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 farmers across the country are putting their best entries forward for the thirteenth annual Beef + Lamb New Zealand Steak of Origin Competition.
The competition, sponsored by Zoetis, seeks to find New Zealand's most tender and tasty steak.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive, Dr Scott Champion, says the competition is a great platform to showcase the New Zealand beef industry and illustrates the great care farmers take in producing the best quality beef.
"It's also a competition keenly contested by beef farmers who strive to take the coveted Steak of Origin title," says Champion.
New Zealand beef farmers are invited to compete for the 2015 Grand Champion title, while meat retailers, wholesalers and foodservice suppliers can enter into the 2015 Best of Brand category.
All entries will be scientifically tested at Carne Technologies, where elements such as tenderness and colour will determine which steaks will make the semi-finals.
Steaks that make the semi-finals will be judged on aroma, juiciness, tenderness, texture and taste by a panel of culinary trained judges in Auckland on Friday 1 May. From here, 20 finalists will be chosen for the Grand Final held in Palmerston North on Monday 11 May.
Entries close February 20. For an entry form, farmers, retailers, wholesalers and foodservice suppliers can visit beeflambnz.co.nz or call 0800 733 466.
Safer Farms Regional Champions are putting Crush Protection Devices (CPDs) through their paces and sharing their first-hand experiences with other farmers.
New Zealand rural apparel brand Back Country is inviting Kiwis to part ways with tired, holey socks at Fieldays with a giant 'Sock Swap Fence' inspired by one of New Zealand's iconic rural roadside landmarks.
Federated Farmers says the Government's announcement of $79 million in funding for wilding pine control marks a major breakthrough.
A recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand quad safety field day, held along the rugged Whanganui river valley at Kakatahi, focused on identifying risks and taking appropriate actions to minimise unplanned accidents.
Healthy snacking company Rockit has announced Wang Yibo, one of China's most influential celebrities, as its new brand ambassador.
Rabobank has celebrated the tenth anniversary of its AgPathways Programme, with 23 farmers from Otago and Southland gathering for two-and-a-half days to learn new business management and planning skills.

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