A survey of Mid Canterbury farmers’ attitudes to growing sugar beet

Abstract

A postal survey of farmers in Mid Canterbury was carried out in 1977 in order to ascertain the interest, resources and attitudes of farmers to the growing of sugar beet in their region. An extremely high net valid response rate was obtained to the survey. Results indicated that there was considerable interest in sugar beet production. Negative attitudes appeared to be associated with unfamiliarity with the crop. Greater interest was apparent on intensive cropping farms than on mixed cropping and livestock farms; greater interest was also displayed by younger as opposed to older farmers. Expanding labour requirements associated with sugar beet production was considered a constraint by some of the interested growers. The use of contractors appeared a favoured alternative in gaining access to additional machinery such as a sugar beet harvester and a precision drill. Commitment to a minimum area of beet for an initial period of years did not appear a major constraint to those interested in the crop. A strong interest was expressed in the use of by products for livestock feed. Eight percent of respondents had grown fodder beet on a regular basis. Most respondents indicated they required more advice on crop husbandry if they were to commence sugar beet production.