Wednesday, 20 July 2022 08:55

A must read for the meat sector!

Written by  Peter Burke
Meeting Change authors Ali Spencer and Mick Calder. Meeting Change authors Ali Spencer and Mick Calder.

Meeting Change is a book rich in detail that covers the hugely complex saga of the revolution and evolution of the meat industry during the last 25 years.

What is special about this book is, while there is serious detail for those who have been part of the meat industry in this period, the writing style and layout make it easily readable for those with limited knowledge of the sector. I especially like the profiles of key individuals scattered throughout the book, which gives the reader time to catch their breath before embedding on the next chapter.

One clearly gets the impression of the complexity, nuances and divisions in farmer politics, which make the intrigue in national politics pale into insignificance. A picture of the shakers and movers emerge - the likes of Mike Petersen, Jeff Grant, Owen Poole, Keith Cooper to name but a few.

People who have served the sector in senior roles - such as Neil Taylor, Rob Davison, Andrew Burtt, Gerry Thompson, Ben O'Brien, Allan Frazer, Sir Graeme Harrison, Sam McIvor and from the MIA, Brian Lynch and the late Tim Ritchie.

Of course, we can't forget the politicians - the likes of John Luxton, Sir Lockwood Smith, Jim Sutton, Sir David Carter and Damien O'Connor.

Then we have the various chairmen such as James Parson and now Andrew Morrison and Bill Falconer and John Loughlin from MIA. Special mention must be made of John Acland for his role in helping to resurrect the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. The list of the names of people is seemingly endless.

There are some nice touches on the people side, for example, special mention is made of Mary Malone a very dedicated, loyal and efficient administrator who was behind the scenes in the industry.

This book is one that I believe people will keep coming back to - a reference book if you like. It will provide for all those who follow in the footsteps of the people of the last two decades and a give a perspective of the past and where they come from.

It is also likely the book will job the memories of others who've been involved in the sector and perhaps prompt them to document their stories as well. Meeting Change is a must read and special congratulations to Ali Spencer and Mick Calder for what they have done.

More like this

Funding boost for red meat

Two major red meat sector projects are getting up to a combined $1.7 million in funding from the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).

Last chance to have a say

Time is running out for farmers to have their say on funding two important primary sector programmes.

Farmers urged to have their say on INZB funding

Farmers are being encouraged to have their say on a New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB) proposal to continue funding the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) genetics programme and supporting a new facial eczema research project.

She's dreamin'!

OPINION: Your old mate suggests the demise of former Beef+Lamb NZ chair Andrew Morrison has done little to change that organisation’s poor understanding about how its farmers are really feeling.

Featured

Better animal genetic gain system

A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.

SIDE 2025's new schedule, venue

Annual farmer gathering, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the first time.

Taranaki piggery goes solar

Installing 400 solar panels at their Taranaki piggery and cropping operation will have significant environmental, financial and animal welfare benefits for the Stanley family.

Editorial: Keep FTAs coming

OPINION: The dairy industry will  be a major beneficiary of a new free trade deal between NZ and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).

National

Food charity to hold online auction

Meat the Need, New Zealand’s dedicated charity delivering locally sourced protein meals to food-insecure communities, is launching an online National…

Machinery & Products

An ideal solution for larger farms

Designed specifically for large farms that want to drill with maximum flexibility, efficiency and power, the new Lemken Solitair ST…

Landpower increases its offering

Landpower and the Claas Harvest Centre network will launch the Claas Scorpion and Torion material handling solutions to the market…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Leaky waka

OPINION: Was the ASB Economic Weekly throwing shade on Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr when reporting on his speech in…

Know-it-alls

OPINION: A reader recently had a shot at the various armchair critics that she judged to be more than a…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter