Optimism from our red meat sector but an acknowledgement, that challenges remain

Earnings for New Zealand's core red meat exports are expected to rise by 1.4 billion dollars to 10.5 billion dollars, for the 2024-25 season.

Beef and Lamb New Zealand Board Chair Kate Acland says US tariffs risk taking about half a billion dollars out of the sector.

She says the spread of forestry has also had an impact.

Acland says stock losses due to afforestation has seen two billion dollars in potential losses over the next five years.