China’s new beef tariffs expected to favour New Zealand exporters
Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.
Silver Fern Farms Livestock Rep Simon Boshier (left) with 2020 Plate to Pasture Supplier Awards winners Brent and Kara Lilley and Chief Executive Simon Limmer.
Coromandel beef producers Brent and Kara Lilley have received the Silver Fern Farms 2020 Plate to Pasture Award for their exceptional consumer focus.
The Awards celebrate suppliers of lamb, beef, venison, and bull beef who consistently supply quality stock and produce food with the consumer front of mind.
All Silver Fern Farms suppliers are assessed on the specification and presentation of stock, their Farm Assurance status, supply direct via Silver Fern Farms Livestock agents, shareholding, supply volume & timing and use of FarmIQ tools.
Six regional finalists are then assessed by a judging panel to determine the overall winner. The judging panel said the Lilley’s focus on animal care and environmental action was exceptional. The Lilley’s focus on quality saw them consistently supplying animals which achieved the Silver Fern Farms Eating Quality (EQ) standard across the year said chief judge Melissa Sowden.
“The Lilleys keep exceptional records to ensure that they are passionate about caring for their animals, the land and native biodiversity.
‘They are acutely aware their farm is in a special place in New Zealand; they produce food on a farm which is on the road to Hot Water Beach. Everything they do showcases their high standards of care to their community and those who come to visit their stunning part of New Zealand.”
Farmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role.
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.
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
While mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School.
Philip and Lyneyre Hooper of the Hoopman Family Trust have tonight been named the Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

OPINION: Election years are usually regarded as the silly season, but a mate of the Hound reckons 2026 is shaping…
OPINION: If farmers poured just a few litres of some pollutant into a stream, the Green Party and the wider…