Farm Tours
PREVIOUS FARM TOURS:
2019 Farm Tour of Ireland and the UK ('British Isles')
We departed Australia in mid July & returned in mid August (2019).
2019 IRELAND & UK TOUR SUMMARY:
- We travelled around rural UK and Ireland during the height of the British Isles summer, when the countryside was in full bloom, outdoor agricultural events in full swing and harvesters still circling hedgerow-hemmed fields.
- A selection of Britain's best agricultural events and interesting farms were be visited, plus we met a huge range of locals involved in agriculture. And not just in passing - we sat down to relaxing meals together.
- Many cultural highlights were also included - from Ireland's beautiful Cliffs of Moher to the UK's magnificent Blenheim Palace plus an unforgettable day of Scottish culture at the Highland Games, in northern Scotland.
- Plus some special surprises along the way - the itinerary had a lot of detail, but there were some unlisted surprises!
- For many, the most memorable aspect was enjoying the company of fellow travellers and conversing with interesting locals over dinner as we roamed about. Unique meetings and conversations that other tours never include; as most are scattered Twitter contacts I got to know over many years.
Some of the agricultural topics included on the tour:
- Primarily the beef, sheep; dairying and graingrowing industries - plus touching on some others.
- Rural organisations & journalists - we met people involved in running agricultural industry organisations, very experienced rural journalists producing print and radio stories, and learnt about some unique ag education schemes.
- Food retailing - we checked out a couple of farmer's markets, a paddock-to-plate restaurant, butchershop, supermarket shelves etc - for niche marketing ideas, price comparisons, packaging & display information etc. And of course, we did the required taste testing!
Apart from people with an interest in agriculture, who enjoyed this tour of the British Isles?
- Travellers who have been to the UK or Ireland as an independent traveller or on a non-agricultural tour, who would love to return and meet and talk with a wide variety of locals who are involved in farming. IE a tour with 'heart and soul', not just a lap of busy tourist haunts. (Although we certainly fitted in unmissable highlights).
- Anyone new to overseas travel. I was availabe to personally answer all queries and before we set off.
- Solo travellers.
- Suitable for all ages but the ability to walk reasonable distances and be up and about fairly early ensures maximum enjoyment from a trip like this.
- You certainly do not have to live on a farm to enjoy a tour like this! Anyone who loves food will love a tour like this one. But it was designed for people with a particular interest in agriculture and rural life.
The 2019 UK & Ireland farm tour was great value for money and passengers who earn a living from agriculture may be able to claim rural tours like this one as a tax deductible expense. However checking with your accountant is advised, as everyone's specific circumstances differ.
Fully escorted, professional tour guides, great quality accommodation.
This farm tour was unique. I've got to know many great people involved in ag in the UK & Ireland, and we personally conversed with a large number - that standard tour groups and independent travellers do not encounter.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING TOURS:
Unfortunately, after I'd put a few years of solid work into creating what was to be ongoing British Isles tours with unique visits and personal local encounters added to the fairly common format - the Armidale-based Managing Director with an ag background, retired.
The company management passed on to a coastal-based travel agent staff member with values, interests and objectives that were too different from my own.
Very frustrating; as the original Managing Director had recognised that what I'd built up separately, combined with their tour organising expertise, was a marriage made in heaven - it ticked every box and had great prospects for long term happy customers and financial success (win/win all round).
Unfortunately I do not know any other Australian agricultural tour company that I could recommend.
SOME FAVOURITE STORY-TELLING IMAGES FROM PREVIOUS OVERSEAS TRIPS - FARM TOURS & PERSONAL TOURS:
United States of America
The colours of America's Grand Canyon are very similar to parts of northern Australia, but the scale is amazing. The Grand Canyon is more than 400km long and up to 30km wide. To understand the scale in this image, look at the people standing on the pale outcrop in the centre right hand side.
Like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty really needs people nearby to give it scale (you can see the crowd of people at the foot of the statue). I love the late afternoon view back towards New York City. The new One World Trade Centre stands close to where the twin World Trade Centre towers were; destroyed on 9/11/2001. Like most of my travel images, this was taken on a mobile phone (while on a boat tour).
The Hoover dam was built during the Great Depression and supplies power to Arizona, Nevada and California - and water to seven American states plus part of Mexico. Parts of this region are very arid - averaging just 100mm of rain annually. By volume (when full), Lake Mead is the largest water reservoir in the United States. To get an idea of the scale of the Hoover Dam wall, look at the car parked on the left hand side.
South-East Asia
Singapore has tolerance of the four main religions enshrined in law, covering Buddism, Hinduism, Islam & Christianity. Festivals are respected by all, such as Deepavali, the annual Hindu festival.
Viewed as the most stable business centre in the region, Singapore is the home base for many South East Asian businesses - including agricultural companies. There are many business expats in residence and a lot of spectacular modern architecture.
Despite the modernity traditional life continues in much of Singapore; and it is the contrasts between the old and the new that make it a particularly intriguing place to visit.
Transportation in much of Asia ranges from relaxingly sedate to hair-raising (ditto crossing roads on foot).
Tradition & culture or upmarket & modern - or go on a tour that combines the best of both worlds.
France
Probably the most recognisable man-made feature, worldwide - for good reason.
Fresh produce with sound provenance isn't just a recent fad in France, it's always been a way of life.
Paris is filled with visitors from all over the world from late Spring until early Autumn - but it's still possible to find places to relax, despite the crowds.
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Wherever I am, I take photographs - not just with my professional equipment, with my mobile phone as well. On the tours I lead I help passengers capture photographs they're really pleased with. This assistance is at no extra charge, making these tours great value.
My natural preference is for photojournalism - photography that tells a story. These are the images that are most meaningful and valued, long-term.
...but I do take beauty for beauty's sake, as well!