This morning was very cold and drizzly. At least it wasn't pouring rain like the day before. Breakfast was at McDonalds because that seems to be the only place on the entire Australian continent with reliable free internet. Regardless, the first stop for the day was Lawson Angus. The owner, Harry Lawson, showed us some bulls that he was developing through an intensive rotational grazing system utilizing paddocks. It was a very fascinating stop especially because of the operation's ties to Kansas - Gardiner Angus Ranch. He recently expanded to western Australia and sells bulls across the country. The farm utilizes both artificial insemination and embryo transfer technologies. In my mind he runs a progressive program. Harry treated us to coffee and biscuits as a treat at Mandala before they sent us on our way. Lunch was at the Bonnie Doon tavern and the scenery between stops was pretty. Our second stop for the day was Lima Park where we talked with Hamish McMillan. He and one other person run approximately 500 head of Horned Hereford cattle and 3000 ewes. They grow all the feed for their operation in house. Additionally, he doesn't employ any artificial insemination or embryo transfer. They are certified to export to the EU. Both places that we visited today had very different goals and objectives. Even so, it was educational and interesting to get to see it first-hand. Dinner was at a pub in Albury called Sodens. I ordered a steak and it was the best meal I've had in Australia so far. The porterhouse is what I ordered, but in Australia it is just the top loin or longissimus muscle. Also, I ordered a lemonade and they gave me a sprite. I also learned from the bartender that a favorite drink here is called lift or squash. I liked it quite a bit. This was a quite a full day.
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