How Covid 19 is affecting New Zealand's red meat sector

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The name change of Rabobank's latest Agribusiness Monthly report illustrates how "we're living in a different world now", animal proteins and sustainability analyst Blake Holgate says.

For October, the report is called Rabobank Agribusiness Monthly and Covid-19 update.

"Covid-19 obviously has had such an influence on agriculture and the returns our clients are getting, it's essential that we address how things are progressing," Holgate told The Country's Jamie Mackay.

Higher value cuts such as lamb rack or venison - which were sold through the food service and restaurant trade - had struggled to move due to lockdown restrictions, Holgate said.

As a result, New Zealand processors were looking to domestic retail shelves to sell these high end products.

"This is giving New Zealand consumers the opportunity to have access to cuts of meat previously that they haven't really been able to access - and at discounted prices," Holgate said.

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While a reduced price was good news for consumers, it would have a negative effect on the returns for farmers in the short term, Holgate said.

However, in the long term, this gave New Zealand consumers the opportunity to eat new cuts of meats and "hopefully that trend sticks," Holgate said.

Also in today's interview: Holgate took a look at the lamb schedule for next season and how it could affect New Zealand sheep farmers.