Arable farming

Abstract

The mixed farming areas of New Zealand have been traditionally producer· of substantial quantities of cash crops. During the last decade these areas have undergone a distinct change in their production pattern. This has been a clear case of farmers substituting a more profitable system of farming for a less profitable one. Because this system has involved maximising fat lamb and wool production it has had additional attraction for farmers , such a consideration of soil fertility and "the way or life". The pertinent question now is whether in view of the fairly sharp changes in the price ratios which have occurred a new pattern of production, more profitable than a straight sheep economy, is both possible and economically desirable.