McIvor to step down in July
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor will step down in July.
NEW ZEALAND farmers are eyeing the highly regarded title of the nation's most tasty and tender lamb.
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.
Meat processor Alliance Group's cash-strapped farmer shareholders face a dilemma - either pour more money into the co-operative or risk losing 100% ownership and control.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.