shrink to **** kilograms per capita in 2031.Consumption per capita is the amount of a certain commodity used per person. The figure is derived by dividing total consumption by total population.Find more key insights for the consumption per capita in countries like New Zealand.

The genetic structure of sheep reflects their domestication and subsequent formation into discrete breeds. Understanding genetic structure is essential for achieving genetic improvement through genome-wide association studies, genomic selection and the dissection of quantitative traits. After identifying the first genome-wide set of SNP for sheep, we report on levels of genetic variability both within and between a diverse sample of ovine populations. Then, using cluster analysis and the partitioning of genetic variation, we demonstrate sheep are characterised by weak phylogeographic structure, overlapping genetic similarity and generally low differentiation which is consistent with their short evolutionary history. The degree of population substructure was, however, sufficient to cluster individuals based on geographic origin and known breed history. Specifically, African and Asian populations clustered separately from breeds of European origin sampled from Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America. Furthermore, we demonstrate the presence of stratification within some, but not all, ovine breeds. The results emphasize that careful documentation of genetic structure will be an essential prerequisite when mapping the genetic basis of complex traits. Furthermore, the identification of a subset of SNP able to assign individuals into broad groupings demonstrates even a small panel of markers may be suitable for applications such as traceability.