NZ Red Meat Prices to Remain Strong Despite Tightening Margins

Red meat prices are expected to remain strong in New Zealand for the 2026-27 season, but farm margins may tighten due to a stronger New Zealand dollar and rising input costs.

B+LNZ's New Season Outlook for 2026-27 forecast average lamb farmgate prices to decrease by 8.0 percent and beef cattle prices by 4.5 percent, while farm expenditure is expected to rise by 4.2 percent.

Farm Profit Before Tax is predicted to average $267,200, down 20 percent from the provisional record season average of $335,500 in 2025-26, but still well above the five-year average.