In the vibrant landscape of New Zealand’s agriculture industry, live export stands out as one of the most controversial yet integral trades. Almost a year ago, this trade was abruptly halted, and yet, before that it had been moving at a rapid pace. The ban, through the winding-down process, has left far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the livelihoods of farmers and exporters but also the intricate web of businesses that rely on this trade.
Since its inception in late 2019, BeefGen has become a prominent player in the world of live export and has been at the forefront of exporting cattle to China. This trade has not only bolstered BeefGen’s business in recent years but has also benefited countless other businesses across the motu. However, the ban has left many skilled individuals, including stock agents and export service providers, with uncertain futures – all eagerly awaiting the reinstatement of the trade by the new coalition government.
I am Alex Feng, Managing Director of BeefGen. In August of 2023, we organised a business delegation to China to reconnect with BeefGen’s clients and visit the thousands of cattle we have exported over the years. Crossing half of China from the far east to the bottom of the south, we were extremely satisfied with the livestock conditions we observed.
One such valued client is Mr Zhang, a close friend of the late Patrick Lane. His beef farm is in the upper north of China, near the border with Mongolia. BeefGen has exported thousands of New Zealand Angus cattle to his farm over the years, significantly contributing to the growth of his operations. During our visit, it was evident the imported cattle had thrived in the new environment, with the farm now boasting an impressive 20,000 head of cattle, up from approximately 5000 head in 2019. Zhang’s success and his robust animal welfare management made us very proud of what we were doing. His farm is just one example of the positive impact of the New Zealand livestock export industry.
Since 2024, BeefGen has gained its live export licence and started its operations in Australia. Australia has been at the forefront of export requirements globally, which has made the trade more resilient, sustainable, and positioned it as a global leader in regulation.
Looking ahead, the future of New Zealand’s live export industry remains uncertain. The decision to reintroduce the live export industry stirs up passionate debates on both sides of the issue. While concerns over animal welfare have been critical to the current decision, there are compelling arguments in favour of bringing back live export that warrant careful consideration.
The reintroduction of live exports should not be seen as backward step for animal welfare. On the contrary, it should be seen as an opportunity for New Zealand to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure first-class compliance with international welfare standards. By implementing robust regulations and monitoring mechanisms, New Zealand can safeguard the welfare of its livestock and maintain its reputation as a world-leading provider and pioneer of the best animal welfare standards.
One of the most significant benefits of reinstating live export is the potential economic boost it would bring to New Zealand’s agricultural sector. The big question for all of us to ponder is, can the New Zealand rural sector afford to miss the boat?
