We are pretty much a world in miniature, a paradise in the South Pacific – or so it seems most of the time.
However, we should not become complacent, especially in farming as the driving force of our economy. It is prudent to know what your fellow farmers and competitors are up to elsewhere around the world, be aware of changing technologies, trends in agricultural production and consumption and market opportunities.
That great body of surrounding ocean can be a barrier to knowing what’s going on unless you make the effort to get out and see for yourself.
Farm-To-Farm Tours annual tour to the United States provides a terrific opportunity to hear and see what is happening in this vast continent, whose influence is felt beyond its shores affecting our farm businesses and lifestyle. At the same time, you can have a relaxing break away from the New Zealand winter enjoying all the wonderful educational, cultural, hospitality and scenic experiences that America can offer.
The guided tour in June-July takes in the diverse western states of Arizona, California and Oregon, followed by a jaunt through the agricultural powerhouse of the mid-west states. Then, finally, an opportunity to visit Washington DC and New York cities.
New Zealand shrinks to a seemingly insignificant dot on globe when you travel in the United States, but there is no doubt it is a very influential country and huge international player in just about everything.
What happens in the US can adversely affect our ‘little dot’. But it can also provide terrific opportunities if we embrace what we see and learn from an educational trip such as this.
Some farmers make things happen, some watch things happen and others wonder what happened. Don’t be in the last category.
• Ross Macmillan is the principal of Farm-To-Farm Tours.
Tel. 0800 3838 747
www.farmtofarm.co.nz
