7 Feb 1986 Diversification considered by NZ farmers

One third of farmers surveyed recently on whether they intended diversifying. into other production said they were, with most looking to goat farming and horticulture.

This is shown in the preliminary results of the annual survey of farmer intentions· and opinions by the Agricultural Economics Research Unit at Lincoln College

Farmers were asked if they intended setting aside part of their farms for developing other types of farming.
Thirty per cent of them said they were considering goat farming ; 25 per cent said horticulture.

Sixteen per cent were thinking of moving into deer farming, eight per cent into trees and five per cent into bull beer. 

Ten per cent of farmers who said they intended diversifying did not say what they were thinking of moving into.

Full results of the farmer intentions and opinions survey will be published by AERU later this year.

Further information from Mr John Pryde, Agricultural Economics Research Unit, Lincoln College 8150, Canterbury, New Zealand