Move over ham, here comes lamb
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.
Silver Fern Farms Livestock Rep Simon Boshier (left) with 2020 Plate to Pasture Supplier Awards winners Brent and Kara Lilley and Chief Executive Simon Limmer.
Coromandel beef producers Brent and Kara Lilley have received the Silver Fern Farms 2020 Plate to Pasture Award for their exceptional consumer focus.
The Awards celebrate suppliers of lamb, beef, venison, and bull beef who consistently supply quality stock and produce food with the consumer front of mind.
All Silver Fern Farms suppliers are assessed on the specification and presentation of stock, their Farm Assurance status, supply direct via Silver Fern Farms Livestock agents, shareholding, supply volume & timing and use of FarmIQ tools.
Six regional finalists are then assessed by a judging panel to determine the overall winner. The judging panel said the Lilley’s focus on animal care and environmental action was exceptional. The Lilley’s focus on quality saw them consistently supplying animals which achieved the Silver Fern Farms Eating Quality (EQ) standard across the year said chief judge Melissa Sowden.
“The Lilleys keep exceptional records to ensure that they are passionate about caring for their animals, the land and native biodiversity.
‘They are acutely aware their farm is in a special place in New Zealand; they produce food on a farm which is on the road to Hot Water Beach. Everything they do showcases their high standards of care to their community and those who come to visit their stunning part of New Zealand.”
Virtual fencing and herding systems supplier, Halter is welcoming a decision by the Victorian Government to allow farmers in the state to use the technology.
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New Zealand’s national lamb crop for the 2025–26 season is estimated at 19.66 million head, a lift of one percent (or 188,000 more lambs) on last season, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) latest Lamb Crop report.
Farmers appear to be cautiously welcoming the Government’s plan to reform local government, according to Ag First chief executive, James Allen.
The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report, but it’s not “manna from heaven” for the economy.
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