Southland/South Otago hill country sheep and beef
This report contains the key results from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s 2008 sheep and beef monitoring programme. The full Pastoral Monitoring Report 2008 will be available in December 2008.
Key points
- Net cash income improved 4 percent on 2006/07 to $399 000 in 2007/08
- There were 7 percent less stock units carried into the 2008/09 year, mainly due to a reduction in hoggets and breeding ewes during the dry conditions.
- Challenging spring and summer conditions in 2007/08 affected pasture growth, animal performance and stock prices on many farms.
- Grazing income made a small, but increasing contribution to net cash income.
- Farmers struggled but managed to keep farm working expenses in 2007/08 similar to 2006/07 levels.
- Expectations are for a much better lamb price and grass growing season in 2008/09.
Table 1: Key parameters, financial results and forecast for the Southland/South Otago hill country sheep and beef model farm
Southland/South Otago hill country sheep and beef model budget and expenditure
Table 2: Southland/South Otago hill country sheep and beef model budget
Table 3: Southland/South Otago hill country sheep and beef model expenditure
Southland/South Otago hill country sheep and beef model farm profitability trends
Figure 1: Southland/South Otago hill country sheep and beef model farm profitability trends
Information about the model
This model represents 720 farms in the moderately rolling clay downlands to steeper hill country of South Otago and Southland. The farms have mostly cultivated pastures, with the balance in improved, but steeper, hill and tussock blocks.
The typical production system is breeding ewes with some hogget lambing, and the majority of lambs finished but some store lambs can be sold each year. There is a herd of breeding cows with their best calves finished. There may also be some trading of cattle.
For more information on the model contact: Trish.Burborough@maf.govt.nz
Published by:
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Tel: 64 4 894 0100
Fax: 64 4 894 0720
Web: www.maf.govt.nz
ISSN 1178-4385 (Online)
© Crown copyright – Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 2008
The information in this report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is based on the best information available to the Ministry at the time it was drawn up and all due care was exercised in its preparation. As it is not possible to foresee all uses of this information or to predict all future developments and trends, any subsequent action that relies on the accuracy of the information in this report is the sole commercial decision of the user and is taken at his/her own risk. Accordingly, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry disclaims any liability whatsoever for any losses or damages arising out of the use of this information, or in respect of any actions taken.
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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