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.
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.
