Agricultural Production Statistics: June 2009 (final)

At 30 June 2009:

• Dairy cattle numbers reached 5.9 million, up 5 percent from 2008.
• South Island dairy cattle numbers increased to 2.1 million, up 13 percent from 2008.
• Sheep numbers fell to 32.4 million, down 5 percent from 2008.
• The total area planted in wine grapes rose to 33,400 hectares, up 13 percent from 2007.

During the year ended 30 June 2009:

• 28.0 million lambs were tailed, 10 percent down on the 2008 figure.
• 53,900 hectares of wheat were harvested, up 27 percent from 2008.
• 77,700 hectares of barley were harvested, up 15 percent from 2008.