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.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.

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