Agriculture

Sheep
The 2002 Agricultural Production Survey produced by Statistics NZ and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) showed pastoral farming was the main rural land use in the Waitaki District, with sheep farming accounting for 44% of total farming activities.

With the development of irrigation, many sheep farms have been converted to dairying in recent times. There were 10 dairy conversions in 2006, with another four taking place in early 2007.

Dairy
The recent introduction of large-scale irrigation will intensify land use, increase farm productivity and boost demand for associated services. About 30,000ha is now irrigated with capacity to irrigate more land in the future.

By 2005 there were approximately 90 dairy herds in the district, an increase of 23% over 1998. The 2006 BERL report records that while the number of dairy herds in NZ decreased each year from 2002-2006, herd numbers increased in the Waitaki District from 81 to 88. The number of cows also rose; averaging 6% per annum growth from 2002-2006, well above the national average of 0.9%.

Viticulture
The Waitaki Valley has been described as “possibly New Zealand's last undeveloped premium wine producing district” (Jordon 2003). The growth of vineyards and viticulture in the Waitaki Valley has the potential to massively benefit the North Otago region. The wine industry is new and pioneering in the region with many vineyards only reaching full production this year. However, there is already significant and ongoing investment in viticulture in the area. First vintages attest to some remarkable and unique characteristics of Waitaki Valley wine which have been recognized nationally and internationally. This has lead to widespread interest in land in the region for viticulture development and two new wineries are planned to be built this year.

Click here to download the 2007 Waitaki Valley Wine Industry Report (3.1MB)

Horticulture
NZ Ministry of Agriculture And Fisheries land use study results are due out in July 2007

Market gardens dedicated to commercial vegetable growing are predominantly located at Totara on the outskirts of Oamaru. Land used for this purpose has remained fairly consistent in recent years with a small but growing number of ventures dedicated to growing organic fruit and vegetables. Small horticulture ventures also flourish in and around Kakanui which is well known for producing hot house tomatoes. Oamaru-grown Jersey Benne potatoes are also highly sought after around the country.

The area between Otekaike and Kurow in the Waitaki Valley produces quality stone fruit including apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums and more recently cherries. Berry fruit is also successfully grown closer to Oamaru with cherry orchards flourishing around the district.

Cropping
NZ Ministry of Agriculture And Fisheries land use study results are due out in July 2007