Beef + Lamb New Zealand to Connect with Farmers at Central Districts Field Days 2026
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Dannevirke farmer Dan Billing has been announced as the new national chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farmer Council.
The announcement follows an election held last week where Billing ran unopposed from the chairs and deputy chairs from B+LNZ's seven regional Farmer Councils.
Dan Brier, B+LNZ's general manager farming excellence & extension says B+LNZ extends its thanks to outgoing chair Paul Crick, who has led the Farmer Council for six years.
“Paul has made an outstanding contribution on behalf of B+LNZ and farmers, and his efforts have been instrumental in strengthening farmer representation and engagement," Brier says.
"Paul has brought a real focus on ensuring B+LNZ is hearing the voice of our farmers and has contributed right across the organisation. He has participated in our Farmer Research Advisory Group, Industry People and Capability/Vocational training policy and programmes and as a Chief Judge of the B+LNZ Awards. Paul can step down knowing he has made a real impact on sheep and beef farming in New Zealand through his work with B+LNZ.”
Brier says Crick's successor, Billing - who is a banker as well as a farmer - brings a wealth of expertise to the role.
“With over 20 years of cumulative experience in farming, financial planning, governance support, and strategic thinking, Dan is well placed to lead the Farmer Council into its next chapter," he says.
“We are looking forward to working with him to continue delivering value for farmers and strengthening the voice of sheep and beef producers across New Zealand.”
Billing is currently based in Dannevirke having worked on farms and agribusiness across the Eastern North Island. He is elected having served in the B+LNZ Eastern North Island Farmer Council for eight years.
A formal farewell and thank you for Paul Crick will take place at the Out the Gate event in May 2026.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has released its 2026 election manifesto, outlining priorities to support the sector’s growth, resilience, and contribution to New Zealand’s food security and export revenue.
Farmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role.
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.
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
While mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School.

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