ABSTRACT
The current status of New Zealand's pastoral industries is outlined in the context of climate and soil characteristics that ensure pasture growth at all seasons of the year in most regions. Traditionally, New Zealand's advantage for livestock products on world markets has been dependent on low feed costs resulting from the efficient use of grassland resources in year- round grazing systems. In recent years, changes in market opportunity have put increasing emphasis on improved animal performance and product specification. This has resulted in overall reduction in stocking rate in some livestock industries, with increasing emphasis on improvement in nutritive value in the choice of forage species and in the flexibility of management of pastures and supplementary forages. These changes have enhanced product value, at the risk of some decline in forage use efficiency and cost advantage. Recent developments in production technology are outlined, with emphasis on pasture production and nutritive value, and on animal proficiency and performance and on animal productive potential. Current land-use issues discussed relate to soil conservation, fertilizer use and water quality, and organic production systems.
