A lot of interest in diversification

Press, 8 June 1979, Page 10

A lot of interest in diversification

Farmers are continuing to show interest in ways of diversifying their production. A steady stream of inquiries has been received by the Christchurch office of the Ministry of Agriculture. There are many possible alternatives, which have a role to play in helping to keep farming viable, according to Mr A. South, an animal husbandry adviser with the Ministry. “Deer are the most promising long term prospect at the moment. There is also a well-established interest in goats and increasing interest in rabbits. “Some people are also asking about more exotic animals such as mink, and opossum farming is being tried in at least one place in Canterbury.” Mr South said he received several calls a day from people interested in goat farming. “A number of callers are also interested in rabbit farming. Some of these represent large commercial interests, which want to expand their range of products. “Poultry farmers are showing interest because some of them have surplus cage capacity, which might be suitable for rabbits. They also tend to have support from supply and market organisations interested in rabbits.” Interest in sheep milking was also increasing, Mr South said, following a re-

cent field day at Templeton. “I’ve had inquiries from North Auckland, as well as other parts of New Zealand, and there is no doubt that dairy sheep could become a major New Zealand industry. If market trials this year are successful the industry could expand rapidly. “Small blocks are also being more intensively used than they were a few years ago. particularly for nontraditional land uses.

"Owners of five to 10 hectare blocks near the city are finding them an expensive way to live, and are looking to the land to provide income as well as recreation. Goats are well suited to this purpose.” Some smallholders were fattening sheep for sale and for grass control, Mr South said, and a number were moving into horticulture.