Comprising 200 acres of freehold land with rich volcanic soils and a high rainfall, the Vaia'ata Plantation was originally established for development as a coffee, cocoa and kava plantation (CCK).  Subsequently it was converted in 1992 to a cattle farm with which a further 120 acres of Government leasehold land was later incorporated.  A herd of over 300 Australian Droughtmaster and Santa Gertrudis cattle now graze on the area of both improved and native pastures.  There are good abattoir facilities, chillers and a butchering unit from which meat is supplied to the CCK Butchery at CCK Big Island clothing shop in Salelologa.  Carcasses are sold to butcheries in Apia.  Additional to the plantation's suitability for cattle, the area is well suited to noni fruit trees and forestry.  Trials with two Australian acacias, Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia aulacocarpa have produced some outstanding timber trees with solid trunks of high density wood having excellent grain and colour.  Very suitable for furniture.