AGRICULTURE
Agriculture has always been important to the Central Otago economy and
will continue to contribute to future economic prosperity in the region.
Development of numerous irrigation schemes throughout Central Otago has
overcome the constraints of low rainfall, particularly on valley floor
farming systems, allowing diversification away from traditional fine wool
production.
Soil fertility levels are naturally high in Central Otago, particularly
on the valley floor and in north facing area. Natural fertility and well
drained soils make Central Otago the best lucerne growing area in New Zealand.
Lucerne provides both stock feed and a cash crop.
There are approximately
500 farmers in Central Otago. Sheep (1.9 million) and cattle (47,000) numbers
have remained stable for the past 25 years. Central Otago is well known
for Merino sheep studs and production of some of the best wool in New Zealand
- low rainfall makes this an ideal climate for fine wool production. Valley
floor farming is dominated by crossbred sheep and lamb finishing. Diversification
to other land uses such as dairy, deer and cash crops such as grain and
lucerne hay is increasing.
Other land uses will continue to evolve in Central Otago. Significant
changes are expected to include: increased sales of lucerne hay, expansion
of the dairy industry on valley floor farms, deer industry expansion, increased
direct marketing, (for example, fine wool farmer owned cooperatives selling
direct to consumers), expansion of tourism as a part of Central Otago farming,
more intensive farming of areas with access to irrigation and less farming
of extensive areas as some ownership is transferred to the Department of
Conservation under the pastoral lease tenure review and freeholding process.
WOOL
Central Otago is renowned for being one of the best wool growing areas
in New Zealand. The clean Central environment is a significant advantage
in a market which increasingly demands environmentally appropriate goods.
Access to exceptional quality stud Merino stock, levels of expertise in
the region and fewer animal health problems in Central Otago than in many
other areas of New Zealand are key to the success of this industry locally.
Merino wool, in particular, will increasingly be recognised as a quality
product and marketed in niche markets. More farmers will invest in the
wool processing industry with closer contact with final consumers. With
that vertical integration will come premium prices for Merino wool. Valley
floor properties are likely to diversify away from sheep farming, with
less crossbred wool production expected from these properties in future.
|