Finalists Revealed for 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards

Alan Thomson, chief executive of Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), says after a thorough and robust judging process, it was a pleasure to be able to announce the finalists.

“We have been very impressed by the quality of entries across all award categories and while this made judging particularly challenging, it has highlighted the depth of talent and innovation in the red meat sector," Thomson says.

He says the judging team of farmers and industry professionals had a difficult job selecting the finalists from such strong entries.

“It is a privilege to be able to recognise their work through the B+LNZ Awards," Thomson adds.

The winners will be announced at the B+LNZ Awards Dinner at Te Pae in Christchurch on Wednesday, 20 May.

For the first time, the B+LNZ Awards Dinner will be part of B+LNZ’s flagship two-and-a-half-day Out the Gate event, and Thomson is encouraging farmers and rural professionals to make the most of the full programme on offer.

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The winners will be announced at the B+LNZ Awards Dinner at Te Pae in Christchurch on Wednesday, 20 May.

For the first time, the B+LNZ Awards Dinner will be part of B+LNZ’s flagship two-and-a-half-day Out the Gate event, and Mr Thomson is encouraging farmers and rural professionals to make the most of the full programme on offer.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards Finalists 2026

Bioeconomy Science Institute Emerging Achiever Award

• Ben Dawson (Patoka)
• Graham Johnson (Waikato)
• Alice Wilson (Wairoa)

Rabobank People Development Award

• Lone Star Farms (Nelson)
• Shane and Lynnette McManaway, Ongaha (Wairarapa)
• ADB Williams Trust (Dannevirke)

Alliance Significant Contribution Award

• Phil Journeaux (Waikato)
• Dr Stewart Ledgard (Ruakura)
• Dr William Rolleston (South Canterbury)

FMG Rural Champion Award

• Mark Harris (Hawke's Bay)
• Kristy McGregor (Horowhenua)
• Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network

Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science & Research Award

• Dr Gale Brightwell and AgResearch Food Integrity Team
• Paul Kenyon (Palmerston North)
• Garth Riddle (Northland)

Datamars Livestock Technology Award

• GenomNZ (Dunedin)
• Helical (Rotorua)
• Super Air (Waikato)

Gallagher Innovative Farming Award

• FE Gold (Waikato)
• Jon and Fiona Sherlock (Waikato)
• Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust (Gisborne)

PGG Wrightson Market Leader Award

• Conscious Valley (Wellington)
• Green Meadows Beef (New Plymouth)
• Rob and Mandy Pye (Northland)