Melbourne day 2

Alright, after solving some of the Internet difficulties lol i have become a learning blogger from Australia! As in my post yesterday, we went to the Department of Primary Industries of Victoria about the NLIS system they use throughout Victoria. The beef system is mandatory for all farms that exceed 500 head. They have ear tags that have an electronic Sensor. With that they can scan the tag at the feedlot, sale yard, and abattoir that pulls up any information about that animal from birth. Such information includes where it has ever been, tracks pregnancy, and other information the rancher keeps track of. For the sheep industry, it is on a voluntary basis and they are working on implementing a mandatory system within the next few years. The NLIS is very efficient for all phases of production in terms of keeping track of animals, disease control, and constantly knowing the progress you make.

After, we went for a lighter few hours and toured Melbourne with a few stops at the Shrine of Remembrance, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Botanical Gardens. They were all beautiful and well worth the time to see!

Finally, the Carlton United Brewery was amazing! I didn't know the whole process of beer making until yesterday! They brew over 2 million liters daily of many famous Australian beer such as the Fosters beer we often hear about at home. As promised, we were able to taste test 4 kinds. Many different flavors were in each, but I think my favorite is the pear cider!

Winding down, we went for dinner then split off for our own night out. A few of us decided to check out a place called the Chill Out Bar which was AWESOME! We got huge coats, gloves, and a pair of UGG boots to wear in a bar made entirely of ice! After one cocktail, a couple of pictures, and 25 minutes we couldn't last in the -10C cold..lol. First night out and....success.