The comparative profitability of milk and beef production on seasonal supply dairy farms : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Farm Management at Massey University

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Copyright is owned by the Author of the thesis. Permission is given for

a copy to be downloaded by an individual for the purpose of research and

private study only. The thesis may not be reproduced elsewhere without

the permission of the Author.

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Massev University Library

Ne"V

Zealand

&

Pacific: Collection

THE COMPARATIVE PROFITABILITY

OF

MILK

AND

BEEF PRODUCTION

ON

SEASONAL SUPPLY DAIRY FARI.:S

RAL...'Ofl G. LATTDJORE

A Thesis presented in partial :f'ulf'ilment of the requirements for the Degree of :Master of Agricultural Science in Farm Management at Massey University.

August 1970

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author VTishes to thank Professor A.R. Frampton f'or his advice, encouragement and helpful critic ism throughout this stuc1y.

The author also benefited fran discussions with many staff membe~s

at Massey University, particularly Dr. W.R. Schroder,

J:r.

^J.^lT. ^Hodgson

and Hr • .A.W.F. Davey.

The author is indebted to the farmers interviewed in the fmTVey, especially the three case farmers for their time and co-operation and for the interest they shor1ed in this investigation.

Than..1cs are also due to llfrs.

c.

^:Miers^, ^\'1ho typed this T:.'1.esis nncl to Mrs. J. Latt:inore for her assistance nnd encourar;ement during this study.

The author was employed by the Department of AgJ:icul tu.re during the study. Their financial support is gratefully acknowledged, as is the f'inancial assistance provided by the 1.fanawatu Co-operative Dairy Company.

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CONTENTS

CHAPJ.'ER

1 INTRODlfCTION

2 TECHNICAL CONSDJE..-i::uTIONS RELATING TO BZEF PRODUCTION ON DAIRY P A."Rlf..S

PA.GE

1

8 3 ECONOJ.CTC .ASPECTS OF BEEF PRODUCTION ON DAIRY FA..-::zr.:s 24

4 THE F A.."Rl.f SURVEY 40

5 ^'.L'P~CASE E'.Aill.I EV.AWATION 66

6 S

tn .

.!:MA.."R.Y .AlID CONCLUSIONS 148

BIBLI(Xj._"R.APflY 157

.APPENDICES

1 1fONTHLY FEED REQUIREMENTS OF C.AT'l'LE

164

2 'l'HE LINEA."R. PROGRAJ.1':lliG MATRIX - CASE FARM I 169 3 BJTh'F PRICE LEVELS AND .ACTIVITY NET REVENUES 170 4 PA..LW.1ETHIC SOLUTIONS - CASE FARM 1 173 5 P.ARA1.IB'.LRIC SOLUTIONS - CASE FA."Rl.1 2 181

6 P.AR.AllliTRIC SOLUTIONS - CASE FARM 3 188