Day 6 – Napier to Martin

We started the day stopping at Hastings Farmer’s market. There, we were able to sample jams, honeys, pastries, cheeses, meats, macaroons, olive oils, and salad dressings. It was very interesting to compare the different tastes and textures to the United States. We also enjoyed freshly prepared baked goods, coffee, and fruit juices. Some of us even found a few items to purchase.

Group photo before leaving our hotel on Hawke’s bay beach in Napier. 

Next, we ventured to Maranoa Red Deer farm. There, we spoke to John and his son Daniel about the many aspects of their red deer and Friesian bull farm. Around 1,500 deer are raised at this farm. It was very interesting to learn about his unique industry that is not found in the United States. We even had the opportunity to get up close to and walk amongst six red deer heins (does). We were very impressed with the size of the deer when compared to our native Whitetail and Mule deer. At Maranoa farm, they harvest the red deer for both velvet and venison. We learned that each stag is able to produce about 10 to 13 pounds of velvet. Additionally, the velvet is sold for US$225 per pound. The main market for velvet is Korea and is used as a supplement for many adding healing benefits for humans and animals such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and rebuilding damaged muscle. The Friesian bulls are run with the red deer as they complement each other’s grazing patterns.

Brittany, Wiyaka and Corey. Everyone had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the red deer at Maranoa deer farm. 

Austin holding a rack from one of the stags on the farm.

From there, were travelled to John and Jane Heald’s sheep and cattle farm. Upon our arrival, Jane had lunch prepared for all of us. She prepared a large variety of traditional New Zealand dishes and a birthday cake for Jennifer!

Jennifer with her birthday cake.

It was all very delicious. At the Heald’s farm, they raise Highlander sheep and Stabiliser cattle, both of which are composite breeds. The Highlander is a crossbred sheep of Romney, Texel, and Finnish Landrance breeds. The Stabiliser is a crossbred cow of Angus, Hereford, Simmental, and Gelbvieh breeds. The Heald’s have about 10,000 breeding ewes, 300 breeding cows, and 600 Friesian (Holstein) bulls on about 5,000 acres. In one year’s time, the Heald’s market 12,000 to 13,000 lambs. On this farm, we had the unique opportunity to tour their many beautiful paddocks. On the tour, we were able to view the landscape and their many flocks of sheep and herds of cattle.

Flock of sheep on Heald’s farm.

The view from the top of one hill at Heald’s farm, Brittany is sporting our animal science department long sleeve. 

A highlight for everyone today was venturing through the Heald’s beautiful pastures. We snaked through patches of trees and across streams, we popped around the sides of hills into flocks of hundreds of sheep. We climbed hills higher and more beautiful than any of us knew existed. We took hundreds of photos, but the beauty of New Zealand is impossible to capture in a simple photo.

Group photo on top of the same hill with the valley behind.