H—29

Occupied Land The total area of land under occupation has not varied materially during the period under review : the peak was reached in 1925, since when some land—probably of a submarginal nature —has become " unoccupied." Subdivision of holdings has taken place, resulting in an increased number of occupiers and a reduction in average area of farms.

Table III—Total Area Occupied, Number of Holdings, and Average Size of Holdings, 1920-47.*

A more detailed study shows that the major movements in size and number of holdings have been a material reduction in the number of small farms —some subdivision of very large areas, and a rapid development of economic family units ranging from 50 acres to 320 acres. These are devoted essentially to intensive production of dairy products and fat lambs, depending on improved pasture-management.

Table IV—Number of Holdings, by Sizes and Total Occupied Area, for Each Size for 1920 and 1947*

The Technique op Grassland Farming The foregoing tables show clearly that rapid and, in fact, almost spectacular progress has been made in live-stock production from a relatively static area of occupied land and of land sown in grass. How has this progress been possible ? The answer lies virtually in one word —grass. By the development of good-quality pastures properly managed and top-dressed with adequate supplies ofphosphatic fertilizers, many farmers have achieved levels of production which are eulogized internationally. It is true, however, that the quality of a large proportion of New Zealand's pastures still leaves much to be desired and there is all too frequently a lack of adequate utilization of surplus pasture growth.

3

Year. Total Occupied Area (000 Acres). Number of Holdings. Average Size of Holdings. 1920 43,473 81,592 532-81 1925 43,632 85,977 507-49 1930 43,369 85,167 509-22 1935 43,105 84,867 507-91 . 1940 42,928 86,304 497-40 1945 43,006 86,247 498-64 1947 43,100 86,483 498-36 * Agricultural and Pastoral Statistics.

Size (Acres). Number. Area (000 Acres). 1920. 1947. Difference. 1920. 1947Difference. Under 10 .. 11-50 51-100 101-320 321-640 641-1,000 1,001-5,000 5,001 and over 15,554 13,367 10,039 21,579 10,116 4,080 5,722 1,085 11,450 13,838 12,824 26,837 10,486 4,130 5,881 1,037 -4,104 +471 +2,785 +5,258 +320 +50 + 159 -48 72 377 380 4,128 4,642 3,301 11,306 18,867 53 351 937 4,850 4,742 3,290 11,497 17,380 -19 -26 + 157 +722 + 100 -11 + 191 -1,487 81,592 86,483 +4,891 43,473 43,100 I -373 * Agricultural and Pastoral Statistics.