OSPRI introduces movement control area in Central Otago to protect livestock
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive for the past eight years, Sam McIvor is heading for new pastures at Ospri, which runs NZ’s integrated animal disease management and traceability service.
McIvor leaves B+LNZ at the end of July and takes up his new role the following month.
Well-known for his passion and commitment to the primary sector, McIvor grew up on a hill country sheep and beef property in the Manawatū and after leaving school completed an agricultural science at Massey University.
This was the beginning of his career in the primary sector which included on-farm work and various managerial roles in the processing and retail areas. He had a stint as a sheep and beef farm consultant in Hawke’s Bay before managing procurement of Heinz Watties. He then had various roles at B+LNZ, including research and development manager and product and information transfer manager.
Later he became chief executive of NZ Pork before taking up the role of chief executive of Preston Corp which included overseeing the Export Meat Warehouse chain of stores.
The next move was as group general manager farm operations at Ospri, then in 2016 he became chief executive at B+LNZ, replacing Dr Scott Champion.
McIvor is highly regarded for his wide knowledge right across the primary sector. At B+LNZ he’s led the organisation through some challenging times, including Covid- 19, the controversial He Eke Waka Noa consultation process and Mycoplasma bovis.
Ospri chair Dr Paul Reynolds says they are thrilled to welcome McIvor.
“His extensive experience, coupled with his profound understanding of the agricultural sector, uniquely positions him to drive Ospri forward and deliver value to our shareholders, stakeholders, and the farming community,” he says.
Meanwhile, B+LNZ chair Kate Acland thanked McIvor and acknowledged the significant contribution he has made to the organisation and the sector in the 17 years he has worked for B+LNZ and the NZ Meat Board, particularly the last eight as CEO.
“We are delighted that Sam has chosen to continue with a role in the agriculture sector and are confident he will continue to make a positive impact on the sector through this position,” says Acland.
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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