An economic evaluation of winter feed alternatives for Canterbury seasonal supply dairy farms : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfiment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours), Lincoln College

Abstract

Dairy farming has been a part of the Canterbury farming scene from the earliest settler days. Banks Peninsula was New Zealand’s first dairying area. During the 1840's shipments were made to whaling stations, to Wellington and exports to Australia were made in the 1850's. Cheese production in 1857 was 73 tonnes from approximately 18 factories. Since that time period dairy production in New Zealand has become concentrated in the northern half of the North Island.

Seasonal supply dairy farming in Canterbury has over the past decade shown a rise in popularity. With the current increased pay outs and relatively stable outlook for the short term another expansion phase is taking place.

Dairying has been attracted to Canterbury by the relative freedom from drought offered by irrigation, lower land prices, lack of pugging, generally lower fertilizer requirements and supplies of cheap winter feed. Most of the expansion over previous years has been in the conversion of former sheep and cropping farms to dairy units with larger herds. Corporate ownership is also a new trend.