The eight farmers visited New Zealand last week to "assess the current production outlook and see how we could better share knowledge on business efficiencies," said the organiser, the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) prior to the visit.
EBLEX sector director Nick Allen last week told Rural News it is increasingly clear the two countries' market outlooks are "inextricably linked".
"We need to understand where New Zealand product is at and New Zealand needs to understand what's happening in the UK. With that understanding we'll be more prepared when flushes of lamb come through."
Some farmers in the UK blame New Zealand product for crashing their prices but Allen says that's not EBLEX's position. "We need to know what's going on down here."
A lot of criticism in the UK was also leveled at retailers who were "very forthright" in saying they would support UK production, but when prices crashed were found wanting.
However, Allen says he believes it will be "a different world" in as little as three years. "All meat proteins will be in short supply and China will be the big player, particularly in New Zealand. You have, uniquely, pretty much open access."
Western retailers are also changing their ways, increasingly looking to secure consistent supply at agreed forward prices, here and in the UK.
The group met farmers, processors, and industry representatives. Their visit concluded at the weekend with a trip to Beef + Lamb New Zealand president Mike Petersen's farm. A joint media release about the two organisations "working more closely together" should be out this week, said Allen.
