Meat farmers are celebrating beefed up profits - after a tough six years

Total red meat exports are expected to grow 13-percent this year, reaching 10.2 billion dollars on the back of strong demand, a new trade agreement and favourable prices.

Beef and Lamb NZ Chair, Kate Acland says profitability is still below the five year average.

But she says this turn around's a vast improvement - and worth celebrating.

She says this helps with on farm confidence.