Widely respected economist Shamubeel Eaqub used data to spark an important discussion about the people productivity gap in NZ’s red meat sector at Out the Gate 2025. A recording of his presentation is now available.
While the world is uncertain, Shamubeel highlighted “levers” you can pull as a business owner to unlock opportunities and be more productive and profitable.
Focusing on what you can control, he said your people is your superpower. He said it is the most powerful adjustment you can make to have the biggest profitability and productivity impact and encourages you to invest in your leadership, management and your business culture.
Watch the recording and read some key takeaways below.
The importance of investing into yourself and your people
While the world is uncertain with more volatility in politics and policy, Shamubeel urges farmers to think about what you can control inside of your business, especially unlocking potential in your people.
He said if you want your business to succeed in an environment that is incredibly uncertain, we should be investing into ourselves first, especially in your leadership skills, then into our people’s management skills and overall business culture. “This is what matters most,” he said.
Business first – make profit, reward your people
Shamubeel asked farmers to think about themselves as business owners who run sheep and beef farms. “While you are sheep and beef farmers – you are actually business owners. You are running a business, which happens to be in farming.
“When you’re a business person, the thing you’re optimising is having enough profits, having the right people and rewarding them to the best of your ability.”
He said that at the end of the day revenue doesn’t mean anything, what matters is if you have made profit.
Productivity – what does it mean? What can you do?
As an economist, Shamubeel defines productivity as whether you’re making more profits, creating better jobs and better pay for your workers.
While New Zealand’s productivity has generally been climbing, there has been a stall in the last 10 years directly correlating to a recorded stall in the productivity of the food and fibre sectors.
To increase productivity, Shamubeel reinforces the need for good leadership, management and culture within businesses to make the best use of the tools available.
“Fundamental of good business is good leaders, good managers, and good culture. This is what you have to invest in,” he said.
Out the Gate 2026
B+LNZ is excited to bring you Out the Gate 2026 next year. It will be in the South Island and incorporate the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards.
More detail to come soon. Keep a lookout in your weekly e-diary.