I know this is "old" news but I want to take to time to go back and add some pictures from our NZ- South Island Agricultural Tour that Ian and Janet took us on. I am also reluctant to let go of this fabulous trip. Dan and I have been having fun each day since our return reliving it!!! We want it to remain ever fresh in our minds."Paddocks" i.e. Pastures enclosed by Stands of Trees... how Lucky are They?!?!
It was quite fascinating and a rare privilege to see all these places with two natives who took us to "real" places that aren't part of any formal tour. South of Christchurch in the Hinds area was the dairy farm that Ian's son-in-law, Kent, and their daughter, Anna, manage and have part-ownership in. Dan was impressed by the efficiency of this operation where they milk 800 cows twice daily which helps to produce dry powdered milk for markets in China as one of their protein sources. The cattle are worked with no people doing any handling once they are in the pen. An arm with electric tapes hanging from it gently pressures the cows towards the carousel. The carousel rotates 48 cows as the girls are being milked. It takes 8 minutes to milk each cow.
Kent- Dairy Farmer- South Island-NZ
The Cattle Milking Carousel (this rotates)
Taking Care of the "Girls"
The Electric Tapes that Push the Cows Forward
From their we went on to Neil and Lynley's farm near Fairlie. I believe this is "heaven on earth"... the Sound of Music personified.... it was absolutely beautiful with the Southern Alps in the distance. Plus Lynley has the most beautiful gardens which she works hard to nurture and maintain!!! Of course, they can actually grow things there which helps too!Stunning View from the Top of their Farm
This is a complex operation where they farm sheep, cattle and even deer. There is a big market for venison in NZ and you can buy it in the "markets" there. Neil does this broad type of diversification so that he is never caught in by a downturn in a market. It's very smart but seems like he works really hard to make it all work.
Deer Need Taller Fences but Little HandlingThis is a complex operation where they farm sheep, cattle and even deer. There is a big market for venison in NZ and you can buy it in the "markets" there. Neil does this broad type of diversification so that he is never caught in by a downturn in a market. It's very smart but seems like he works really hard to make it all work.We Especially Loved the Sheep
Neil Talking to Ian and Dan
Neil- The Real NZ Deal
Janet with her Sister and Mother
Lynley in Her Garden- Gardeners Paradise
1 comment:
Ah, I finally got to see this post. It's all stunning though I don't have long to look at it.
love you.
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