Move over ham, here comes lamb
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.
Hundreds of farmers around the country have entered over 650 lambs in the history of the Mint Lamb Competition; all helping to support the development of the Canterbury A&P Show.
The nationwide competition is open to all breeds and celebrates the quality and variety of lamb available in New Zealand with a focus on increasing consumption of the country's largest export earners.
Last year saw a major overhaul to the competition, with yield prizes added and taste testing only making up a portion of the final result.
Greg Burgess, competition convenor and general manager of the New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Association says the changes were successful and well received.
"We're always seeking to improve the competition and provide a fair and transparent result for our entrants," he says.
"The changes we've made over the past few years have brought the competition in line with the lamb industry's requirements. In 2016 we've taken another step by removing penalty points for trimmer lambs, increasing the weight limit to 14-23kgs and creating a highest yield prize for each class.
"We're excited to be celebrating 10 years of the competition this year, and thank all the entrants for their support over the years. We encourage those that haven't entered before to put a lamb in – there's great prizes up for grabs and it's an excellent opportunity to promote your farming operation."
Lambs must be current new season, born after July 1, 2016. They will be judged on the hook at an Alliance plant for Best Overall Yield. The top four lambs in each of the three classes (Dual Purpose x Dual Purpose; Dual Purpose Dam x Terminal Sire; Terminal x Terminal) will be selected as semi-finalists and sent to be Tender Tested at Lincoln University, before being taste tested at the 2016 Canterbury A&P Show on Wednesday November 9 where the overall winner and highest yielding lamb will be announced.
Along with bragging rights, the 2016 overall winner will receive a trophy, show ribbon, cash prize of $1000, 2.5 litres of Zolvix, Elanco Optiline Back Pack and Spray Gun Applicator. The highest yielding lamb in each class will win $250 cash along with product from Elanco. There are also cash prizes and Elanco products up for grabs for the winners and runner-ups in each class.
There is no entry fee for the competition; proceeds from the gift lambs will be credited to the Canterbury A&P Association to support the development of the Canterbury A&P Show. To receive an entry form or for more information on the Mint Lamb Competition, contact the Show Office on 03 343 2136 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Entries close Wednesday 19 October 2016.
The Mint Lamb Competition is proudly supported by Alliance, Hazlett Rural Limited, Lincoln University, Elanco, Allflex and Ellesmere Transport.
