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izard ([personal profile] izard) wrote2008-09-07 12:29 pm
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New Zealand farm.

Yesterday we've been to our friend's friend's farm. Details and photos are under cut.

Average herd in New Zealand is ~300 animals. We've been to a small farm - just 100 cows, 1 bull, 30 sheep, few turkeys. Farm owner is working as builder full time and manages to run the farm alone. So he had chosen meat farming over dairy farming as less labor intensive. Thanks for the climate, cows and sheep don't need a shelter.

However, they often have to be moved. Shepherd dog Chum helps.

He always gives his right "hand" when approached by human, and looks at the camera when picture is taken. (Unless he is working). He also never barks (unless he is working)

Here is Chum at work:

two bright spots in the top right corner are llamas.
and again:

I was told all farmers have several guns, and some are crazy enough to have a license for automatic. Our host is not, he only has two .22 rifles and a shotgun.
So it ended with a shooting competition.