New Zealand-Farmers basic needs.

NEW ZEALAND.

SHEEP FARMERS NEED MINIMUM $75,000 PROFIT.

To just cover wages and survive, New Zealand’s sheep farmers need a minimum of $75,000 a year, according to Christchurch accounting company Pita Alexander.

While the farms can indeed reach a break even point at less, this does no account for the farmer or his wife and family drawing any wages.

The accountants point out many things that are the same the world over, if the farmers was to allow himself even the minimum wage for his time on the farm, he would if fact be running at a loss.

The accountants highlighted the problems of the last three years in the sheep and beef farming sector, also that many farmers burdened themselves with huge debt, installing buildings and equipment to enter into dairy farming.

Just as many farmers had made the transition, milk has taken 35% tumble in retail prices.

While the lamb and beef industry are finally looking towards an upwards trend.