Number of women in global meat industry workforce drops
A new independent global report commissioned by Meat Business Women shows a rise in women’s representation in senior leadership roles in the meat industry over the past three years.
Meat Business Women (MBW) New Zealand has appointed two co-chairs to lead the organisation during 2022, making the announcement on International Women’s Day.
Julia Gardner, marketing manager for Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Abigail Delaney, communications advisor for Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd say they are excited to co-chair the organisation which is part of the global Meat Business Women network.
“As a traditionally male-dominated sector, the industry can be tricky to navigate as a woman. Meat Business Women seeks to challenge stereotypes and highlight pathways forward. The Meat Business Women community champions connection and collaboration. It allows women to share knowledge, experiences and find long-term career support,” says Gardner.
“Knowing there is a network of women nationally, not to mention globally, makes Meat Business Women so valuable. Whether you’re looking to be a mentor or be mentored, finding yourself amongst like-minded, inspiring women is extremely empowering. It is exciting to be a part of a global network of women who support each other, and we’re ready to lead it forward for the New Zealand meat sector,” adds Delaney.
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Meat Business Women co-chair Abigail Delaney. |
Laura Ryan, global chair of Meat Business Women, says the organisation is there to offer mentorship, masterclasses and networking opportunities, while also tackling issues of diversity in the industry.
“The ultimate goal is to assure sustainability of our sector by attracting and retaining the best possible talent. We have three objectives: to improve the image of the industry to women; nurture new entrants through education and mentoring; and improve networking. To achieve a significant, long-term perception shift we need to develop gender and diversity inclusion toolkits and resources.”
The industry – businesses and individuals – are encouraged to download the digital resources from the Meat Business Women website, share the campaign videos and post their own #shelookslikeme content.
For more information and to join the Meat Business Women community for access to all initiatives, mentoring platforms, masterclasses and priority access to events, visit www.meatbusinesswomen.org.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.