On Saturday we visited new friends, Michael and Outa and their lovely farm. It was a really great day walking around the farm that has been in Michael's family for hundreds of years. There is even a fairy ring. Never once has there been the use of any pesticide or chemicals and the land is extremely lush. In NZ this would be a historical place. Old original buildings are still standing apart from the family house that burned down about 16 years ago and the house you see is what Michael replaced it with. The roof is fascinating and has to be repaired if neccessary stick by stick! The farm is 100 acres yet Michael has a total herd of about 12 Aberdeen Angus cows and 3 ponies! He has simplified his life so that he can earn a living off this many stock. The EU has an excellent incentive to organic farmers and they pay him a similar amount per cow as he'd get from selling their meat. www.gortruaorganic.org