Bill Davey bids farewell to Farmer Focus

With dairy farming here still very much the shining light so far as returns/ha are concerned, curiosity has got the better of me. I did a little research and sourced one of the South Island’s leading consultants. Our meeting was most enlightening.

Although intensive cropping looks as good as it has been for some time our costs of production are far too high, up to 70%. It’s the same old tune, the minute farmers’ returns improve, up go the costs of inputs, fertiliser, chemicals and fuel with excuses abound that the two are unrelated.

Back to my meeting with the dairy consultant. First question: “Bill, do you really want to become a dairy farmer”? “No, not really and neither do either of my sons,” I replied. Second question: “Then why consider such a drastic move away from something you know and do so well”? By this time, I already knew he had a very valid point.

OK, don’t convert the farm – at huge cost may I add – but consider other dairy-related options that can increase our output. Dairy support, something we are already involved in, albeit indirectly, but we could do far more.

Store lamb finishing is profitable, but very labour-intensive. Dairy cow grazing lasts for only eight to 10 weeks and is far more profitable/ha, so perhaps we have to change direction?

Unfortunately, I will not be able to keep you updated as this is my last Farmer Focus contribution – my 90th. I wrote my first article in September 2004 and between now and then, I have been privileged to meet and have made contact with so many wonderful people.

Thank you all for your support. It has been a real pleasure sharing with you our experience of a new life Down Under.

billdavey@xtra.co.nz