But the island nation was not always a leader in sustainable agriculture. In the 1980s, New Zealand’s government suddenly discontinued agricultural subsidies and imposed stricter sustainability standards. The sweeping changes rewarded farmers who were innovative and business-savvy. The small country became very efficient, selling agricultural products to nearly every country in the world. This recent history and its effects were enthralling topics for sustainable food systems majors like Honors junior Evyn Appel.

“In my [previous] classes, the focus is American agriculture. It’s easy to get caught up in your own issues,” Appel said. “New Zealand was eye-opening. I expected them to have it all figured out. As we visited more and more farms, it became clear that they also have issues. There are common issues across the globe. In a way, that should make it easier for us to address them.” 

The 25-year relationship between UD and New Zealand’s agricultural community equals fantastic field trips. Griffiths notes the evolution of the course from a primarily animal agriculture focus to its current expansive swath of topics surrounding sustainable food production. 

“New Zealand has a very systems-based approach to agriculture,” Griffiths said. “Now when we visit a farm, we’re talking about animal agriculture, crop production, seed production, soil and water conservation, water quality, forestry, and native habitats for plants and animals. Our students came away with a much different picture of agriculture.”

In 2019, Garey became a Nuffield International Farming Scholar, which promotes global learning and leadership in agriculture. Through that program, she’s built relationships all over the world with quite the diverse collection of agricultural innovators. Fellow Nuffield Scholar Hamish Murray led this year’s field trip to his family farm, Bluff Station, which boasts an astounding 34,000 acres bordered by two mountain ranges and the Clarence River. Murray guided the students throughout the farm’s dirt roads. He regaled them with tales of his studies at Oxford; overcoming severe droughts, an earthquake, pandemic and mental health challenges; and his philosophy of employee empowerment.

“You could tell that they really cared about the people that they worked with,” said UD junior Dominic Carrea. “[Murray] truly wanted to give back. It made the experience so much more meaningful to me.”

“The farmers are the real rock stars of this course,” Garey said. “Our students walk away with so much more than agricultural knowledge. Life lessons are embedded in these student-farmer discussions.”

In-between field trips and weekend excursions, UD students return to the same New Zealand home base — Lincoln University, a warm host to adventurous Blue Hens since the 1990s. At the airport, the Hens were always greeted by Lincoln staff member Errol Costello. Long retired, Costello still made the trip to greet the 2023 group.  

Lincoln’s centralized location on the South Island is ideal. And the housing keeps costs down compared to study abroad courses that rely on hotels. The large, single rooms provide a private respite after a day of travel with a big group. 

“Instead of running the program fee up at restaurants, the Lincoln University staff cooks for the students in the dining hall,” Griffiths said. “UD students have access to the student lounge and recreation center. They feel at home.”

In the early years, the New Zealand course was filled with predominantly pre-veterinary medicine and animal science majors. While those majors remain well-represented, the 2023 edition featured a wider range, not just in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, but across the University. The list includes food science, plant science, sustainable food systems, environmental and resource economics, and wildlife ecology and conservation among others. 

Carrea, a wildlife ecology and conservation major, saw the course as an opportunity to connect with farmers, an audience with which conservation professionals consistently interact. 

“A big motivation for me was being able to understand farmers from their perspective, so I can better work with them in the future,” said Carrea, who plans to pursue a career as a wildlife biologist.