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FACULTY: Dr. Wes Wood, Department of Agronomy & Soils

OBJECTIVE: New Zealand is a country predominantly built by its farm produce. The country's livestock, particularly sheep, amount to more than half of the entire living population. Throughout the North Island regions of Waikato, Taranaki, and Manawatu, and South Island's Canterbury, Otago, and Southland regions, dairy farming is very much the main trade for locals.
Farmers work on their land each day, shearing sheep for their wool, milking cows using high-tech machines, and maintaining their crops. Crops such as grapes and olives flourish on many hillsides. Deer, ostriches, goats, and even lavender are all in commercial production. More than 60 varieties of cheeses are produced here, including the aorangi, akronia and blue supreme.
Nearly 25 percent of all farms in New Zealand have seen a change of land use in the past decade. Dairy farming and forestry have expanded and is predicted to continue for some time. Kiwi farming families have encountered several hardships and challenges but most would not swap their jobs for the world. Still responsible for producing over half of New Zealand's merchandise exports, with dairy products currently being the biggest single export. The spirit of innovation and motivation have led to dynamic and exciting agriculture and horticulture industries in New Zealand.

AUSPICES: Trip is organized as a non-required adjunct activity to RSOC 3700 Agricultural and Society taught in fall 2007

CREDIT: Students wishing to receive academic credit for additional reading and a term paper on a topic related to the field experience can register for the hours and complete the work in the spring semester

DATES: Leave ATL Friday 21 May, 2008
Return ATL Saturday 29 May, 2008

ESTIMATED COSTS:
Airfare $2500
Lodging $400
Insurance $100
Transit, some admissions $300
Personal (meals souvenirs etc.) $400

TIMELINE: August – September -- information plus recruiting
Obtain your passport NOW -- forms at Post Office, apply at Lee County Justice Center

15 January 5:30PM 211 Comer meeting of tour participants
15 February ticket purchase deadline from Fair Winds Travel (Montgomery) Vivian Good 1-800-228-4155
15 April $600 check to Auburn University due with photocopy of passport, drivers license, and medical insurance card

21 May Departure

31 May Return

CONTACTS:

PROSPECTIVE ITINERARY

FRIDAY 21 May: Assemble at Comer Hall at 11:30AM, leave for ATL at Noon.
Delta Air Lines Flight 5:25 pm Depart from Atlanta, GA (ATL) 8:40 am Arrives at LAX , depart for Christchurch

SATURDAY: In transit, day lost due to International Dateline

SUNDAY: Arrive Christchurch, New Zealand 2PM
Welcome BBQ Lincoln University Agronomy Department
Overnight at Hotel, give phone and fax number

MONDAY: AM Bus to Wellington Visit Dairy farms
PM Chocolate farm, Duneden
Overnight Hotel phone and fax

TUESDAY: AM Visit Franz joseph& Fox Glacier
PM Visit vineyards and winery, Blenheim

WEDNESDAY: A.M. Visit Kiwi farm, Tepuke
P.M. Visit Medicinal Herb farm, Red Bank

THURSDAY: Farm tour to orange grove and agrotourism facility.
Visit organic olive oil press in nearby community.
Carea known for production of pottery and terra-cotta wares

FRIDAY: A.M. Bus tour to coast
P.M. Lunch by the sea

SATURDAY 28 May: Alitalia Flight 1712 6:20 am Depart from Christchurch Arrives at Atlanta, GA (ATL)