2026 Herd Scheme Comparative Values
The IRD has released the 2026 National Average Market Values (the "Herd Values"), and they're worth a look. Values are up across every category compared to 2025.
Here's the headline:
- Sheep — up 36.16% on average
- Beef Cattle — up 33.50%
- Dairy Cattle — up 31.67%
- Deer — up 28.21%
That's a solid lift right across sheep, beef, dairy, and deer.
What does this actually mean for you?
If you're on the Herd Scheme, this is good news with no strings attached. Any increase in herd values from year to year is tax-free, so a rise like this works in your favour.
If you're on the National Standard Cost (NSC) scheme, it's worth thinking about whether the Herd Scheme might be a better long-term fit. The upside of the Herd Scheme is that once you're on it, future value increases are tax-free year to year. The trade-off is that switching brings forward a tax cost — you'll pay tax on the difference between your current NSC value and the higher Herd Value in the year you move.
With values up this much, the cost of switching right now is higher than it would have been a year ago — so this may well not be the year to make the move. But it's a decision worth understanding rather than guessing at.
Not sure where you sit?
Every farm's situation is different, and the right call depends on your numbers. If you'd like to understand what the 2026 values mean for you, give us a call and we'll work through it together.
Empowering Your Prosperity.