The evidence available on pasture production in the King Country is reviewed and compared with stock requirements. A potential carrying capacity of 19 stock units/ha in the Waitomo County is estimated. It is shown that, when product prices are high, the economic optimum stocking rate is near the point beyond which stock will be seriously underfed. Management techniques aimed at producing and utilizing pasture feed efficiently and also allowing flexibility in stocking rates to meet varying economic conditions are outlined.
