{
  "id": 3165452,
  "title": "Farmers believe rising pest numbers of deer, possums outpacing control efforts - survey",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/farmers-believe-rising-pest-numbers-of-deer-possums-outpacing-control",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-25T01:56:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RNZ Business",
    "slug": "rnz-business",
    "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/1117849/farmers-believe-rising-pest-numbers-of-deer-possums-outpacing-control-efforts-survey"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new survey conducted by Federated Farmers reveals that New Zealand farmers are struggling to manage rising numbers of pest animals such as deer, possums, and wild pigs despite increasing spending on control measures. The biennial survey, which polled 660 farmers, found that 90% of farms actively manage pests, spending around $82 million on control efforts in the past year. However, 66% of farmers reported an increase in pest numbers over the past five years. Brushtail possums, deer, and wallabies topped the list of the worst pests nationwide, though rats, Canadian geese, wild pigs, and rabbits posed significant issues in certain regions.\n\nRichard Dawkins, Federated Farmers' meat and wool chairman, noted that while recreational hunting is widespread across rural New Zealand, it is insufficient to control pest populations. Farmers engage recreational hunters themselves or enlist the help of friends or family, and 50% seek professional assistance. Nevertheless, Dawkins stressed that hunting alone cannot solve the problem. Rooting animals like deer, wild pigs, and goats are more prevalent on sheep and beef farms than dairy farms, where Canadian geese are most common. Arable farms typically have higher rabbit populations and issues with unlisted species like birds and hares, though deer, pigs, or goats are less common.\n\nPest animals cause numerous problems for farmers, including competition for pasture space with livestock, infrastructure damage, and the spread of diseases like tuberculosis and leptospirosis. Possums, present on 90% of surveyed farms, and rats, present on virtually all, are the primary disease carriers. An example of the severe consequences of leptospirosis spread by wild pigs was cited, with one farmer losing $100,000 due to a miscarriage outbreak in pregnant stock. The damage to infrastructure, such as fences and gates, caused by these animals, further compounds the issue. Farms lose productive grazing space as wild animals consume grass, leading to a decrease in livestock productivity.\n\nDairy farms experience fewer production losses than sheep and beef farms, which suffer an estimated $384 million nationwide due to pests. Around 30% of farmers have reduced their livestock numbers due to pest infestations, particularly in sheep and beef farming areas like Tairāwhiti, Hawke's Bay, Southland, and Otago. These regions are believed to contain hotspots for deer and wild goats. A national strategy to manage deer specifically is deemed overdue, with the government recently announcing funds for three pilot projects to address wild deer on privately-owned land. Both the Game Animal Council and University of Canterbury ecologist David Norton advocate for a national deer strategy. Possums pose a threat to biodiversity and animal health, with the TB-free programme managed by OSPRI and conservation efforts led by the Department of Conservation and regional councils. Neighboring forestry and Crown land are identified as primary sources of pest reinvasion, surpassing control measures from other farming neighbors.",
  "summary": "The survey featured one farmer who reported $100,000 in production losses after a leptospirosis outbreak, believed to be spread by wild pigs.",
  "key_points": [
    "90% of New Zealand farms actively manage pests, spending $82 million annually.",
    "66% of farmers report an increase in pest numbers over the past five years.",
    "Brushtail possums, deer, and wallabies are the top three worst pests nationwide."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}