By Mark H Holland
New Zealand is unique among developed countries as being reliant on the majority of its export earnings coming from agriculture, horticulture, forestry and fishing. While some countries have a significant mining and manufacturing base, New Zealand's wealth comes from grass, trees, soil and water. With such elements at hand, it's easy to see why farm investment is so popular.
New Zealand's farming industry is diverse, most of which fall into one of three categories - grain, produce and livestock. When the word 'farm' is mentioned most people think sheep and cows, however this isn't the only form of farming in NZ.
There are a number of other industries that also fall under the 'farming' category. Orchards and vineyards are another good farm investment option, especially in the sub-tropical regions of New Zealand like Nelson, Hawkes Bay and the Bay of Plenty. Kiwifruit, Avocado and wine are major export products that contribute to the NZ economy.
Investing in a dairy farm is hugely popular and generally financially rewarding. The dairy industry accounts for around a quarter of the export industry. Unlike sheep which are mainly grown for their lamb and wool, dairy cows are the real bread winners of the farming industry. They produce milk, a lot of which is used to produce consumer products like butter and cheese as well as a variety of food ingredients and nutritional products.
Farms can range in size from a few acres to several thousand hectares. Generally, the bigger the farm, the more livestock or crop you'll have. Farms in NZ are either owned by an individual, community, family, company or corporation.
A farm is considered a popular investment choice in New Zealand. They appeal to people for a number of reasons. You might have an interest in sustainable farming, rearing a specific breed of stock, growing a niche agricultural product or you may just want to get away from the noise and pollution and into a more peaceful and simpler surrounding.
A farm investment can be quite attractive in areas that are close to town or the city, or if your investment is managed for you location is not so important. It's a great environment to bring up kids and own animals such as pigs, sheep and chickens. You also benefit from greater privacy and more relaxation, yet you still have accessibility to urban society. Many New Zealanders consider this way of living as the ultimate lifestyle.
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