Southland and Canterbury are the preferred dairy farming regions in New Zealand due to opportunities, scale, productivity, water, and return on investment. Southland and Canterbury account for 40% of New Zealand milk production; this is forecasted to increase as farmers and investors are attracted to better value land, less weather risk and larger scale properties.
- One third of pastoral land in Southland is in milk production, therefore opportunities are still available.
- Converting grass to milk in Southland has less risk than other areas of New Zealand given the mild climate, excellent summer/autumn growth, and productive soils.
- Southland has a well spread reliable rainfall which means an average rural property should deliver 1,300 kg MS/hectarein a proven location with productive soils such as Central Southland.
- There are circa 850 dairy farms in Southland with an average herd size of 650 cows.
- Quality rural land in Southland is in demand with around 30 dairy farm sales per annum.
- The high calibre of on-farm managers in Southland is excellent with many smart young couples working their way through the dairy industry. They have the skill set to deliver excellent financial results and enhance returns to the land owner. It is vital to attract the top 20% of these on farm managers to under pin shareholder returns.
- Many rural properties are located within a two hours drive of Queenstown which is a world renowned tourist destination. There are many direct flights from Auckland into Queenstown for travel options from Asia and other global destinations.