Farmer perception: what is limiting sheep production in the upper North Island

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.The purpose of this study was to determine what farmers perceive as limiting factors to improving sheep production on their properties based in the Upper North Island (Taupo - Kaitaia). The researcher had recently changed jobs to become a Sheep Production Officer for WoolPro based in this area, which involves liaising with the Northern North Island Sheep Council. As a result, the objectives of the project was to gain information on what were the perceived limiting factors for sheep production within the area, and to identify opportunities so that farmers could overcome these. Also, to gain an understanding of the farmers within the area providing some base knowledge for the officer