Dairy
By contrast, the dairy herd is increasing, from 2.3 million a decade ago to 3 million, and occupying more land, up from 0.95 million ha to 1.2, although the area used by the dairy industry would be more than that figure as many heifer replacements are raised off-farm. Average dairy farm size has risen from 66 to 70 ha, with planned expansion projected to take the size up to nearly 80ha. Cow numbers on the average farm have increased from 176 to 185, and milk solids per cow are up 14% to 285 kg per season (estimated for 1995/96).
The bottom line has been more comforting for dairy farmers. Average cash surpluses over the decade have been $93,000 in real 1993 dollars, with a net disposable cash surplus in eight of the last 10 years. The annual gain in total assets utilised has been just under 10% in total capital involved.
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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