Agriculture forms the basis of the economy in Southland, largely due to the ideal climactic conditions. Southland has a temperate climate which prevents stock from being stressed by extremes in temperature.

 

Even rainfall spread and high sunlight hours mean there is higher pasture growth through spring and summer than other areas thus stock can be farmed more intensively and on demand when necessary.

 

Southland is fortunate to be free of many nationally prevalent pests, as frequent frosts also produce relatively disease-free soils.