Submitted by Alexandra Diamond on the 2020 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Animal and Food Sciences…
This week, we were lucky enough to travel to Scott McFadden’s farm. Scott mainly produces sheep, but has some beef as well. I found his farm to be very special because he runs it all alone with the addition of a partner who helps him in the mornings. Scott is also very involved in the mental health of the surrounding farmers. Often times, farmers can be very depressed and commit suicide due to the environmental factors and stress of farming. Some days, Scott will travel to nearby farms and have a beer or just simply talk to the farmers. Not only does it help his mental health, but it also helps maintain good relationships. I felt this was important and something that should be recognized and implemented back home in the United States.
In addition to visiting that mid-altitude farm, we traveled to Nelson where we had a free day along with another farm visit. On our free day, basically the entire group walked to the beach, where we spent about nine hours. It was so nice to just be able to relax and take in the view in this beautiful country. I’ve been so busy I haven’t been able to just stop and be grateful for this program, and what I was actually doing. Thinking about how we only have five more days here is crazy, and I’m so sad to see it go. Hopefully, in the future, I can travel back and see the places I didn’t get to see this time around!