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    The development of management guidelines for sustainable livestock farming in the Hawke's Bay : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Farm Management at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1996) Collins, Heather Mildred
    Regardless of how sustainable land management is defined, it will never be achieved unless land users are involved in, and committed to, its attainment. To commit to a goal of sustainability, stakeholders must share in the identification of resource management problems and in the development of solutions that are both economically and socially acceptable. Facilitated workshops were held with twelve farmer and two agribusiness groups in the Hawke's Bay during July and August 1994. The workshops were held to involve participants in the development of guidelines for pastoral farming in Hawke's Bay and Wairoa, using the "by farmers for farmers" approach. The farmer workshops were used to develop an operational description of sustainable livestock farming and to identify the main components of sustainability. The agribusiness workshops sought to encourage support by this sector for the guidelines and the farmers who would implement them. The advantages associated with sustainable farming applied to all components of the system. The farmer and family, natural resources (the farm), the community and future generations all were all seen to benefit from sustainable farming. Through the workshops, the farmers identified the components and criteria that describe sustainable farming. They suggested that sustainable farming may be recognised by practices that result in productive soil, sufficient water quantity, good water quality, productive pasture, appropriate trees, productive animals, and successful, prosperous and flexible farmers. Using the concept pyramid process, farmers identified key management practices that would result in the sustainable use of soil, water, animals and plants in the fanning system. A farming committee was elected to represent the views of farmers, and work with the consultant commissioned by Hawke's Bay Federated Farmers, to produce the pastoral farming guidelines. The management practices identified by farmers were written to a set of guidelines, which were circulated for public comment and submission. The workshop participants, stakeholders and the general public were involved in the consultation process, to continue the participatory approach utilised in the workshops. All workshop participants were sent a complimentary copy of the pastoral guidelines and a questionnaire. The survey aimed to assess the participants' perceptions and usage of the guidelines, as well as gauge farmer interest and obtain direction for follow-up work. In broad terms, the guidelines met the expectations of farmers and were viewed as being useful for encouraging discussion about, and implementation of, sustainable farming practices
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    A study of the group farm labour scheme movement in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in the University of New Zealand, Massey Agricultural College
    (Massey University, 1957) Beattie, Ian Cowan
    In New Zealand, the farm labour situation is somewhat unique in that one labour unit can care for a comparatively large amount of stock and land. The amount of non-family labour involved is small and a considerable proportion of farmers do not have any assistance. Although the need for general assistance is not very great, there has proved to be a need for assistance of a specialised type, involving short periods of work by employees of very good quality, and the concept of group employment of farm labour has risen from this need. The earliest instance which has been traced of group employment of farm labour occurred in the Warkworth (North Auckland) branch of Federated Farmers in 1945. Single men were then employed by that branch to be available to members, but the organisation later came to grief. In 1947, at Sanson, near Palmerston North, the local branch of' Federated Farmers started a similar organisation at the instigation of a Mr. C. Eglinton, of Sanson, R. D. This organisation, initially a loose arrangement whereby one man would work on the farms of members for short periods, was developed by Mr. Eglinton into well organised arrangement with three married employees of the branch, available to all members, living in specially built state houses. These houses were opened by the then Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Mr. Cullen, and it was appropriate that the occasion was marked by some ceremony for this later proved to have been the inauguration of the first of a large number of successful group farm labour schemes in the Dominion. The schemes, however, did not exist in any large numbers until about 1952 so that only comparatively recent!y have they been of any significance. It was recognised that they repres­ented a new feature on the agricultural scene about which very little was known. The present study is, therefore undertaken in the hope of bringing to light the nature of group employ­ment of farm labour, the extent to which it existed in New Zealand, and the contribution which it made to the farms concerned. In addition, the experiences and advice of exist­ing schemes have been collected together in the hope that this might provide assistance in the setting up of new schemes. [From Introduction]
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    Bio-economic system-dynamics modelling to investigate strategic management options in New Zealand sheep farming enterprises : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Farm Management, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020) Farrell, Lydia
    The average and range of production and profit levels achieved in New Zealand sheep farming enterprises indicate potential for improvement across many farms. Ewe wastage, use of terminal sires, and breed transition to produce higher value wool are issues currently pertinent to the profitability of farms on New Zealand North Island Hill Country with dual-purpose breeding ewe flocks. A bio-economic system-dynamics sheep farm model was identified as appropriate to model these profitability scenarios where changes in ewe flock structure were integral. The objectives of the current research were: to develop the model; validate output through examining ewe flock wastage (premature ewe losses) rates; and use the model to investigate use of terminal (meat breed) sires to increase income from lamb sales, and a gradual flock breed transition from purebred Romney to ¾ Merino ¼ Romney to increase income from wool sales. Component modules were flock dynamics (including sheep sales), sheep feed demand, feed supply from pasture, feed balance, wool production, and economics. Model output aligned with previously published industry data and was therefore