OBSERVATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE SHEEP FARMS IN NORTHLAND: 2. The Adviser's Viewpoint

Abstract

THE Northland flock is increasing rapidly. The sheep population reflects the progress made in pasture development over the past fourteen years, the two million sheep wintered this year representing a remarkable 200% increase in numbers since 1953. It is the initiative of progressive farmers in pioneering improved management techniques, and the courage of the Lands and Survey Department in implementing these methods on a large scale, and with such convincing success, that have shown the way. But it is only during the last three favourable growth years that the extension message of more fertilizer and lime, and, above all, more stock, has been widely accepted. Fertilizer sales have doubled over this three-year period, and sheep owners (of which there are 1,000 with 500 or more sheep), reached a climax this year when they increased their flocks by three times the national average.