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.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says a new report projects strong export growth for New Zealand's horticulture sector highlights the industry's increasing contribution to the national economy.
Fonterra shareholders say they will be keeping an eye on their co-operative's performance after the sale of its consumer businesses.
T&G Global says its 2025 New Zealand apple season has delivered higher returns for growers, reflecting strong global consumer demand and pricing across its Envy and Jazz apple brands.
New Zealand's primary sector is set to reach a record $62 billion in food and fibre exports next year.
A new levying body, currently with the working title of NZWool, has been proposed to secure the future of New Zealand's strong wool sector.
The most talked about, economically transformational pieces of legislation in a generation have finally begun their journey into the statute books.

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