considered a realistic representation of New Zealand North Island Hill Country sheep farming systems. Flock wastage rates ranging from 5% to 21% were studied, sheep enterprise cash operating surplus (COS) reduced by $1,069 per 1% increase in ewe wastage rate due to reductions in numbers of lambs for sale. The scope for terminal sire use in self-replacing flocks was limited by requirements for purebred ewe lambs. The maximum proportion of the breeding flock able to be bred with terminal sires ranged from 18% to 65% and was greater with higher lambing rate and lower replacement rate. Maximising terminal sire use increased COS by up to $101/ha compared with no use of terminal sires, due to higher survival and growth rates in crossbred lambs sold earlier for higher prices. Flock breed transition through crossbreeding a Romney flock with Merino sires demonstrated reductions in COS during the breed transition period and greater COS post-breed change. Net present value analysis showed whole farm COS with breed transition to be up to 26% greater than maintaining the purebred Romney flock. Breed transition scenarios with higher Merino-Romney crossbred ewe lamb selection intensity achieved lower average wool fibre diameter, with a longer breed transition period (i.e. ten years of transition) and greater economic benefit. Overall, the model was effective in investigating the selected scenarios and the results can be used to inform decision making of New Zealand farmers.
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    The use of simulation in the study of grazing management problems : a thesis ... Master of Agricultural Science ... Massey University of Manawatu.
    (Massey University, 1963) Arcus, Peter Laurence
    Grazing Management is a large and integral part of farm management in New Zealand. It involves the making and implementing of all the decisions relating to the grazing of animals. This is a complex management function which necessitates the assessment and integration of a large number of factors. Grazing Management involves decisions relating to all aspects of pasture production, its utilization by grazing animals, and the efficiency with which these animals convert the pasture ingested into useful livestock products. Many factors are involved. These include soil type, pasture composition, fertilizer, type, age and number of livestock, grazing method, and the influence of season. Many of these factors interact with each other. Pasture production for instance, is influenced by the number of stock present, and the grazing method. Equally, livestock intakes and productions depend on pasture availability and composition. These interactions are a major influence in grazing management. The timing of events is also important in grazing management. Many decisions depend for their effectiveness on being made and implemented at the "right" time. Fertilizer applied in the spring or autumn, for example, is of more value in stimulating pasture growth and if applied in the slower growing periods of summer or winter. [From Introduction]
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    The use of a computer for the analysis and evaluation of farm development plans : a thesis ... for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Farm Management
    (Massey University, 1970) Gardner, John Waring Montfort
    New Zealand's economy has always been heavily dependent upon the farming industry to provide export income. Foreign exchange has been required mainly to finance the import of raw materials for secondary industry which provides employment for much of New Zealand's labour force. In the early 1960's the population was increasing rapidly. More export income was required to pay for additional raw materials needed for the expanding secondary industry labour force. It was apparent, however, that export income could be appreciably increased only by raising the volume of agricultural exports. This led to suggestions in 1963 that a conference be organised to inquire into further agricultural development. Following these suggestions, the Government that same year convened the Agricultural Development Conference¹ Hereinafter referred to as Conference. with the Order of Reference "to indicate what increases in the production of meat, wool and dairy produce were practicable and desirable over the next two, five and ten years and to recommend measures for achieving them".² "Report: Agricultural Development Conference 1963-64", Government Printer, Wellington, February 1966. [From Introduction]
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    Agricultural software : a case study of feed and animal information systems in the New Zealand dairy industry : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of a Masters of AgriCommerce at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Hammond, Hamish
    Every farmer utilises agricultural software, either directly or indirectly, as part of feed and animal information systems (IS) used for decision making and compliance on New Zealand (NZ) dairy farms. With continued development and availability of advanced information and communication technologies (ICT), more farmers are using software in their IS. This study investigates: how NZ dairy farmers use agricultural software in their feed and animal IS; the software attributes that influence the use and impact of these software; and, the drivers and inhibitors of software use and impact. A case study research approach was used to investigate these questions. Evidence was collected using semi-structured interviews with six NZ dairy farmers with farms of different scale and ownership structure, and with five commercial agricultural software providers. Results show that feed and animal IS are particularly useful for farmer decision making and compliance at the operational and tactical management levels, but also produce data and information critical for strategic management. The number of software products used and the degree of data and information collation in animal IS compared to feed IS are considerably different. Animal IS were streamlined, with data and information collected and collated together in a limited number of software with only one or two ‘focal’ software as the centrepiece of the IS. In contrast, feed IS were less streamlined, with data and information flowing into a number of different software. Six important software attributes that influence use and impact of software were identified by farmers and providers, with ‘simplicity’ and, 'integration with software and hardware’, the most highly recognised attributes. The delivery of software with these attributes was achieved by providers in a number of instances, however, other software failed to fully meet farmer needs. Organisational and people drivers/inhibitors had a greater effect on software use and impact than technological drivers/inhibitors indicating that these IS dimensions should be the focus of future improvements.
