This report was motivated by the continued unrest and perceived dysfunctional nature of the New Zealand sheep meat industry relative to its ongoing viability and sustainability. Processing overcapacity, amalgamation, single desk, change to management structures, lack of R&D, rising on farm costs, are only a few of the widely debated topics that are seen as key issues the industry needs to address to ensure a sustainable industry for the future. It is acknowledged that where we are now is not working and is not economically sustainable in its current form. Whilst there have been a number of reports that have been written in recent years highlighting key issues with the sheep meat sector, there has been little traction as to positive movement towards resolving the issues that have been identified, and the same issues continue to arise in subsequent reports and publications. This report takes a different approach in that it addresses how our supply chain needs to be structured if we are to effect long term sustainability into our sheep meat sector. Through an integrated sheep meat value chain we have the opportunity to deliver long term sustainability to our primary sector. [Show full abstract]

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.