Red meat rebound
The red meat sector is poised for a strong rebound this season, with export receipts forecast to top $10 billion and farm profitability to almost double.
Entries for the 2015 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Golden Lamb Awards, known as the Glammies, are now open to both farmers and retailers who believe they have got what it takes. Each entry will be put through rigorous analysis by Carne Technologies, in Cambridge, where they will be tested for tenderness, yield, succulence and colour.
The scientific testing will determine which top four entries from each of the five categories will make it through to the final stage of the competition, a taste test, held at the Upper Clutha A&P show in Wanaka on 13 March.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive, Dr Scott Champion, says the competition is important as it profiles both the best tasting lamb in the country and our world class producers.
"Winning this competition is a significant achievement and it brings together the pasture to plate story highlighting farmer commitment to creating the best product for their consumers," says Champion.
Entries close for farmers on 5 December while retailers have until 16 January to enter the competition.
The competition, supported by Zoetis, has grown from humble beginnings with 2015 marking the ninth year of the Glammies.
