LIC Ireland are giving a limited number of Irish farmers an opportunity to explore the heart of New Zealand’s agricultural industry.

LIC Ireland believe that this trip in November 2025 will turn doubt into discovery of their genetics which is paving the way for profitable, grass based systems in New Zealand.

The tour of New Zealand is set to commence on Sunday, November 2 from Hamilton in the North Island of New Zealand to Saturday, November 15 in Invercargilll, which is the south of the South Island.

The tour is set to include approximately 18 farm visits from breeder farms to commercial farms, and farmers will be exposed to farms with pure Friesian genetics, Kiwi-cross genetics, and pure Jersey genetics.

The tour is set to take farmers to LIC’s headquarters in Waikato, followed by trips to leading farms and key industry organisations around the country.

The LIC headquarters tour will include discussions and presentations from some of the company's lead scientists, geneticists, and breeding advisers, while getting the chance to view many of the bulls up close and personal.

The 13-day trip around New Zealand will also include a visit to the Kakahu Charolais farm, a farm that specialises in elite genetics for both Charolais and Angus cattle.

Participants will also discover innovative practices, network with experts, and soak up the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. 

LIC Ireland are urging farmers to not miss out on this unique opportunity to deepen their agricultural knowledge while experiencing the best of New Zealand.

Farmers will be exposed to LIC genetics on a larger scale and experience first hand how it is empowering efficiency and profitability on New Zealand farms.

LIC Ireland believe that this opportunity will show farmers how focused and targeted these New Zealand farmers' breeding programmes are, and how they are trying to constantly breed for efficient cows.

Room options are as follows, and include transport once in New Zealand - including the coach, flight from North Island to South Island, and airport shuttles, as well as accommodation at hotel/motel for 13 nights:

Twin share: From €1,700 per person in a twin share room;
Single occupancy: From €2,200 per person in own room;
Double occupancy: From €3,300 per couple in own room;

The prices above exclude the cost of flights to and from New Zealand, all meals and beverages, and any additional activities.

There has been a lot of interest in the trip so far and there can only be a maximum of 25 farmers on the trip.

Therefore, LIC Ireland believe the trip will eventually be over-subscribed and those hoping to attend may be entered into a draw to choose the final list of attendees.