Hill country farming - it’s a tough game
Released 29 Nov 2010
Dr Tessa Mills, Federated Farmers regional policy advisor
It was never an easy option, farming the steeper country of New Zealand. The challenges facing today's farmers are different to those faced by farmers in earlier times but the difficulties of productively and profitability remain.
As we now enter the summer period, the cumulative effects of the autumn, winter and spring conditions become more apparent and farmers throughout the central North Island are facing in general, lower lamb numbers and therefore lower projected returns for this season.
With a projection of lower income, farm inputs must be carefully managed with items such as additional fertiliser slipping down the priority list.
The challenges that farming in the hill country pose, means it is vital that farmers make the most of the wealth of information out there that will assist them to get the most out of the resources that they have.
We are fortunate that in this region there are a number of great opportunities for farmers to access research expertise via Massey University and AgResearch, through their frequent farmer information days run in conjunction with Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Sheep and Beef Council.
Most recently, a farmer field day was run on 24 November at the Ballantrae research farm, Woodville, where the retention of soil fertility, alternative feed options and parasite control were all topics of discussion. If there are farmers out there that missed this information day but would like to access the information shared on that day, we suggest a call to AgResearch in Palmerston North.
So in these times of lower margins and increasing pressures both from within the farm gate, but also regarding legislative compliance, Federated Farmers encourages all farmers to spend a day or two off the farm each year at events such as the recent field day at Ballantrae.
A day off the farm attending information seminars will ensure that you face the coming season, what ever that may be, with the best possible understanding of your resource, to ensure you get the maximum benefits from your investments.
To talk to us about this or any other issues, please call 0800 FARMING
