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.
The awards give those who work within the sheep and beef industry the opportunity to shine a light on their local heroes.
B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor is encouraging people to enter or nominate a person, innovation or technology that is helping to make this country’s red meat sector world leading.
“Think about your farm staff, the teachers, the mentors, the scientists, the community leaders, the breeders, the people who develop the technologies that make your life easier, the sector champions, the marketers and those who support farmer health and well-being and nominate them for an award.”
He says previous B+LNZ Award category finalists and winners have been overwhelmingly positive about the experience and the recognition they have received after winning an Award.
“Finalists and winners have told us that the Awards have given them a huge confidence boost and, in some cases, taken their business to a new level.” For the wider sector it’s a real opportunity to recognise and celebrate those people and businesses making a significant impact.
There are eight category awards, four of which are people focused and four are industry focused. Entries will close at the end of July with judging taking place throughout August.
“Entrants have told us that entering the B+LNZ Awards is easy, and the process is an opportunity to take stock of an individual's or business's achievements,” says McIvor.
The B+LNZ Awards Showcase will be held at Claudelands Events Centre near Hamilton on 10 October 2024.
McIvor says while it has been a challenging year for many in the red meat sector, the country continues to produce top quality products in a way that resonates with consumers worldwide.
“During these tough times it is more important than ever that we celebrate our success.
“We have so much to be proud of and the Awards gives us the chance to showcase our pasture-based, red meat industry to our peers and the wider public.”
Farmlands is once again the B+LNZ Awards partner, along with the eight category sponsors.
Farmland's chief executive Tanya Houghton says the co-op is thrilled to be partnering with B+LNZ for another year.
"Contributing to a long-standing fixture of the rural calendar, one that celebrates and recognises outstanding work and builds strength within the primary sector, is something that Farmlands is really proud of."
"We’re here to help farmers and growers achieve improved profitability and productivity through our delivery of key inputs. This partnership helps us demonstrate that commitment in other ways beyond giving our customers what they need for their business at the right price and with the right support.”
