Move over ham, here comes lamb
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.
MEAT COMPANIES that supply supermarkets and sell New Zealand lamb as a loss leader in the United Kingdom should lose their access to this valuable quota market, says Labour's Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O'Connor.
"Our reputation as a Lamb producer must be hurt by today's reports that Welsh farmers are protesting outside British supermarkets where New Zealand lamb is being sold at what those farmers claim are artificially low prices," says O'Connor.
"Those prices are in turn reducing the price of British lamb at the height of the northern hemisphere season.
"Such action by supermarkets destroys the value and the image of New Zealand lamb as a premium product grown and processed to the highest international standards of food production.
"Any loss leader action undermines New Zealand's brand. New Zealand farmers will be horrified to think their quality lamb products are being misused by UK supermarket chains. The value of their lamb is being missed as well as that of Welsh farmers.
"I have sympathy for New Zealand and Welsh farmers, all who should receive more for their lamb rather than see their product sold for a song by UK supermarket chains battling for market share," O'Connor says.
Following a side-by-side rolling into a gully, Safer Farms has issued a new Safety Alert.
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New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.

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