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    Applications of linear programming to corporate farm planning in developing countries : a case study for NAFCO Farms in Tanzania : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Agricultural Business and Administration at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1980) Swai, Ernest Aleonasaa
    The economic development of most of the developing countries depends, almost entirely, on the agricultural industry. Measures to speed-up the development of the agricultural sector to increase productivity in such countries are therefore imperative. In Tanzania, one of the actions the government has taken to achieve this is the establishment of agricultural Corporations which operate large scale mechanized farms. To achieve maximum productivity from scarce resources, such Corporations must be operated efficiently and this can only be achieved with appropriate planning of the corporate farms. This study has dealt with one such Corporation in Tanzania called National Agricultural and Food Corporation (NAFCO). The objective of the study has been to illustrate how such a Corporation can be operated efficiently so that maximum food production can be achieved from scarce resources. Linear programming has been evaluated as a planning tool for a single representative farm of NAFCO. The aim was to develop a suitable LP model for the farm, use this model to determine the optimal farm plans and associated information and evaluate whether the technique would form a suitable planning tool for NAFCO farms. The linear programing model developed demonstrated that the profits of the farm under study could be increased substantially by allocating the farm scarce resources more optimally. Repeating the optimisations of the model by changing the various assumptions proved to be quite useful in providing additional information on which to base management decisions. These results provided a better understanding of the effects and implications on what would happen if the anticipated yields, prices and certain policy decisions were changed. These are discussed in detail. The optimum plan computed should with minor changes be both acceptable and realizable. It is argued that, because under corporate farm structure, specific data relevant to individual farms is more readily available than under peasant farm situations and that because of the large scale nature of the corporate farms, the availability of wide choice of activities and resources as well as the necessary skills and defined objectives; linear programming would form a suitable planning tool for NAFCO farms.
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    Factors influencing the adoption of whole farm plans : a Wairarapa case study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Applied Science in Agricultural Extension at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2008) Cass, Sian
    Hill country erosion is a serious environmental issue in New Zealand. After widespread damage from storms in 2004, Horizons Regional Council initiated the SLUI programme. This programme relies on whole farm plans (Whole Farm Business Plans) as the core tool to address erosion on hill country farms. Several regional councils in New Zealand, like Horizons, rely on whole farm plans and continue to seek ways to achieve a high level of voluntary adoption by farmers. A single case study was used to examine the phenomena of adoption of whole farm plans. This research answered the question: What factors influence the adoption by farmers of whole farm plans, and why these factors are influential? A review of historical farm plans identified plans most similar to Horizons Whole Farm Business Plans. These were located in the Wairarapa and this formed the case area. Farmers from two catchments in the Wairarapa, and key informants were interviewed to identify factors influencing adoption of farm plans. Findings from this study, in the main, support adoption diffusion literature for agricultural innovations. The specific mix of interrelated factors that influence the adoption of farm plans, and the reasons for their influence, were identified and described. Characteristics of this case included the widespread adoption of farm plans, and farmers' perceived farm plan implementation as secondary to the core farm business. Factors associated with the compatibility of the innovation to the core farm business and the credibility of the organisation delivering farm plans provided important influences on adoption of farm plans. The circumstances of the farmers and their farm did not strongly influence adoption in this study because farm plans are customised and take into account each individual's circumstances. For an innovation such as farm plans that is considered secondary to the core farm business, factors easing implementation were important. This was contributed to by the characteristics of the innovation and by the delivery and support from the organisation. Key people played a significant role in farmers' decisions to adopt a farm plan.
