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KANES
arrange farming experiences according to the
specific interests of each customer. You
can explore the annual farming
cycles of various farm products, look at the ways land and soil are prepared and improved for best
yields.
We often explore the
economic aspects of various management systems. There are many different
types of farms to study. Some NZ universities specialise in the studies
of farms.
Farmers we meet are happy to answer questions and explain the
processes.
Farming in New Zealand
Fifty percent of the land area in New Zealand is used for farming.
Generally each farm is owned and operated by one farmer and his family. The most common farm products
include:- lamb, beef, dairy, fruit and grains but there are hundreds
of other products as well.
KANES offer farm visits depending on the customers' interests and
time available.
Animal Farms
Sheep and cattle are the most popular farmed animal
species and there are many different breeds to explore, each with
special strengths to thrive in different environments and different uses. In
addition there are many other animals now being farmed for other food and
clothing products. Studies take us through the annual cycle of
each, look at the breeding, feeding and, health of the animals and the
farmers payment when the animals leave.
Farm Shows
These "shows" are excellent for visitors to
obtain a short, concise introduction and overall insight into farming. Presentations are
colourful, entertaining and provide opportunities to have close contact with different
breeds of farm animals.
In the South Island's
Desert and Adventure Zone an afternoon
old time farming experience begins with a
steam boat cruise to a lakeside farm and
farm show. Afternoon tea and cakes are provided for
guests followed by an interesting insight into the work and animals found on
remote farms. The
farmer demonstrates his tasks including shearing and working sheepdogs.
Wool spinning demonstration shows how
the ladies used to make garments from wool. The North Island's
Active Volcano Zone
provides the popular
Agrodome farm show with
rollicking commentaries sheep dogs working and a selection of sheep that
help you understand various breeds farms you see all over New Zealand.
High Country Farms
This type of farm lets the animals free on the mountains to search for
their sustenance. These farms are much bigger than the farms of the
fertile lowlands. They
have different breeds of grasses and animals, different routines and different types of
people operating them. See Alpine
Trails Zone and Alpine Grandeur Zone
Wetland Farming
In high rain fall
areas require different techniques to operate successfully.
See also
Mining
& Milling Zone
Dairy Farms
Groups see the processes of milking cows and the
movement of
milk to processing factories where it is prepared for supermarkets or transformed into powder
and cheese for export.
Vegetable Farms
Fruit Farms
Otherwise known as orchards, fruit farms are found in most
zones. Various weather patterns dictate the varieties of fruit their
care and productivity. The
Desert & Adventure Zone is well known for stone fruit,
pip fruit and grapes. Kiwi fruit and citrus fruit are most available at the north of the
South Island, and the Northern areas of the
Main Population Zone.
Grain Farms
These include wheat, barley and various temperate vegetables and
they are found
throughout the country especially near towns.
Fish Farms
Generally new and developing enterprises only a few
fish farms are
situated in areas on the normal tour route. They include
salmon, mussel, prawn and
abalone.
Overnight Farm Stays
Larger groups on limited budgets can
experience a stay on a South Island high-country farm among the mountains. Small numbers
of guests (2-4) can be hosted at individual family farms for about the
same price as staying at a 4-star hotel.
See also Accommodation
Forestry
Plantations are found all over New Zealand
Timber (mainly pine) is a major
export product and there are many opportunities to walk into the forests and
observe the various stages of the growth, care, harvest and uses of this
material.
See also
VIDEO
(sheep)
VIDEO
(sheep shearing)
VIDEO
(feeding lambs)
Link images
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New
Zealand Student Tours with
KANES
