Publication Date
1989
Description
The predominant domesticated ruminants in New Zealand are sheep and cattle. However in the last decade other animal species have been incorporated into farming systems, particularly goats which have increased from 10 thousand to 1 million over that time. The motives for this change have primarily been economic ones, in an attempt by farmers to increase income and reduce costs. Goats provide direct financial returns to hill farmers through sale of fibre (mohair, cashgora, cashmere) and meat. In many instances however, the motivation has been one of reduction of weed control costs. Aspects of weed control, pasture response and grazing behaviour in goat/sheep systems have been examined in a trial in North Island hill country. In this paper some results of that work are summarised.
Citation
Clark, D A. and Lambert, M G., "The Role of Goats in New Zealand Hill Country Farming" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 35.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session11/35
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
The Role of Goats in New Zealand Hill Country Farming
The predominant domesticated ruminants in New Zealand are sheep and cattle. However in the last decade other animal species have been incorporated into farming systems, particularly goats which have increased from 10 thousand to 1 million over that time. The motives for this change have primarily been economic ones, in an attempt by farmers to increase income and reduce costs. Goats provide direct financial returns to hill farmers through sale of fibre (mohair, cashgora, cashmere) and meat. In many instances however, the motivation has been one of reduction of weed control costs. Aspects of weed control, pasture response and grazing behaviour in goat/sheep systems have been examined in a trial in North Island hill country. In this paper some results of that work are summarised.
