High country production surveys : 1965/67, 1971/73, 1976/78

Abstract

This publication records in some detail the results of a series of surveys carried out by the Tussock Grasslands and Mountain Lands Institute, to assess pastoral production in the high country of the South Island. Surveys were carried out for the years 1965/66, 1966/67, 1971/72, 1972/73, 1976/77 and 1977/78. The results presented here are averages for each of the two year periods, 1965/67, 1971/73 and 1976/78. The results of the study are presented in two parts: a) A tabulation of the aggregate pastoral production, livestock performance and related data at each survey period for 288 runs which were common to all six surveys. These results are presented in part A. b) A similar tabulation of data for the 300 runs which were included in the 1976/78 survey. These results are presented in part B. All the information recorded in earlier surveys (1965 /67 and 1971 /72) has, where possible, been verified and related to that of the most recent survey (1976/78). The survey data were obtained during interviews with runholders. A summary of the results of this survey has been published in the T.G.M.L.I. Re. view (Number 38 1979) and in the proceedings of the T.G.M.L.I. Hill and High Country Seminar held at Lincoln College in July 1979. It is anticipated that the more detailed results contained in this publication will be of most interest to those persons with a close interest in high country pastoral production. Each contributing runholder has been sent a summary analysis of data for the property, together with a similar summary for the region in which the run is located. At their request, the implications of results of this analysis of data for the property have been discussed with the runholders concerned. Using information from this survey, the authors have determined the frequency of distribution of many of the production factors relevant to high country farming. And are in the process of determining the appropriate input-output relationships. Arising from this survey a close study of variations in liveweight of sheep between runs and between seasons and the relationship between liveweight and livestock performance is being planned.