2026 Meat Industry Association scholarship applications open
Applications have now opened for the 2026 Meat Industry Association scholarships.
The annual Red Meat Sector Conference, to be held in Wellington later this month, is expected to attract 300 stakeholders.
The conference is hosted by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), with Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) as partnership sponsor. This year's conference theme is 'From Our Pasture To Your Plate'. Leaders from processing and exporting companies, policymakers and representatives from associated industries will attend the two-day event.
MIA chair Nathan Guy said the conference will cover emerging topics from across the global red meat supply chain.
"Across the two days, we will hear from a host of expert speakers and explore opportunities for innovation, trade, sustainability and value growth.
"The conference is always an excellent opportunity for the sector to engage on key issues and showcase innovation and best practice.
"It comes at a crucial time for the red meat sector with sheep and beef farmers and exporters facing weaker pricing for products in our global markets."
MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the programme of high-quality speakers include Ray Smith, Ministry for Primary Industries Director-General, Patrick Hutchinson, chief executive of the Australian Meat Industry Council, Hamish Marr, New Zealand's Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Su McCluskey, the first Special Representative for Australian Agriculture, and international trade expert Stephen Jacobi.
"A series of interesting breakout sessions will cover a range of topics from emerging technology and climate change to nutrition and public health and biosecurity," says Karapeeva.
The conference's Maersk Gala Dinner will feature leading chef Dale Bowie, founder of the Development Kitchen, which operates a custom-built and fully equipped test kitchen facility in Wellington with cutting edge scientific equipment to support research and development.
He will be sharing how his team is blending science and the art of cooking to ensure New Zealand grass-fed red meat establishes itself as a unique dining experience using a distinct flavour and texture profile.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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