This report is the result of research conducted for the Rural Futures Programme (FRST Proj-13807-PPS-AgR), which has been funded by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology.

Summary This paper presents a framework to explore agribusiness success in New Zealand. The framework provides the basis for historical analysis. It draws on existing theory based on the structure-conduct-performance paradigm but expanded to take account of firm strategy and the analysis of value chains.

This paper presents a framework to explore agribusiness success in New Zealand. The framework provides the basis for historical analysis. It draws on existing theory based on the structure-conduct-performance paradigm but expanded to take account of firm strategy and the analysis of value chains.

A model of the New Zealand beef value chain, from conception to export, was constructed. The model was parameterised at the national level so that issues and opportunities within the beef industry can be examined at a high level by researchers and industry participants. The model is capable of modelling changes in farm practice, market situations and the industry structure. To illustrate the integrative power and value of the model in evaluating change within the beef sector, three scenarios are presented and compared to the status quo: changes in land price; wider use of beef semen in the dairy industry; and introduction of a gene to improve net feed intake. From the three scenarios presented, it is apparent that land price dominates the ability of the NZ beef industry to create value in the long-run. Although behaviour, practices and technologies can contribute to overcoming this factor, such changes will need to be substantive - incremental improvements will not be sufficient. This model provides the basis for facilitating debate on the future of NZ's beef industry and how to ensure long-run profitability. Keywords: beef industry, scenario evaluation, beef systems, value chain model

The performance measures important to New Zealand beef producers and processors in their selling and buying decisions were studied using a conjoint analysis methodology. 98 producers and 5 processors were asked to rank and rate various scenarios. Producers preferred scenarios in which they received a high price, had high payment security, a premium for quality, had a short lead-time and the processor shared some information. Processors focussed on factors that enabled them to reduce their risk and cost of supply, and ensure traceability back to farms.

The mother of a child with Patau's syndrome has an inversion of chromosome 13. The karyotype is designated 46, XX, inv (13) (p13q21). It is deduced that the deceased child had the karyotpye 46, XY, rec(13), dup q, inv(13) (p13q21).