Pig farmers respond to new welfare standards
Pig farmers are cautiously welcoming new animal welfare standards announced by the Government last week.
According to a recent survey, 34.8% of Kiwis will serve ham as their main protein on December 25, beating out lamb by 0.2%.
Ham has edged out lamb to become Kiwis’ top choice for their Christmas tables this year.
According to a recent survey, 34.8% of Kiwis will serve ham as their main protein on December 25, beating out lamb by 0.2%.
NZPork chief executive Brent Kleiss says the holiday season is the perfect time for Kiwis to gather with family and friends to celebrate.
“Every year, lamb and ham go head-to-head for the top spot on the Christmas table, and this year was no different,” Kleiss says. “We’re excited to see ham taking the win and being a part of so many festive celebrations.”
“If you’re one of the many Kiwis looking to buy a ham this Christmas, search the 100% NZ Bacon & Ham Awards as a good place to start,” he adds.
“Foodies and butchers crowned New Zealand’s top ham in June, along with 18 other medal-winner representing both national suppliers and independent retailers. This list represents the best of the best of 100% New Zealand ham.”
The annual survey, now in its seventh year, offers a glimpse into what makes a Kiwi Christmas.
This year, approximately 1,200 respondents shared their festive plans, from favourite dishes to cherished traditions.
The survey was promoted via social media channels and electronic newsletters of Retail Meat New Zealand, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, and NZPork. Entrants were incentivised to enter, with the opportunity to win one of five $200 meat vouchers.
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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Applications are open for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 scholarship programme, with 20 funding opportunities available.

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