THE FUTURE FARMING POTENTIAL OF CENTRAL OTAGO

Abstract

CENTRAL OTAGO has often been referred to as the "land of rocks and lizards", implying that little else is able to survive. This was certainly true once, in the days of heavy rabbit infestation, when any sort of pasture improvement was wellnigh impossible. This situation existed even as late as 195 1, but now, with the rabbit controlled and a better knowledge of grassland improvement and management, stock and pasture are gradually taking over land that was at one time depleted scabweed and bare soil. Of late, great interest has been shown in the potential of New Zealand for farming. This paper considers the potential of Central Otago by reference to the two counties, Vincent and Maniototo, which make up the core of the area, and examines the development methods by which this potential, a tremendous one, is being and will be attained.