Grief over grain drain
A whole generation of farmers don’t seem to know about the advantages of feeding NZ-grown grain to livestock, claims Jeremy Talbot.
Next October, New Zealand is hosting the PGG Wrightson World Angus Forum 2013, a significant international event held every four years, and last staged here in 1981.
"Up to 800 delegates from around the world will attend the forum, which is an opportunity to showcase our unique grass-fed systems, leading-edge breeding and genetics, and the emphasis we place on sustainability and animal welfare," says Tim Brittain, chairman of the forum organising committee.
"What better way to celebrate 150 years since Angus cattle were first introduced here, and to acknowledge how Angus has become such an integral part of cattle farming in this country."
There are more Angus cattle in New Zealand than any other beef breed, and Angus now holds a dominant position in retail beef sales and restaurant meals. Even the McDonald's fast food chain has joined the trend, developing and promoting a highly successful gourmet Angus burger range.
Tim Brittain says the forum gives us the opportunity to celebrate this success, and to share it with the international Angus community.
"Our aim is to show off our cattle and our country, as well as presenting a compelling business programme to ensure the 2013 event is a success for Angus New Zealand and its associated partners," says Brittain.
The Forum business programme will be held over a three-day period at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua, with delegates also having the opportunity to visit some of the country's top Angus studs as part of the pre and post Forum tours.
In addition, a Youth Programme will run alongside the forum, where youth teams from a number of countries will compete against each other in areas such as agri-sports, stock judging and general knowledge.
