Gore is essentially a rural-based economy, with sheep and dairy farming the main earners.
The conditions are perfect, with fertile and accessible land, together with consistent rainfall and cooler temperatures. The climate means we remain immune to a number of plant diseases and pests. Extensive transport infrastructure is also key to its success.
With the relatively recent boom in the dairy industry, many family farms that were traditionally sheep and beef, have converted to dairy.
Testament to the industry’s success, a new $240million milk plant Mataura Valley Milk, has been operational since 2018.
With investment from China Animal Husbandry Group and local investors, the plant will produce nutritional milk powders for high end markets, joining the list of international operations based in Gore. The plant employs 65 full time staff.
Wool produced in the District is mostly cross-bred and is used for carpet, clothing, blankets and knitted fabric. In its favour there is a trend toward the use of natural rather than synthetic fibres.
There are two meat processing plants within the District. Alliance Group’s plant at Mataura and NZ Silver Fern Farms’ Waitane plant.
Oats have long been associated with the Gore District. The Flemings Creamoata Mill, with its famous Sgt Dan character on the side is a historic building in the centre of town. There are several large oat producing farms in the District.
Southland has a well-established forestry industry and supports a range of commercial forest species.
The Dongwha Patinna fibreboard processing plant at Mataura produces MDF products for customers in the Pacific, Asia and the United States.
