Moving on

Saturday 21st November. We left New Zealand having experienced an incredible three weeks of hospitality at the behest of farmers, farming representatives, Government officials, lamb processors, scientists, and research bodies. Without exception, everyone was keen to be involved in an exchange of knowledge, and the common goal of making beef and sheep farming in New Zealand (and Wales) more profitable and sustainable for the foreseeable future.

I learnt a great deal about the challenges and opportunities facing an unsupported agricultural industry, which has the pressure of exporting the majority of its pastoral products. The complexity of comparing beef and sheep welfare within a totally different environment of production with regard to climate, topography and economic conditions became very evident during our travels from Auckland to Invercargill. (3600 km) That will be the challenge of writing my Nuffield report during the coming months!

The importance of the UK market to the future of New Zealand lamb production was very obvious, as is the influence of UK retailers on the ongoing development of farm assurance schemes within the country, as they procure their lambs seasonally from New Zealand.

We were left in no doubt that rugby is a religion in New Zealand, and as a coincidence had to suffer the indignity of a Welsh defeat at the hands of the All Blacks during our stay! We also jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet which is pretty incredible when I cannot even climb a ladder to change a light bulb in the sheep shed at home. We were involved in a very intensive program of meetings and visits during our stay, which did not allow much time to dwell on the non agricultural attractions of New Zealand, and it would be fanatastic to revisit with a tourist hat in place. (Queenstown being an exception!)

Our thanks to all our hosts, and we look forward to welcoming some you in Cymru over the years to come. Diolch yn fawr!