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    The financial management systems used on three important farm types in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Farm Management at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1990) Lockhart, James C
    Effective financial management is central to long-term profitability on New Zealand's farms, especially in the selling of a market-led economy. While this view is widely accepted and advocated, detailed knowledge of the financial management systems used by farmers is not available. This lack of knowledge limits the opportunities to specify improvements to this increasingly important dimension of farm management. This study reports the findings of surveys made in 1988 to investigate the financial management systems used by farmers on three important farm types in New Zealand. Surveys were made of South Taranaki dairy farmers, Taihape sheep and beef farmers and orchardists on the Heretaunga Plains. Over seventy individual interviews with farmers were completed. These were complemented with mail surveys of a further ninety farmers. The financial management systems in the three study areas are compared and contrasted using the survey data. These systems are also appraised relative to models of financial management which are developed from basic principles. Important differences are discerned between the financial management systems used by farmers in the dairy, sheep and beef and pipfruit industries. Although half of the surveyed dairy farmers complete a financial plan, only a small proportion of these attempt to reconcile the outcome of farming events with their plans. The situation in the sheep and beef industries is similar. However, a greater proportion of farmers in these industries completes the planning function than in the dairy industry. This is likely to reflect farmers' responses to the removal of publicly funded support for their enterprises and the limited extent of co-operative activity of producers in both the meat and wool industries relative to the dairy industry. The majority of orchardists surveyed use formal financial planning methods and effect a greater degree of control over their operations than do farmers in the other industries surveyed. Orchardists achieve this by updating their budgets both more frequently and regularly than do dairy and sheep and beef farmers. Detailed cross-tabulations of key aspects of the financial management systems on the surveyed farms are reported. Cluster analysis techniques are used to classify the financial management systems of the farmers on each of the three farm types surveyed. The attributes of farmers in the three clusters derived in the analysis are described. It is concluded that significant opportunities exist to improve the financial management systems used by New Zealand's farmers, at least in the three industries surveyed. Practicable means of achieving these improvements are recommended.
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    Household decision-making in rural Nepal : a study of the effects of gender roles and ethnicity : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Rural Development at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Devkota, Durga
    Gender disparity in household decision-making is common in developing countries. Ethnicity, culture and geographical location also influence decision-making processes in rural communities. Household decision-making processes in central rural Nepal were examined with a primary focus on gender roles and involvement in the context of three distinct ethnic communities--Brahmin/Chhetri, Gurung and Tharu. Three Village Development Committees (VDCs) of the Chitwan district of Nepal were purposively selected for the study. A combination of participatory rural appraisal (n=6), gender analysis (n=6), key informant interviews (n=14) and household socio-economic surveys (n=123) was used to gather information and data for the study. At the household level, men and women were interviewed separately. The results indicated that both men and women consistently carried out certain crop production activities. Other activities were either male or female dominated, but some activities were insensitive to gender and ethnicity. Ethnic variation impacted on gender roles and involvement of household members. For example, both males and females from the Brahmin/Chhetri and Gurung, and all family members from the Tharu, were involved in manure application to farmland. Fertiliser application was carried out by Brahmin/Chhetri and Tharu men. but jointly by the Gurungs. Crop harvesting was mostly completed by all household members, but with a low level of participation by men, and a high level of participation by women for all ethnic groups. Males dominated crop marketing in the Brahmin/Chhetri and Gurung communities, but this was jointly shared by the Tharus. Livestock-related work was primarily within the domain of women, but variation existed in gender roles across the ethnic groups. For example, Brahmin/Chhetri and Gurung men were less involved in grazing and fodder collection, but all members of Tharu households were jointly involved. Women were more involved than men in household management in all three ethnic groups, with the highest level of participation amongst the Tharu women. Decisions were reached by household members through general discussion. In some cases, however, such as in the marketing of large ruminants, the decision was made solely by the men. Household decision-making also depended on the level and source of income. Within the higher income Brahmin/Chhetri households decisions were largely made independently by males; for the lower income Gurung and the Tharu households joint decision-making was more common. Thus, the underlying male dominance in these communities tended to be related to income level. In relatively affluent households, women were largely restricted to household chores and were less involved in decision-making processes. With respect to crop income. the Gurung women exercised control, whereas the Brahmin/Chhetri males, and both men and women for the Tharus, had a dominant influence over such income. For all ethnic groups, men overwhelmingly dominated the access to agricultural and veterinary services, community activities, and off-farm employment opportunities. Rural and agricultural development activities in Nepal were shown not to be gender or ethnically neutral. However, the extent of this varies by activity. Thus, differences in gender and ethnic roles need to be specifically accounted for in rural policy formulation and planning. A pre-project analysis of gender and ethnicity involvement is recommended to provide better local knowledge of these factors before designing and implementing any project or developmental work. Keywords. Household decision-making. gender roles, ethnicity, gender analysis, participatory rural appraisal, Nepal, rural development