Farm Management Papers

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https://hdl.handle.net/10182/5702

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A survey of the economics and management of gummy ewes
(Department of Farm Management and Rural Valuation, Lincoln College, 1976) McGregor, M. J.; Frengley, G. A. G.
The purpose of this survey was to investigate the practice of running gummy ewes. Their management, production and costing factors were analysed. The information was gathered from fifty farmers in the Canterbury, Otago and Southland areas by a personal interview survey. The questionnaire covered the above aspects and aimed to gain farmer opinion on the practice of running these ewes. It is evident from this survey that a decrease in wool weight can be expected; 47 percent of the farmers stated that they expected the drop to be approximately 1 kg compared with their mixed aged ewes. Furthermore, 67 percent of the farmers have found that slightly higher losses could be expected. These losses are significantly offset by a gain in lambing percentage of between 10 and 15 percent compared with mixed aged flocks on the same farms. Gross margin analyses showed that a five year breeding own replacements system gave highest returns when the cull ewe and lamb prices were similar but as the difference between these two became larger, the two year flock system of buying gummy ewes was the more profitable. For the majority of the surveyed farms this latter policy has proven the most profitable over recent years.
Trends in beef production and marketing : A survey of beef producers in Canterbury, 1976
(Department of Farm Management and Rural Valuation, Lincoln College, 1976) McIvor, Aldous R.
In South Canterbury small surveys by farmers suggested that a major reduction in cattle numbers was occurring, with positive policy changes away from breeding stock. There appeared to be a great deal of speculation as to the cause of the lack of killing space, d~ well as a 1,u.ck of information on the extent of policy changes by farmers. To provide information for both the farming community and the freezing companies a survey was conducted by the College through the Federated Farmers 'ten farms survey programme'. Interim results were made avail,able to spokesmen for both Federated Farmers and the Freezing industry.
The reality of a career in dairy farming
(Lincoln University. Faculty of Commerce. Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme., 2002) Searle, Gillian
All industries within New Zealand are experiencing pressure to fmd the quality and quantity of people to do the work. In order for the New Zealand dairy industry to be attractive to people in a tight labour market, there needs to be an alignment between the needs of the farming businesses and the needs ofthe people doing the work The objectives of this report are: 1. To get an indication of the overall jo b satisfaction experienced by dairy farm employees under the age of thirty in their job. 2. To get an indication ofthe degree to which farm jobs are meeting the career objectives of younger people as identified by Barbara Kuriger (2001). 3. To see if dairy farm jo bs are operating on a professional and legal level, through the use of employment contracts and job descriptions. 4. To get an indication of the level of staff management skills of dairy farm employers.
The powers of general competence in local and regional government
(Lincoln University. Faculty of Commerce. Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme., 2002) Perriam, Fran
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the Local Government Bill before parliament relates to the increase in power given to local government to be involved in a wide range The functions of local government have changed dramatically in recent times. This new Bill should it become law will allow local government to enter into areas previously the domain of central government. Unless the rural sector becomes involved in Local government either through standing for office or being actively involved in decision making, there exists the potential for an increasingly large financial burden to fall on landowners. of activities. This power has been termed the "Powers of General Competence" and allows councils to be involved in any lawful activity. The emphasis is on local decision making, rather than the imposition of limitation by central government. The rural ratepayer comprises an electoral minority of 6%, but pays an estimated 20% of total rates because the rating system is based on capital or land value. Therefore any increase in local council activity will have a major financial impact on the rural sector. Under this Bill, local government is required to undertake an extensive consultative process before making major decisions. Such a consultative process could be seen as "participatory democracy". However in the absence of binding referenda the decision making remains "representative". An overwhelming number of submissions against a proposal does not necessarily ensure a participatory outcome. The requirement for an open consultative process and a full disclosure of information becomes problematical in a private/public partnership. Successful private enterprise often relies upon commercially sensitive information remaining confidential. The partnership between six Canterbury councils and a private waste management company, is an example of a consultative process which was inadequate and has largely left the local community powerless. When the consent process under the Resource Management Act began, the participating councils received 7,000 submissions opposing the landfill. There were only 17 in favour. The details of the agreement, which committed the local council to the venture,was signed before the document was available to the public. The Resource management process is only concerned with whether the landfill will meet the requirements of the Act, not as to whether the community wanted to participate in the partnership in the first instance. The ultimate control by the community over the local government body lies in the democratic process. The policy makers can be voted out if the community does not agree with their policies.. The issue of governance and the importance of the democratic process are detailed in the Proposed Bill. However a report written by the Controller and Auditor General in 2002 indicates that the difference between governance and management roles within local government is the area least understood by both staff and elected members. The governance and management issue within the Canterbury Regional council was publicly aired early this year when a staff member changed a policy direction during a court hearing. If the elected members are allowing staff to make policy, then the democratic process is not working.
Cherries in Central Otago - feasible or folly?
(Lincoln University. Faculty of Commerce. Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme., 2003) Patterson, Michael
The general essence of this report was to establish whether cherries are a viable diversification on a sheep, beef and deer farm at Teviot in the Teviot valley ( Roxburgh ), Central Otago. This document was also produced to assist others who may be thinking of establishing a cherry orchard and require a reference or starting point to start their investigations, giving them an overview of the present status of the industry. This report aims to compare and analyse the cost structures and returns from traditional cherry growing methods as compared to newer dwarf or "Bonsai" type methods.

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