The value of MAF advisory services in a dairy discussion group
A.D. Dawson, M.E. Smith
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1979, 39: 164-167
Data from eight farms whose owners formed a discussion group
receiving considerable advice from advisory officers were compared with
South Auckland regional averages. Between 1972-4 and 1977-8 the eight
farms increased milkfat production by 31%, stocking rate by 22.5% and
effective farm surplus by 42.3% relative to changes in the regional
average. These figures indicate that there can be large financial gains
to farmers and New Zealand from an adequate extension service. If the
level of production was lifted to the same extent over the whole
country, this could provide additional dairy produce worth $75.4 million
in f.o.b. value.
Farmers must gain confidence in an advisor before they will accept
advice. For this the adviser must not only be technically competent but
must also spend adequate time both with the discussion group and with
each farmer as an individual.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Last Updated 12-09-1998
