The structure, philosophy and direction of Landcorp’s northern region

Following Government’s restructuring of Lands & Survey Department, Landcorp Farming Ltd, Whangarei Region was allocated 28 stations and farms. A further eight properties were being farmed on an agency basis for the Department of Conservation and Telecom. The farms were scattered from Bombay Hills to North Cape and included five islands in the Hauraki Gulf The total farmed area amounted to 34,900 hectares and carried 400,000 stock units. Ten years on the Northern Region now farms 14 stations including one agency farm. This follows a farm rationalisation programme that has seen the loss of D.O.C. and Telecom leases, farm sales to the crown for settlement of Maori land claims as well as private sales of non core properties. Today the Northern Region farms 24,000 hectares and carries 229,000 stock units. During this time Landcorp has developed into a fully integrated agribusiness, that farms over a million beef cattle, sheep, deer and dairy cows. From these livestock, Landcorp prepares and markets a range of quality products under its own brand name to meet New Zealand and International demands. Landcorp recognises its key to success depends very heavily on its staff and managers. The company gives high priority to staff development, running a number of staff training programmes each year. The Northern Region employs 63 farm based staff and 4 office staff Marketing of all products from the Northern Region are co ordinated through the North Island Marketing Unit. This enables staff in the Region to focus on production to meet market commitment. The Region is heavily dependent upon beef production with beef cattle making up 70% of the stock units. Where applicable, cattle to sheep ratios are being adjusted in favour of sheep, along with increasing the lamb finishing capacity in the Region. Also a diversification programme is underway to increase deer numbers to 3500 stock units. All farms in the Northern Region are managed as part of Landcorp’s integrated production system philosopy, to optimize efficient land use and focus management.