Joanne Gillingham 5th July 2016 to 24th September 2016 NFYFC C Alma Baker Trust scholarship to New Zealand So happy to have been awarded the NFYFC, C Alma Baker Trust scholarship to spend 3 months at Limestone Downs, New Zealand. We have 800 dairy cows block calving now and a few 1000 sheep to lamb after that. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way... http://www.nfyfc.org.uk/WorkingScholarship/yfctravel-nz

Hello Everyone, This time last year I applied for the NFYFC Working holiday scholarship for Limestone Downs farm, New Zealand. I would never have dreamed that this would turn into the most fantastic experience of my life.   I have been lucky enough to spend 3 months on a 9,000 acre farm in North Island, New Zealand. I have enjoyed seeing the coastline from my quad-bike every morning and will definitely miss it when I’m back at lectures next week.  I’ve sure been busy helping with block calving, lambing and farm maintenance. And if that wasn’t enough I have been exploring the natural beauty of New Zealand during my weekends, skydiving, white water rafting, going to various beaches and a few rugby games.  The farm is very extensive and I have enjoyed spending 6 weeks on the dairy farm which milks 800 dairy cows in a rotary parlour, and six weeks on the sheep and beef side which runs 10,000 breeding ewes and 1,000 beef animals. The farm staff and people in different careers all relating to the day to day running of the farm have taught me so much about farming in New Zealand, and have been awesome to work alongside.  I’d love to encourage all of you to apply - flights, accommodation and visa are all paid for, and if this wasn’t enough you are paid an agricultural wage with a month tacked on the end for you to travel in your own time before coming home! Applications are on the NFYFC website, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, a big thank you to NFYFC and the C Alma Baker trust for selecting me.  See you all soon, Jo

Limestone Downs

My first successful calving all by myself. He weighed in at 38. 5kg My first successful calving all by myself. He weighed in at 38.5kg. Mum & Calf happy & healthy.

Here's me milking in the 60 point rotary parlour Here's me milking in the 60 point rotary parlour. We are currently milking 320 cows, just another 480 left to calve! Absolutely loving my time here..

Time off, sightseeing

How you spread Urea over 8000 acres!!!

Docking underway 750 down 11,000 to go!!

Thank you lovely Kiwis for making me so welcome.. Until next time ✈️🇳🇿 I leave New Zealand with a bunch of amazing new friends, a little bit wiser, 2 precious green stones heavier and the happiest little Shepherdess, explorer and dairy assistant going. Thank you lovely Kiwis for making me so welcome.. Until next time ✈️🇳🇿 Dream it, believe it achieve it!! Jo x Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way... http://www.nfyfc.org.uk/WorkingScholarship/yfctravel-nz