New Zealand is famous for a lot of things – its rich culture, super-friendly people, and delicious, good food & wine (particularly the Sauvignon Blanc!). 

But there's one other thing that's quite special about the country, something not a lot of tourists might be looking into - its exceptional farmlands. In fact, New Zealand is an agricultural powerhouse that many nations look up to - and it's all possible due to their top-of-the-class farming methods.

In this article, I will discuss the distinct features of New Zealand's farming practices, explore how they compare with those of the US, delve into the structure of farming ownership in the country, and finally answer the question: what makes farming in New Zealand so special?

Are you ready to embark on a journey across the Pacific, into the lush green fields of New Zealand? Let's get started!

While climate and geography are both blessed in abundance in the land of the Kiwis, that's not all that sets their farming practices above the rest (especially in comparison to the US). 

Let's explore 4 of the most important factors that make New Zealand's farms so special:

Emphasis on Quality over Quantity: New Zealand farmers take pride in producing high-quality goods rather than focusing solely on yield. You can see this reflected in their global reputation for excellent lamb, wool, beef, & dairy products.

Sustainable Practices: The New Zealand agricultural sector has a strong commitment to sustainability. They use efficient irrigation systems, minimize chemical usage, and leverage their natural advantages to maintain high-quality soil and water resources. 

Grass-Fed Livestock: Most livestock in New Zealand are grass-fed, leading to healthier animals and higher quality meat & dairy products. This is in stark contrast to many countries where livestock are often grain-fed. Healthier animals means more dense and higher quality nutrients. That’s why One Earth Health cattle are New Zealand Based.

Innovation and Technology: New Zealand farmers are known for their innovative approaches to farming. They utilize technology and scientific research to increase efficiency, improve sustainability, and ensure the health and well-being of their livestock.

It's always a tricky business comparing farming practices between two vastly different nations like New Zealand and the USA. 

Both countries have strengths and challenges unique to their circumstances. However, a comparison can help us understand the distinctive qualities of each.

Quite different, isn’t it? 

Through this comparison, I wanted to illustrate how New Zealand's farming methods shine as more ecologically sound and robust when contrasted with the US techniques. 

This is by no means a critique of American agriculture, but instead a tribute to New Zealand's distinctive farming approaches, which are raising the bar in the global agricultural scene.

Are you wondering who runs the agricultural lands in New Zealand? Let me fill you in. Unlike many countries where large corporations dominate, in New Zealand, the farming scene is quite different.

Believe it or not, an impressive 90%+ of farming businesses in New Zealand are family owned. 

That's right! The Kiwi agricultural sector is proudly driven by small family-owned farms, passed down from generation to generation, creating a strong sense of connection to the land.

Of course, there is corporate farming too, but it's far from being the norm. These large-scale farms tend to specialize in specific sectors like dairy and are professionally managed.

Fun Fact: The largest farming enterprise in New Zealand is Landcorp Farming Limited (also called Pāmu, for the Māori word meaning 'farm'), which is a state-owned enterprise of the New Zealand government.

Farming is not just a livelihood in New Zealand; it's a way of life deeply interwoven with the nation's identity. With a remarkable emphasis on sustainability, quality, and community, New Zealand shows us an exemplary model of agriculture that others can learn from. 

Whether it's the lush green pastures, the grass-fed livestock, or the family-owned farming traditions, New Zealand's farms truly are a testament to the power of combining tradition with innovation for a more sustainable future.