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.”
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.

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