The comparative profitability and productivity of a sample of irrigated and non-irrigated farms in the Ashburton-Lyndhurst area of Mid-Canterbury, New Zealand

Abstract

The survey was requested by the Irrigation Development Association of the Ashburton-Lyndhurst Irrigation Scheme, and was mainly financed by the Association, from levies on its members. The objective was to obtain information on the comparative profitability of irrigated farms and comparable non-irrigated farms. This information was required as a basis for negotiation of new contract rates for irrigation water, the existing contracts being due to terminate at the end of the 1962-63 irrigating season. The terms of reference within which this report is framed, do not include an appraisal of the general economics of irrigation on the light plains of Canterbury. This is a much wider issue. However, in appendix five, an opportunity is taken to present some facts and make a brief comment on the impact of irrigation on the general level of economic activity in the area.