N.Z. Sheepfarmers’ Incomes Surveyed

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28801, 23 January 1959, Page 10

N.Z. Sheepfarmers’ Incomes Surveyed

(A'etc Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, January 22.

New Zealand sheepfarmers had an average gross income of more than £ll5 a week, or £5980 per annum, during 1956-57, with an average “take home” pay of £6l (£3172), according to a survey of sheepfarmers’ incomes compiled by the Department of Statistics.

The net income for 1956-57 was higher than for any other of the five income years given, and was £441 more than in 1955-56.

“The higher wool price in 195647 was. of course, responsible,” laid the report, issued by the department today. “Returns from livestock were lower, although only fractionally so in the case of sheep. On the expenditure side, the increase in the total was less than in 1955-56. Cower expenditure on seeds and manures, which decreased by £55. was the principal factor contributing to this result.’’ Although the department' has for some years surveyed the income of dairy farmers in New Zealand this is the first time such a survey has been made of sheepfarmers. A district-by-district breakdown shows that farmers in the Napier led the country with an average net income of £3774 (£72 a week). Farmers in the Wellington-Masterton area had the second highest—£329B (£63 a week). Auckland and RotoruaTauranga district were virtually tied for the lowest average incomes of £1987 and £1989 a year respectively. Definition For the purposes of the survey a sheepfarmer was defined as a farmer whose flock at the beginning and end of the year averaged 500 or more sheep and whose gross income from sheep, cattle. and other products normally associated with sheepfarming amounted to 75 per cent, or more of the total gross farming income. Individual farmers only were included, and farms operated by companies, partnerships, estates, and others were excluded.

There were 857 farmers in the 1956-57 survey, with 1,567,768 sheep. It was roughly estimated there were about 17,000 farms which could comply with the sample definition, and the survey therefore covered about 5 per cent. The report showed that in the five years from 1952 to 1957, the average gross income of all sheepfarmers increased from £4682 in 1952 to £6003 in 1957. At the same time average expenditure increased from £2491 to £3202. The average net income was £2191 in 1952-53. £2537 in 195354, £2579 in 1954-55, £2360 in 1955- and £2BOI in 1956-57. Wool brought in the greatest amount of profit in each year, while wages and rations were the largest single expenditures. District Figures The average gross and net incomes for sheepfarmers in the 1956- year were broken down into districts. They were:—

It was also shown that at the close of the income year of 195657 the average assets and capital of sheepfarmers in all districts amounted to £12.232 a farmer. Farmers in the Gisborne area led with average assets and capital of £16,176 each, Napier was second with £14,777, and Wel-lington-Masterton third with £14,655. Others were:—Auckland, £11,209; Hamilton, £10,140; Roto-rua-Tauranga, £11,326; New Plymouth, £10,329; WanganuiPalmerston North, £12,203; Blen-heim-Nelson. £10.912; Christ church, £14,455; Timaru, £10,722; and Dunedin, £11,521. The report said that although all sample surveys were subject to possible sampling errors, the major “all districts’* figures were “sufficiently accurate for practical use.” The department intends to continue its survey throughout the years.

Gross £ Net £ Auckland 4538 1987 Hamilton .. .. 5417 2258 Rotorua-Tauranga 4384 1989 Napier 8339 3774 Gisborne 7214 3224 New Plymouth 4739 2253 Wanganui-Palm. North 5777 2937 Masterton-Wellington .. 7149 3298 B’enheim-Nelson 4783 2328 Christchurch 6235 3164 Timaru* 5681 2415 Dunedin 5971 2884