Move over ham, here comes lamb
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.
After 24 burgers were delivered for a joint lunch with the Forestry Owners Association, the Board of Federated Farmers has given its thumbs-up to McDonald's Serious Lamb Burger.
"As a beef farmer who supplies Angus beef for McDonald's, I couldn't wait to get my hands on their Serious Lamb Burger," commented Federated Farmers President, Bruce Wills.
"My first impression of the burger is that it is huge and looks exactly like what's on the box
"When you bite into it, you unmistakably taste lamb and realise just how much effort McDonald's has put into cracking a difficult meat to cook. They have nailed the perfect lamb burger using export quality New Zealand lamb.
"You can say we have now given the burgers a serious workout with our taste buds.
"To me it is a complete meal. You've got egg, tomato, rocket and beetroot with a sauce that enhances the flavour of lamb. After eating one, you certainly feel rewarded.
"The Board of Federated Farmers is genuinely enthused with what McDonald's is doing for Kiwi lamb.
"When you drive past any McDonald's you see lamb written loud and proud. As a sheep farmer it is heartening, especially given the latest schedule prices.
"These burgers and snack wraps are a great way of turning on a new generation's taste buds to what lamb is and could be. That to us is the big positive of McDonald's involvement," Wills concluded.
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.