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After assembling in Brisbane they flew to the PNG capital Port Moresby to be briefed about the PNG way of life, particularly its complex customs regarding land ownership and tenure. That will be important as the group will work with farmers operating on traditionally-owned land in the coming days. Their busy itinerary includes a flight to the highlands to learn about the coffee industry and a visit to PNG Institute of Medical Research and their malaria, TB and Aids research facilities. Malaria has a significant impact on life in that part of Indonesia.

The main aim of the trip is to provide technical assistance to the small-scale village farmers in the region. They grow crops such as sweet potato and, in an area where the pig is revered, will value local research on pig fodder provision. There will also be a chance to study commercial sugar and oil palm production as well as the local beef industry.

One highlight will be their trip to the Morobe Show to help farmers get stock ready and providing assistance on the day itself. That will include stewarding, manning a display explaining the work of the RASC and advising people on the preparedness of exhibits for competition. Apparently they are likely to find horses in the marshalling area with barbed wire bits, saddle sores from poorly fitting gear.  Animal welfare is serious issue.

It is not all work however and the programme leaves time for a two-day boat trip with Morobe Show President Mike Quinn and his wife Karen aboard their own cruise boat.

We look forward to reading more about this trip when Kara returns.