Wellington, New Zealand, has long been known for its unique sheep-to-human ratio, which has often been the subject of humor among New Zealanders living abroad. The country boasts a sheep population of approximately 23.6 million, compared to just 5.3 million people. This means that there are about 4.5 sheep for every New Zealander, according to recent statistics released by the government. However, this ratio has significantly decreased from 1982, when there were around 22 sheep for each person, highlighting a notable shift in the agricultural landscape of the nation.

Historically, sheep farming has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy. At its peak in 1982, the sheep population soared to over 70 million, while the human population was only 3.2 million. This thriving industry not only provided meat and wool but also shaped the country’s international image, particularly before the tourism boom brought by the “Lord of the Rings” films. Pictures of serene green pastures dotted with sheep against stunning mountain backdrops became synonymous with New Zealand’s identity.

In recent years, however, the sheep industry has faced significant challenges. A decline in global wool prices, driven by a shift towards synthetic fibers, has forced many farmers to reconsider their agricultural practices. As a result, the number of sheep has steadily decreased, with dairy farming now taking precedence in New Zealand’s agricultural exports. In 2023, it was reported that the sheep population had dipped below five sheep per person for the first time, indicating a worrying trend for the traditional sheep farming sector.

To adapt to changing market conditions, many farmers have turned to more profitable ventures, such as dairy farming or converting their land for pine forestry to sell carbon offsets. Toby Williams, a representative from the Federated Farmers lobby group, expressed concern that the wool industry may be on the verge of collapse, stating that it is approaching a critical tipping point where it may no longer exist in its current form. This shift reflects a broader transformation in New Zealand’s agricultural priorities.

In response to the declining sheep population, the New Zealand government has implemented measures aimed at revitalizing the wool industry. New guidelines encourage the use of locally sourced wool products in public buildings, and there are plans to limit the conversion of farmland to carbon forestry. Despite these efforts, experts remain skeptical about their effectiveness in reversing the trend of decreasing sheep numbers. Similar patterns are observed in neighboring Australia, where sheep outnumber people, but the national flock is also diminishing, with approximately three sheep per Australian.

Original news source: Yes, New Zealand still has more sheep than people. But humans are catching up (AP News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out different phrases or concepts related to sheep farming and New Zealand’s agriculture without speaking, while the other groups guess what they are. Examples can include “sheep shearing,” “wool production,” or “dairy farming.”

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a set of statements related to the sheep industry and agriculture in New Zealand (e.g., “The wool industry is vital for New Zealand’s economy”). Students will circulate the room, asking their classmates whether they agree or disagree with each statement. After the poll, they will share the results with the class.

– ARTICLE TIMELINE
Instructions: Provide students with key events and statistics from the article (e.g., sheep population peak in 1982, current sheep-to-human ratio). In small groups, students will work together to arrange these events chronologically on a timeline, discussing the significance of each event as they go.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: On a large piece of paper or whiteboard, have students create a mind map based on the article. They will start with “New Zealand Sheep Farming” at the center and branch out with related themes such as “Economic Impact,” “Population Changes,” and “Agricultural Shifts.” Encourage them to use relevant vocabulary from the article.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: In pairs, students will discuss and make predictions about the future of sheep farming in New Zealand over the next decade. They should consider current trends mentioned in the article and come up with at least two positive and two negative predictions. Afterward, pairs will share their predictions with the class.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the current sheep-to-human ratio in New Zealand according to recent statistics?
2. How has the sheep population in New Zealand changed since 1982?
3. What impact did the sheep farming industry have on New Zealand’s international image before the tourism boom?
4. What challenges has the sheep industry faced in recent years, and what has contributed to these challenges?
5. How have farmers adapted to the changing market conditions in New Zealand’s agricultural sector?
6. What concerns did Toby Williams express regarding the future of the wool industry?
7. What measures has the New Zealand government implemented to support the wool industry in light of the declining sheep population?
8. How do the trends in sheep populations in New Zealand compare to those in neighboring Australia?
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🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Wellington, New Zealand, has long been (1)______ for its unique sheep-to-human ratio, which has often been the subject of humor among New Zealanders (2)______ abroad. The country boasts a sheep population of approximately 23.6 million, compared to just 5.3 million people. This means that there are about 4.5 sheep for every New Zealander, according to recent statistics (3)______ by the government. However, this ratio has significantly decreased from 1982, when there were around 22 sheep for each person, highlighting a notable (4)______ in the agricultural landscape of the nation.

