Background

Agriculture is Northland's biggest earner and contributes significantly to the regional economy. More than half of this total comes from dairying, followed by beef, sheep and deer.

Northland's sub-tropical climate is a significant advantage over other regions and means that - among other effects - grass continues to grow through the winter months.

About 840,000 hectares of land are under cultivation in Northland, with nearly two-thirds of this used as grazing, arable, fodder or fallow land.

Dairying is expected to continue to play a major role in Northland's agricultural sector, based on steady growth in returns, dairy cow numbers and processing investment.

There has been a noticeable trend for traditional sheep and beef farms to be converted to dairying and forestry where the land is suitable.

	Northland Farm Field Day

Alternative forms of farming, including deer, are also increasing in number.

Northland's agriculture sector has further economic potential, through the implementation of existing technology and best practice across more farm businesses, as well as alternative land uses and niche marketing of innovative products.

There are hundreds of successful farming stories in Northland. Read two of them here

For more information, and links, about the pastoral industry in Northland, visit the regional website www.northlandnz.com