Unlike many other countries, where advanced study of farm management is undertaken in preparation for a career off farm, either in downstream agribusiness or research, many students in New Zealand undertake advanced study in farm management to prepare them for the challenging task of managing a modern farm business. This textbook reflects this difference and is aimed at senior students of farm management who intend to become farm owners or managers or to join the profession that services the vibrant farming sector. This book applies general management principles and practices to the business of farming in New Zealand. The emphasis is on low cost, deregulated farming systems that are geographically distant from their market. The book focuses on the skills, knowledge, business structures and practices that farmers need to be successful in a deregulated economy.

• Takes a whole-farm approach
• Addresses practice and theory
• Relevant and clearly presented

Introduction

The Importance of a Responsive Approach to Farm Management

The External Environment Faced by Farmers

1. Introduction

2. The Long-Term Economic Fundamentals

3. Medium-term Consumptions Changes

4. Supply Chains and Marketing Channels Resources and Constraints

5. Introduction

6. Biophysical Resources

7. Human Resources

8. Financial Resources

The Management Challenge

The New Zealand Approach to Farm Management

Approach and Organisation of the Book

Sandra Martin – Senior Lecturer in Agribusiness, Division of Applied Management and Computing, Lincoln University

Nicola Shadbolt – Senior Lecturer in Agribusiness and Farm Management, Massey University, Palmerston North