The application of grassland information to Canterbury farming practice at present price levels

Abstract

The object of this paper is to show on a financial basis the relation between poor pastures, good pastures, and mixed farming (including good pastures). Valuable information has accumulated during the last few years concerning strains of grasses, pasture establishment, grazing management, topdressing, harrowing, feed conservation, winter maintenance of stock, and distribution of feed supply, The importance of each of these as links in the chain of economic production is acknowledged. Their correct use and co-ordination with cash cropping is essential in securing maximum net returns. To illustrate this point, the following details of costs and returns from many farms have been adjusted to a 400 acre basis. Details of three farms on medium to good land are given. Changes in the management are suggested by which the returns from any one of these would, in the course of time, be equal to those of any other.