Historically, sheep farming has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy. At its peak in 1982, the sheep population soared to over 70 million, while the human population was only 3.2 million. This thriving industry not only provided meat and wool but also shaped the country’s international (5)______, particularly before the tourism boom brought by the “Lord of the Rings” films. Pictures of serene green pastures dotted with (6)______ against stunning mountain backdrops became synonymous with New Zealand’s identity.

In recent years, however, the sheep industry has faced significant challenges. A (7)______ in global wool prices, driven by a shift towards synthetic (8)______, has forced many farmers to reconsider their agricultural practices. As a result, the number of sheep has steadily decreased, with dairy farming now taking precedence in New Zealand’s agricultural exports. In 2023, it was reported that the sheep population had dipped below five sheep per person for the first time, (9)______ a worrying trend for the traditional sheep farming sector.

To adapt to changing (10)______ conditions, many (11)______ have turned to more profitable ventures, such as dairy farming or converting their land for pine forestry to sell carbon offsets. Toby Williams, a (12)______ from the Federated Farmers lobby group, expressed concern that the wool industry may be on the verge of collapse, stating that it is approaching a critical tipping point where it may no longer exist in its current form. This shift reflects a broader transformation in New Zealand’s agricultural priorities.

In response to the declining sheep population, the New Zealand government has implemented (13)______ aimed at revitalizing the wool industry. New guidelines encourage the use of locally sourced wool products in public (14)______, and there are plans to limit the conversion of farmland to carbon (15)______. Despite these efforts, experts remain skeptical about their effectiveness in reversing the trend of decreasing sheep numbers. Similar patterns are (16)______ in neighboring Australia, where sheep outnumber people, but the national flock is also diminishing, with approximately three sheep per Australian.
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💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a significant agricultural product in your country, and how does it compare to New Zealand’s sheep farming?
2. How would you feel if your country faced a similar decline in a traditional agricultural industry?
3. Do you like the idea of using locally sourced materials in public buildings? Why or why not?
4. What is a common stereotype about your country that you find humorous?
5. How do you think the decline in sheep farming might affect New Zealand’s cultural identity?
6. Do you think synthetic fibers will completely replace natural fibers like wool in the future? Why or why not?
7. What is a personal experience you have had with agriculture or farming in your community?
8. How would you feel if you were a farmer facing the challenges described in the article?
9. Do you think governments should intervene in struggling industries? Why or why not?
10. What is a sustainable practice that you believe should be adopted in agriculture?
11. How do you think tourism can impact traditional industries like sheep farming?
12. Do you think the shift towards dairy farming in New Zealand is a positive change? Why or why not?
13. What is a challenge facing farmers in your region, and how do you think it can be addressed?
14. How would you feel if your favorite traditional product was at risk of disappearing?
15. Do you think the trend of decreasing sheep numbers in New Zealand will continue, or do you see potential for recovery? Why?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. ratio
2. cornerstone
3. synonymous
4. precedence
5. adapt
6. ventures
7. representative
8. verge
9. tipping point
10. transformation
11. revitalizing
12. guidelines
13. conversion
14. diminishing
15. flock

