The Agrodome

I wasn't quite sure what I had signed up for here as, to be honest, the nearest I get to sheep are watching the lambs being born in the early spring in the Glebe field adjoining our garden. I was very pleasantly impressed with this visit.

This is a working farm and whilst obviously set up for the tourist it is very informative, extremely well done and most importantly enjoyable.

On entering the shed we were met with a stage at one end with lots of names of different kinds of sheep. The presenter was superb and had soon engaged the audience  from all parts of the world, all 5 continents, in a quick an interesting display, often funny due to the animals behaviours. I believe the phrase is don't work with children or animals?

He gaves us sufficient info. about each champion breed, its origin  and the product for which they are famous as each sheep climbed  vigorously onto its place in the podium - food is obviously a great incentive!

Once their individual bowls were eaten they then settled down in their space looking extremely bored or going to sleep. When all 19 rams were on the podium it was surprisingly for me rather an impressive site. We were then introduced to his 3 Huntaway dogs and from the back of the shed and he demonstrated how he worked them. The children in the audience were just mesmerised. There was a lot of smiling going on. We learned about the quiet movements of  the Strong -eyed Heading dog who controlled the sheep with his eyes, really fascinating when your knowledge base is zilch!

We then watched as the presenter very quickly and with great expertise sheared a sheep. A quick and obviously very expert sheep shearing 

The children were then engaged in the feeding of a few lambs by 3 very excited youngsters.

Although primarily a sheep farm we were also introduced to how to milk a cow.....and again a few members of the audience volunteered to try their hand. Andrew and Eunice  a bit different to your own expertises.

The presentation was completed outside  with a short demonstration from the lead dog as he controlled a group of sheep through a short course.

Whilst the whole "show"  was entertaining it was also educational and it was interesting listening to both the small children and the hormonal teenagers vividly discussing what they had seen.

Multiple translations are available in Korean, Mandarin, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.

www.agrodome.co.nz