In the first week back of term 2 the year 13 Agribusiness class travelled to Nelson to investigate how agribusinesses are future-proofing their industry
Our first stop was to a 200 hectare Orchard in Richmond. We were hosted by AgFirst - a business that provides independent advice to agricultural and horticultural advice around New Zealand.
On the second day we visited the “Cawthron AquaCulture Park”. This is a large research facility just outside Nelson. Here we inspected the “Spat NZ” facility. This is where Spat (baby mussels) are grown before being shipped to mussel farms around New Zealand. We also had a talk from Richard Hamel on how the scientists at the facility came up with a solution to the “Toxic Algal Bloom” environmental issue facing the industry in 2018.
Thursday saw the group head to Appleby farms and Ice cream factory. Appleby Farms produces A2 milk. The unique aspect about this farm is that not only do they produce the milk, but they also have a milk processing plant on the farm. The milk is then bottled and sold around Nelson and the South Island. On the farm they have a vending machine where customers come and buy milk. Unfortunately, we didn't get a photo of the ice cream factory, but I can personally assure everyone that the ice cream is delicious.
On Friday before we flew back to Dunedin, we headed up the Pelorus Sound with Jonathan Large, chairperson of the Marine Farming Association. Whilest on the trip Jono talked to us about the issues facing the industry and their forward-thinking approach to solving these issues.
Before we left the group experienced a feed of mussels after snorkeling around a mussel farm.
Everyone involved in the trip would like to thank Dr Preston for organising it. Also Mrs Pibenga of Columba College for her help in managing the group. Another thank you must also go to all of the people who gave up their time to host us. It was a great learning experience.
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