Meanings:
(A) The edge or brink of something
(B) Becoming smaller or less in size, amount, or degree
(C) To adjust or modify to suit new conditions
(D) The condition of being considered more important than something else
(E) A set of rules or instructions to be followed
(F) A group of animals, especially birds or sheep, that live, travel, or feed together
(G) Business enterprises or projects that involve risk
(H) A person chosen or appointed to act or speak for others
(I) A relationship between two numbers indicating how many times the first number contains the second
(J) Closely associated with or suggestive of something else
(K) The process of changing something into a different form or use
(L) A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance
(M) Bringing new life or energy to something
(N) A critical point in a situation that leads to a significant change
(O) An essential or fundamental part of something
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the sheep population in New Zealand as mentioned in the article?
(a) Approximately 30 million
(b) Approximately 15 million
(c) Approximately 23.6 million
(d) Approximately 40 million

2. How many people live in New Zealand according to the article?
(a) Approximately 4 million
(b) Approximately 6 million
(c) Approximately 5.3 million
(d) Approximately 7 million

3. What was the sheep-to-human ratio in New Zealand in 1982?
(a) About 10 sheep for each person
(b) About 15 sheep for each person
(c) About 30 sheep for each person
(d) About 22 sheep for each person

4. What has been a significant challenge for the sheep industry in recent years?
(a) Increase in sheep population
(b) Decline in global wool prices
(c) Rise in demand for sheep meat
(d) Lack of farmland

5. What agricultural practice has taken precedence over sheep farming in New Zealand?
(a) Vegetable farming
(b) Dairy farming
(c) Poultry farming
(d) Fish farming

6. What measures has the New Zealand government implemented to support the wool industry?
(a) Encouraging the use of locally sourced wool products
(b) Subsidizing sheep farmers directly
(c) Banning synthetic fibers
(d) Increasing sheep imports

7. What is the current sheep population per person in New Zealand as reported in 2023?
(a) About ten sheep per person
(b) About three sheep per person
(c) About seven sheep per person
(d) Below five sheep per person

8. What concern did Toby Williams express regarding the wool industry?
(a) It may be on the verge of collapse
(b) It is thriving and expanding
(c) It has no competition
(d) It is becoming more profitable than dairy farming

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The sheep population in New Zealand has not notably decreased since 1982, when there were about 22 sheep per person.
2. Experts are optimistic about the effectiveness of government efforts to reverse the trend of decreasing sheep numbers in New Zealand.
3. Wellington, New Zealand, has a sheep population of approximately 23.6 million compared to 5.3 million people.
4. The New Zealand government has not introduced measures to revitalize the wool industry, including encouraging the use of locally sourced wool products.
5. The decline in global wool prices has led many farmers to shift towards dairy farming and other ventures.
6. The sheep-to-human ratio in New Zealand is not approximately 4.5 sheep per person.
7. Historically, sheep farming has been a key component of New Zealand’s economy.
8. In 1982, New Zealand’s sheep population peaked at over 70 million.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What historical factors contributed to the peak sheep population in New Zealand in 1982?
2. How has the shift towards synthetic fibers impacted the wool industry in New Zealand?
3. What measures has the New Zealand government taken to revitalize the wool industry in response to the declining sheep population?
4. In what ways have farmers adapted to changing market conditions in New Zealand’s agricultural sector?
5. What concerns did Toby Williams express regarding the future of the wool industry in New Zealand?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the current sheep-to-human ratio in New Zealand according to recent statistics?
The current sheep-to-human ratio in New Zealand is about 4.5 sheep for every New Zealander.

2. How has the sheep population in New Zealand changed since 1982?
Since 1982, the sheep population in New Zealand has significantly decreased from around 70 million to approximately 23.6 million.

3. What impact did the sheep farming industry have on New Zealand’s international image before the tourism boom?
Before the tourism boom, the sheep farming industry shaped New Zealand’s international image by creating picturesque images of serene green pastures dotted with sheep against stunning mountain backdrops.

4. What challenges has the sheep industry faced in recent years, and what has contributed to these challenges?
The sheep industry has faced challenges due to a decline in global wool prices driven by a shift towards synthetic fibers, forcing many farmers to reconsider their agricultural practices.

