• The 2011 crop – our best so far
  • North America Study Tour 2010
  • The 2011 crop – our best so far
  • China-Vietnam study Tour 2013
  • The 2011 crop – our best so far
  • 13 T/Ha wheat crop in England, 2015 Ag Tour
  • The 2011 crop – our best so far
  • Factory tour, China-Vietnam 2013
  • The 2011 crop – our best so far
  • Finding ANZAC relations graves, Ypres Belgium, European Ag Tour 2015
  • Harvesting the 2009 crop
  • Cotton Rondonopolis, Brazil, South America 2016
  • Iguazu Falls, South America, 2016
  • On the Amazon, South America, 2016
  • The late James Crabtree (92) enjoying the fruits of our labour
  • North America Study Tour, 2010
  • Factory tour, China-Vietnam 2013

Past Tours

Our focus has shifted to working in Africa through Arise African Agriculture – empowering Africa to feed itself. Please see more at www.ariseafricanag.com

2015 Europe

European Agricultural Study Tour

15 Aug–6 Sep 2015

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19 Australian farmers explored 8 countries in Europe in August 2015. The highlights were:

England

Standing in a 13T wheat crop in Lincolnshire, and visiting Kensington Palace.
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Belgium

Finding graves of relatives in ANZAC graveyards and a mega private tractor museum.
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The Netherlands

Taking a canal cruise in historic Middelburg and viewing the vast North sea storm surge dam.
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Germany

Monheim Bayer visit to hear what scientists are working on for future benefit of agriculture (no photos allowed!) and magnificent Heidelberg castle ruins overlooking the Rhine River.
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Switzerland

HansPeter’s no-till farm and gondola view at Mt Pilatus.
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Italy

Leaning tower of Pisa and group photo at the Rome Colosseum(insert 2 photos DSC.00428 &00439)
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Spain

Diseased dryland corn in Albacete and Spanish cooking class.
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France

Chateau de Chenonceau and staying overnight with French farmers.
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Take home messages

European farmers are leasing small pockets of land all over the district to expand their operations to remain profitable. Small farmers need to value add (e.g. one French farmer was growing linseed, squeezing his own oil and selling commercial linseed soap). The EU controls what chemicals all of its members can put on its crops which makes life very challenging for managing weeds.

A huge thank you

A huge thank you to all the farmers and researchers in England, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and France who gave us their stories and insights and shared their challenges.
The farmers in Albacete experienced a crop destroying hail storm the day we arrived there but they still managed to show us something.
To our coach drivers, thank you for keeping us safe on the busy European highways.
To our city guides – your knowledge of famous sites was superb.
To the architects of these famous sites – your memory lives forever!

Itinerary:

Sacred Family Basilica, Barcelona
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Colosseum, Rome
French Chateau

Agricultural destinations:

  • Cambridge no-till wheat farmers – accompanied by Ag Professor Amir Kassam
  • Bayer Crop Science company at Monheim, Germany
  • Innovative German farmers
  • Swiss no-till Canola farmers – accompanied by Dr Wolfgang Sturney
  • Passionate Italian farmers
  • Spanish dryland farmers
  • Bordeaux vineyard, France

Historical destinations:

  • Flanders Field and War Museum, Ypres, Belgium
  • Colosseum, Rome
  • Leaning tower of Pisa, Italy
  • Sacred Family Basilica, Barcelona
  • Eiffel tower, Paris

Cultural destinations:

  • Tower of London
  • Kew Gardens, London
  • Van Gogh Gallery, Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam Canals
  • German Village, Rhine River
  • Swiss Chocolate making, Lucerne
  • Lake Como, Italy
  • Venice Waterways
  • Monte Carlo
  • French Chateau, Tours
  • Louvre Art Gallery, Paris

Europe August–September 2015

What is included ?

  • International economy airfares from Perth to London and Paris to Perth.
  • All airport transfers outside of Australia.
  • All land transport including air conditioned coach with English speaking guide.
  • Eurostar train London to Brussels.
  • Entrance to most tourist sites.
  • Entrance to all industry and Ag sites.
  • A welcome and farewell dinner.
  • All accommodation in twin/double room.
  • Tour shirt and Cap for men, Tour blouse and Visor for women.

Not included:

  • Single room supplement – available on request.
  • Upgrade to business class flights – available on request.
  • Passport requirements.
  • Domestic return airfares from your capital city to Perth.
  • Most meals and drinks.
  • Tips for guides and driver.
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