Red meat rebound
The red meat sector is poised for a strong rebound this season, with export receipts forecast to top $10 billion and farm profitability to almost double.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has announced a partnership with Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
The move is claimed to herald a new era of support for Kiwi Olympians, building upon a foundation of backing New Zealanders, and extending to encompass the entire New Zealand Team as they gear up for success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
NZOC chief executive Nicki Nicol says the partnership is a natural fit.
“Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s ongoing support of our celebrated athletes is a testament to their commitment to sport and excellence in New Zealand,” Nicol says.
“We’re thrilled to have them join our family of partners,” she adds.
Echoing this sentiment, Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Kit Arkwright says the Olympic Games are a pinnacle of national pride.
“Much like our dedicated farmers, the New Zealand Team consistently delivers outstanding performances,” he says. “We’re excited to support them as they prepare to make their mark in Paris.”
The partnership aims to bring together rural communities and the Olympic spirit.
Arkwright highlighted the deep respect and support from farmers towards past Iron Maidens, encouraging them to rally behind the Fern this year.
“Our farmers and all food producers play a crucial role in fuelling our athletes, and we hope they take pride in the quality produce that powers New Zealand’s success on the global stage,” he says. “They are feeding the Fern.”
Beef + Lamb New Zealand ambassador and Olympic Rugby Sevens player, Stacey Waaka, says she is excited about the partnership.
“As both an athlete and an ambassador for Beef + Lamb New Zealand, I am thrilled to see these two worlds align,” she says.
“The values of commitment, excellence, and community that run deep in both the Olympic Games and the agricultural heritage represented by Beef + Lamb New Zealand resonate strongly with me.
“This partnership signifies a powerful union that will undoubtedly inspire and fuel our journey towards success in Paris 2024,” Waaka says.
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.
Going one better than a frustratingly close second place finish at last year's event, the country's top axeman, Jack Jordan of Taumaranui, last weekend won the Stihl Timbersports World Championship individual event in.
Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show president Brent Chamberlain says a big development for this year is the Wool Zone, first introduced two years ago as a showplace for everything produced from wool, but now greatly enlarged with its own Wool Marquee and more than 30 trade sites.
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