5. How have farmers adapted to the changing market conditions in New Zealand’s agricultural sector?
Farmers have adapted by turning to more profitable ventures like dairy farming or converting their land for pine forestry to sell carbon offsets.

6. What concerns did Toby Williams express regarding the future of the wool industry?
Toby Williams expressed concern that the wool industry may be on the verge of collapse and is approaching a critical tipping point where it may no longer exist in its current form.

7. What measures has the New Zealand government implemented to support the wool industry in light of the declining sheep population?
The New Zealand government has implemented measures such as encouraging the use of locally sourced wool products in public buildings and plans to limit the conversion of farmland to carbon forestry.

8. How do the trends in sheep populations in New Zealand compare to those in neighboring Australia?
Similar trends are observed in Australia, where sheep outnumber people, but the national flock is also diminishing, with approximately three sheep per Australian.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) known
(2) living
(3) released
(4) shift
(5) image
(6) sheep
(7) decline
(8) fibers
(9) indicating
(10) market
(11) farmers
(12) representative
(13) measures
(14) buildings
(15) forestry
(16) observed
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. ratio
Answer: (I) A relationship between two numbers indicating how many times the first number contains the second

2. cornerstone
Answer: (O) An essential or fundamental part of something

3. synonymous
Answer: (J) Closely associated with or suggestive of something else

4. precedence
Answer: (D) The condition of being considered more important than something else

5. adapt
Answer: (C) To adjust or modify to suit new conditions

6. ventures
Answer: (G) Business enterprises or projects that involve risk

7. representative
Answer: (H) A person chosen or appointed to act or speak for others

8. verge
Answer: (A) The edge or brink of something

9. tipping point
Answer: (N) A critical point in a situation that leads to a significant change

10. transformation
Answer: (L) A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance

11. revitalizing
Answer: (M) Bringing new life or energy to something

12. guidelines
Answer: (E) A set of rules or instructions to be followed

13. conversion
Answer: (K) The process of changing something into a different form or use

14. diminishing
Answer: (B) Becoming smaller or less in size, amount, or degree

15. flock
Answer: (F) A group of animals, especially birds or sheep, that live, travel, or feed together
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the sheep population in New Zealand as mentioned in the article?
Answer: (c) Approximately 23.6 million

2. How many people live in New Zealand according to the article?
Answer: (c) Approximately 5.3 million

3. What was the sheep-to-human ratio in New Zealand in 1982?
Answer: (d) About 22 sheep for each person

4. What has been a significant challenge for the sheep industry in recent years?
Answer: (b) Decline in global wool prices

5. What agricultural practice has taken precedence over sheep farming in New Zealand?
Answer: (b) Dairy farming

6. What measures has the New Zealand government implemented to support the wool industry?
Answer: (a) Encouraging the use of locally sourced wool products

7. What is the current sheep population per person in New Zealand as reported in 2023?
Answer: (d) Below five sheep per person

8. What concern did Toby Williams express regarding the wool industry?
Answer: (a) It may be on the verge of collapse
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The sheep population in New Zealand has not notably decreased since 1982, when there were about 22 sheep per person. (Answer: False)
2. Experts are optimistic about the effectiveness of government efforts to reverse the trend of decreasing sheep numbers in New Zealand. (Answer: False)
3. Wellington, New Zealand, has a sheep population of approximately 23.6 million compared to 5.3 million people. (Answer: True)
4. The New Zealand government has not introduced measures to revitalize the wool industry, including encouraging the use of locally sourced wool products. (Answer: False)
5. The decline in global wool prices has led many farmers to shift towards dairy farming and other ventures. (Answer: True)
6. The sheep-to-human ratio in New Zealand is not approximately 4.5 sheep per person. (Answer: False)
7. Historically, sheep farming has been a key component of New Zealand’s economy. (Answer: True)
8. In 1982, New Zealand’s sheep population peaked at over 70 million. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