The effect of higher energy costs on New Zealand beef producers' exports to United States

Abstract

In this thesis the energy intensity of marginal New Zealand and United States beef production is estimated and the effect of any difference on New Zealand beef producers' exports to the United States is analysed.

After outlining the world energy situation and reviewing the literature on the topic, systems typical of marginal beef production in both countries are described.

Process analysis is used to identify the inputs into the marginal beef production systems and estimates of the energy used to supply the inputs are summed to derive mega joule per kilogram of meat values.

The difference in energy use of the two countries systems are compared and contrasted. The effect of such differences on New Zealand beef producers' exports is analysed by a supply and demand model and complicating factors are discussed. Given the restrictions of the simple model it is concluded that New Zealand beef producers will most likely be worse off after an energy price rise.