Meat and Wool NZ Ltd Economic Service figures show a variation in return on capital between farms of over 12 percent in the 2001-2002 season.
"Some of this variation is obviously due to technical skills, but farmers management skills must also be important in achieving financial success," says Dr Nuthall.
"The variation suggests some farmers would gain considerably if their skills could be improved."
Over 2000 randomly selected farmers were surveyed and the majority of the respondents believed there were three skill type groupings that were important. The components were chosen from around 50 different categories.
The first group emphasises planning skills. This includes the ability to obtain planning information, to put together short and long term plans, to anticipate the future successfully, to pick up the early signs of problems and opportunities, to act on time, negotiate well and practise good risk management.
The second group was more about successfully carrying out the plans. Included here were such skills as "keeping a cool head", having confidence to decide what action is required, and getting on with it, learning from experience, noting important factors in good time, and understanding the relationship between the components of a farm.
The third skills group was largely people oriented. It included an ability to work with employees and contractors, to judge personality successfully, resolve conflicts and develop good relationships with people off the farm such as bank managers and accountants. The respondents also believed that "developing a good character" was an important aspect of this group.
"The results of the survey have been used to decide on the components of a computer system being developed as a training package," says Dr Nuthall.
"When finished it is hoped that many farmers will be able to use the package and gain benefit."
The work is largely funded by Meat and Wool NZ Ltd - thus the backing is through the sheep and cattle farmers of New Zealand.
"The work depends totally on the help of farmers," says Dr Nuthall. "Their time in filling out and returning the survey is greatly appreciated. The pay-back will be when management skill training systems become available."
For further information contact
Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury
Tel: (03) 3252811 ext 8549.
Email: Ian Collins