NZ dairy cow population at 5.3 million 

The number of dairy cows in New Zealand is on the rise and there are now over five million grazing Kiwi pastures.

Statistics New Zealand figures show there were 5.3 million dairy cows in New Zealand at the end of last year, a 2% increase over the last five years.

The move comes as the number of sheep on New Zealand farms continues to drop - down to just over 38.5 million dairy cows in the country at the end of last year - a 2% increase over the last five years.

North Island sheep numbers of 18.5 million are at a similar level to those recorded in 2002 whereas South Island numbers have fallen from 21.1 million in 2002 to 19.9 million in 2007.

Dairy Farmers of New Zealand chairman Frank Brenmuhl believes that growth in the dairy sector is in line with current trends overseas.

He says dairying is a reasonably secure option in terms of demand for product and believes the trend will continue for some time until the beef and sheep sector lifts.

Brenmuhl is expecting beef and sheep prices to increase next year.

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