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Abstract
Sharemilking is an important feature of the New Zealand dairy industry providing a career path that can lead to farm ownership. This paper evaluates the contribution of sharemilking to the New Zealand dairy industry. The types of agreements are described as is the legislation governing the industry. The principal conclusion is that the goal of most sharemilkers, farm ownership, is becoming more difficult. The value of cows has not appreciated as rapidly as land prices during the last two decades. The current generation of sharemilkers must build up a larger herd, than their predecessors of 20 years ago, before a farm can be purchased. This has important implications for the dahy industry, as it is vital to attract and retain highly motivated capable young people into farming.