Co-op boosts chilled exports to China
Alliance Group has secured greater access for chilled beef exports to China, following approval for two of its processing plants to supply the market.
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.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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