This superbly written and illustrated book is a tribute to the New Zealand farming community. It explores key aspects of the development of New Zealand agriculture, beginning with early Polynesian farming and the early methods of the first settlers. It then traces the history of farming through to the present day, including recent developments such as deer farming, kiwifruit farming, new technology and so on. The big personalities and station owners of the day are featured, men such as Butler, Grigg, Rolleston, Rhodes, Elworthy, Massey and many others. Chapters cover key farming subjects such as high country stations, shearing, cropping, animal breeds, family life, rural women, the milking shed, farming research scientists, the A & P show.