Move over ham, here comes lamb
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.
One of New Zealand's fastest females on a bike, 2011 Supercross World Cup Champion, Sarah Walker, will judge the 2012 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd Golden Lamb Awards (aka the Glammies) in Wanaka on March 9.
The competition, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Genetics, aims to find the best lamb New Zealand farmers and retailers have to offer.
A record number of entries have set a precedent this year. Nearly 150 entrants are eagerly waiting to hear if they are one of the 20 finalists going through to the ultimate taste test at the grand final held at the Upper Clutha A & P Show on March 9.
Walker says she is looking forward to judging the awards, especially as it gives her the opportunity to taste plenty of a favourite food.
"I can't wait to sample some of New Zealand's most raved about product, it's a privilege," says Walker, who is currently training hard for the London Olympics later this year.
She will join head judge, Invercargill chef, Graham Hawkes and 2012 Beef + Lamb New Zealand ambassador chef and executive chef at The True South Dining Room, Queenstown, Ben Batterbury.
The competition is supported by processing plants across the country including: Alliance, Ashburton Meat Processors, Auckland Meat Processors, Blue Sky Meats (NZ) Ltd, Cabernet Foods, Harris Meats, Land Meat NZ Ltd, Silver Fern Farms, Taylor Preston and Wilson Hellaby.
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.

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