Wintering in Canterbury/North Otago: business relationship between dairy farmers

Abstract

Winter is a critical part of the year for dairy farming as the BCS of the cows at the end of winter will significantly affect reproduction and production on the following season. In the Canterbury and North Otago area it can represent up to 20% of the operating expenses. A common strategy is for dairy farmers to graze their cows over winter off at grazier’s properties. Graziers take dairy cows in winter as it is a more profitable and reliable option comparing to the other alternatives available to them. This study explored the business relationship between dairy farmers and graziers when buying or selling winter grazing with the aim at identifying what are the main factors that will produce a mutually beneficial relationship.