I was riding on the back of a four-wheeler with the perfect cone-shaped volcanic Mt. Taranaki in the backdrop. A Kiwi (New Zealander) farmer drove through his lush green pastures, and I listened as he describes each of his Ayrshire dairy cows to me. This is one of many picturesque memories of my journey to learn more about the New Zealand dairy industry this past spring.

Editor's note: Penn State dairy student Hannah Wentworth has been providing monthly updates through the Progressive Dairyman Extra e-newsletter about her study abroad experience in New Zealand this spring. Scroll down below to see links to her other columns, or visit her blog at www.pafarmgirladventures.blogspot.com. Starting from Wellington, New Zealand, April 15-19 with 80 other Lincoln University agriculture students, I was on route for a study tour of the north island’s west coast.

Editor's note: Penn State dairy student Hannah Wentworth will be providing monthly updates through the Progressive Dairyman Extra e-newsletter about her study abroad experience in New Zealand this spring. Check back next month for a new column, or visit her blog at www.pafarmgirladventures.blogspot.com. Classes are underway at Lincoln University. I am excited to be taking: • Dairy Science: The New Zealand dairy industry! • Plant Production Systems: Pastures on different New Zealand farms with field trips to sheep, dairy, deer and cropping operations • Microbiology: As it relates to food