Editor's note: Penn State dairy student Hannah Wentworth has been providing monthly updates through the Progressive Dairyman Extra e-newsletter about her study abroad experience in New Zealand this spring. Scroll down below to see links to her other columns, or visit her blog at www.pafarmgirladventures.blogspot.com. Starting from Wellington, New Zealand, April 15-19 with 80 other Lincoln University agriculture students, I was on route for a study tour of the north island’s west coast.

Hannah Wentworth

Our group visited 10 farms over a five-day period from Levin to the Taranaki area.

We looked at a variety of agricultural operations with vegetables, crops, beef, sheep, dairy, forestry and deer. We heard from the farmers and explored the farm’s soil, plants, animals and overall business management.

In the evening we were billeted out to local volunteer host families. They welcomed us into their homes, provided good meals and a place to sleep. I enjoyed this opportunity to learn more about the country’s culture in a home atmosphere.

On this field trip I was the only American and am glad I got to know more of my classmates. In addition, I loved seeing the beautiful countryside, visiting the farms and learning more about New Zealand’s agriculture. PD

Advertisement

Click here to see the full post with additional photos.

Click on a link below to view Wentworth's other New Zealand columns:

Watch for an article about Wentworth's study abroad experience in the August 11, 2012 issue of Progressive Dairyman.