Farming facts and resources
Inside New Zealand's world beating agricultural system
The New Zealand farming system is completely unsubsidised and ths fact has transformed it into being one of the most efficient on earth. New Zealand agriculture occupies a total of 14.7 million hectares. The allocation in million hectares is 11.0 in grassland, lucerne, tussock or danthonia, 1.7 in plantations, 0.1 in horticulture and 1.9 other land or holding. Agriculture's contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) inside and outside the farmgate is estimated to contribute over 15 percent of New Zealand's entire GDP. Crucially, we need talented people to be part of team agriculture.
Industry wide resources
Federated Farmers is pleased to collate some important economic and statistical information from our partners, which paints a realistic picture of farming. This is from the animals we farm to the actual business of farming itself.
Below are downloadable files providing an excellent overview of the New Zealand farming system from Beef+Lamb New Zealand. There is also the 2011 Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry's Situation & Outlook for NZ Agriculture and Forestry. Another excellent resource is Federated Farmers Manifesto for 2011-2014, which outlines the opportunities available to New Zealand agriculture. The final downloadable file below is a Federated Farmers authored document about New Zealand agriculture post-subsidy (written in 2004).
The following are additional pages containing more detailed information and resources about specific parts of pastoral agriculture. This includes the rural media right through to illustrative farm balance sheets.
New Zealand's Rural Media
Last modified 03 Jan 2012
Links through to New Zealand's fantastic and impartial rural media. A great source for research and factual information. Read more »
The New Zealand Dairy Industry
Last modified 08 Dec 2011
Economic reports and statistical information about the New Zealand Dairy industry. Read more »
New Zealand Sheep and Beef
Last modified 12 Dec 2011
Economic summaries and links to more information about Beef, Lamb and Goats Read more »
The New Zealand Bee Industry
Last modified 08 Dec 2011
Bees are crucial to the primary sector for pollination so here are some economic reports and statistical information. Read more »
New Zealand Arable Farming
Last modified 08 Dec 2011
Economic reports and statistical information about New Zealand arable farming (grains and seeds). Read more »
