Efficiency in New Zealand sheep and beef farming: The impacts of regulatory reform

In this study, we consider the impacts of dramatic regulatory reform during the 1980s on the efficiency of farms in New Zealand, using unbalanced pane l data. A translog distance function representing the multiple output and i nput technology and incorporating nonneutral regulatory impacts is used for the analysis. Determinants of technical inefficiency, including a regulato ry variable, a time term, and a debt/equity ratio, are also incorporated in a one-step model estimated by maximum-likelihood, stochastic production fr ontier methods. We find evidence of regulatory-induced changes in output co mposition-toward beef and deer, and away from wool, and especially lamb-but little associated technical inefficiency. These patterns motivated investm ent in complementary capital, land, and beef/deer livestock inputs. Firms t hat were more flexible in their adaptation toward these new mixes adjusted to regulatory changes with less upheaval, so any existing inefficiency appe ars linked to debt/equity levels.