Browse Data and Analysis

New Zealand fluid milk production is estimated at 21.7 million metric tons (MMT) for the 2025 market year (MY). This is slightly above the previous 5-year average of 21.6 MMT and a slight increase compared to MY 2024.

The efficiency of Ukraine’s beef production remains low, with most beef derived from dairy animals.

Ukrainian chicken meat production continues its slow recovery in 2025, approaching pre-February 2022 production levels. Ukraine’s largest producer, MHP SE, reports stable production at full capacity.

Favorable pricing and weather conditions for New Zealand cattle farmers have resulted in a retention of finishing cattle on farms and less slaughter in 2024. Farm operations face challenges with continuing financial pressure such as high debt, increasing on-farm inflation, and declining farmgate margins.

In 2025, Ukraine’s fluid milk production will decrease slightly due to growth in the size and productivity of industrial farms, despite a larger decrease in dairy cow inventory.

New Zealand fluid milk production is forecasted to be 21.3 million metric tons (MMT) in the 2025 market year (MY).

Post expects livestock numbers and beef production to continue their decrease through 2025. Beef production efficiency remains low, with the majority of beef derived from dairy and dual-purpose animals.

FAS/Wellington 2025 market year production forecast would be the highest annual production on record, If realized. In addition, post is forecasting that beef and veal exports in 2025 to also be the highest volume for New Zealand in a single year.

Ukrainian chicken meat production recovered in 2024 and is expected to continue its slow recovery in 2025, with total production still below the pre-full-scale invasion level. Ukraine’s largest producer, MHP SE, reports stable production at full capacity.

New Zealand fluid milk production is forecasted to be 21.2 million metric tons (MMT) in the 2024 market year (MY). This is a decrease on the previous 5-year average of ~21.6 MMT, reflecting the decreasing herd numbers and the short-term effects of the following: El Niño weather pattern, softening revenue, high cost of debt servicing, and challenging feed and fertilizer prices.

Following a gradual decline in the national cattle herd over the previous years, breeding cow numbers for beef and dairy are looking to stabilize in 2024. At the end of 2023, a new national coalition government was elected.

In 2023, Ukraine's cattle inventory and beef production remained on a three-decade-long downward trend. The decrease in consumer numbers and comparatively high beef prices resulted in a domestic consumption drop and increased exports of both live cattle for slaughter and beef.