Field Days

Officially it's known as the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, more commonly known as Field Days.  I've been to this annual farming and agricultural trade show, the largest of its kind in NZ and the Southern Hemisphere.  I was blown away by the number of people, exhibitors and events.  This year it will be again held at the Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, from June 11-14.  The crowd estimate is over 120,000 every year.  This is also an event wherein students from primary to tertiary come and are awed by the scale of this event.  Hopefully some of them will take up an agriculture related course to carry on the tradition of farming in NZ.  This is also a great time for families to come and bond.

It's Not Even Winter Yet

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We who live in the Southern Hemisphere are starting to feel the cold of the coming winter.  And it's not even winter yet.  Our NZ autumn stretches from March to May.  We're supposed to have cooler and settled weather but it isn't so.  Cooler yes, however we're experiencing extremes in terms of rain.  We've had places specially in the South Island with massive flooding because of the heavy rainfall.  Looking at the images on the news I'm reminded of scenes back home.

One thing I like about autumn is the vibrant colours of red, gold, orange, and the array of seasonal fruits apples, avocado, grapes, kiwifruit, mandarins, nashi, oranges, passion fruit, pears, and plums.  But the best fruit for me right now are the feijoas.  They remind me so much of the guavas of my youth!

This is also a great time to get out and visit the countryside to experience NZ's many cycling and walking trails, visit vineyards and taste the best produce at numerous farmers market.  I've started on the last bit and hopefully get to do the first and second too before autumn is over.  This country is like a great canvas of beauty and nature.  Right now is the best time to go out there and add to that canvas!