Lydia Farrell

Citation

Thesis Title
Bio-economic system-dynamics modelling to investigate strategic management options in New Zealand sheep farming enterprises.

A bio-economic system-dynamics sheep farm model was identified as appropriate to simulate strategic management options that may improve New Zealand sheep farming profitability. Ms Farrell developed the model and used it to investigate ewe wastage (premature losses), use of terminal (meat breed) sires, and a flock breed transition from Romney to ¾Merino¼Romney. Changes in production and profit were quantified for each of these three management options. Profit losses with increasing ewe wastage rates indicated wastage to be a significant issue warranting further investigation. Terminal sires had the greatest potential to increase profit in flocks with low replacement and high lambing rates. Breed transition strategies with higher crossbred ewe lamb selection intensities took longer to achieve the desired ¾Merino¼Romney flock, but produced higher value wool and were more profitable.

Supervisors
Professor Peter Tozer
Professor Paul Kenyon
Associate Professor Thiagarajah Ramilan
Dr Lydia Cranston