An analysis of production, consumption and borrowing behaviour in the North Island hill country pastoral sector

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyse some key aspects of the North Island hill country farming system in order to provide a better basis for understanding the impact of political, economic and environmental factors on the area. The key aspects considered in this study include the financial structure of the farming operation, the consumption and credit using behaviour of farmers, and factors affecting investment and supply response. The resulting information should provide a better basis for predicting the effect of economic and environmental factors, and government policies, on this important part of New Zealand's pastoral sector.