McRae Wins Southern South Island B+LNZ Director Vote
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is suspending all events due to Covid-19.
The decision is effective from tomorrow (18 March) and will last for at least the next two weeks.
“It is paramount we protect our food producers and the rest of the red meat supply chain to keep this important part of the New Zealand economy going,” says chief executive Sam McIvor.
“That’s why we are taking a cautious approach and made the difficult but sensible decision to suspend our events.
“The health of our farmers and our people is our top priority and we have a responsibility to New Zealand’s economy to take steps to mitigate the risk of infection.
“We are one of the industries that has so far been able to continue, and it is vital for our farmers and all New Zealanders that we take all measures to protect our second largest export sector and largest manufacturing employer.
“We are conscious, for example, that if a farmer gets infected, they have few options for getting assistance on their farm.
“With the Covid-19 pandemic rapidly evolving, we will be closely monitoring the situation.”
A recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand quad safety field day, held along the rugged Whanganui river valley at Kakatahi, focused on identifying risks and taking appropriate actions to minimise unplanned accidents.
Healthy snacking company Rockit has announced Wang Yibo, one of China's most influential celebrities, as its new brand ambassador.
Rabobank has celebrated the tenth anniversary of its AgPathways Programme, with 23 farmers from Otago and Southland gathering for two-and-a-half days to learn new business management and planning skills.
Adopting strategies to reduce worm burden on farm goes hand-in--hand with best practice farm management practices to optimise stock production and performance, veterinarian Andrew Roe says.
Last night saw the winners of the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Awards named at a gala dinner at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
A 12-month pathway programme has helped kickstart a career in dairy for an 18-year-old student-turned-farmer.

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