Repeatedly low wheat prices are driving more farmers to turn to dairy.
The Canterbury Regional Council says up to 25-thousand more dairy cows could be added to the region this year - with 32 new farms given the green light.
Federated Farmers' confidence survey in July found 81 percent of dairy farmers surveyed were making a profit, compared to just 40 percent of arable.
National Dairy Chair Karl Dean told Mike Hosking that dairy has a more consistent cash flow.
He says arable farmers are the ones with the land to convert.
LISTEN ABOVE

Mark the Week: 'Horse-faced duck' gave a look behind the scenes at Labour
02:48

Mike's Minute: My thoughts on the Budget
01:59

Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the latest draft plan for an extension to the ceasefire between Iran and the US
03:14