Agriculture is easily New Zealand’s biggest industry, and it’s likely the one it’s best known for around the world. The main types are typically sheep and cattle farming, but there are a few more as well. Let’s take a look at some of the common forms that agriculture takes in the state of New Zealand.

The development of New Zealand’s economy is rooted deeply in sheep farming and was the countries most important agricultural industry for 130 years. Back in 1982, New Zealand’s sheep population was through the roof, peaking at 70 million. While this number is lower today, New Zealand remains the largest exporter of lambs around the globe. Sheep are typically farmed for their wool and meat, and the South Island’s climate and terrain make it perfect for sheep farming.

Being the worlds eighth largest milk producer, New Zealand produces over 15 billion litres of milk every year! The 1880s were a big time for the dairy industry in New Zealand, with the first milk-processing factories opening in these years as well as the first milking machines being introduced by 1893. Fast forward to 1920 and there were 600 factories around the country. Today the county produces more than 100 types of dairy products.

Similar to sheep, cattle are also farmed for their meat. Cattle were originally brought to New Zealand in 1814 and were used in the pioneer days due to the fact that they could pull heavy loads and survive on rough pastures on top of the meat they provided.

Fertile soil is important for growing fruit and vegetables, and New Zealand has plenty of it. The kiwi fruit is considered New Zealand’s biggest horticultural export and is mostly grown in the Bay of Plenty region. Other fruits and vegetables that are grown in New Zealand include apples, peaches, avocados, plums, nectarines and so much more. Grapes are also big for making wine across the country.

New Zealand’s high-quality coastal waters and abundance of plankton, as well as the prevalence of inlets and sheltered harbours, create the perfect conditions for aquaculture. The countries aquaculture products are exported to 79 countries around the world and are widely considered some of the best seafood in the world. Aquaculture is considered one of the world’s most efficient forms of food production, and New Zealand has positioned itself at the high-end of the market with its premium seafood products around the globe. Some of the common products in New Zealand aquaculture include mussel, oyster and salmon.

Agriculture is a huge industry in New Zealand and there are so many ways to go about it. Whether it’s fish, sheep, or fruits and vegetables, you have a lot of options if you’re interested in learning more.