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.
Sport stars Lisa Carrington, Sophie Pascoe and Sarah Walker are set to judge the ninth annual 2015 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Golden Lamb Awards, aka the Glammies.
The competition, supported by Zoetis, aims to find the most tender and tasty lamb in New Zealand, with categories for both farmers and retailers.
With the sporting superstars on the panel, alongside foodwriter, Lauraine Jacobs and head judge Graham Hawkes, entries will have to be of superior quality to impress this year.
Third time judge, Sarah Walker says she is thrilled to be involved in the competition once again.
"It is always an honour to assist with judging the Glammies and see the hard work and dedication New Zealand farmers put in year after year," says Walker.
Lisa Carrington and Sophie Pascoe agree the Glammies is a fantastic way to highlight the connection from paddock to plate, with lamb being a longstanding favourite in Kiwi kitchens as well as their own.
Entries will now go to Carne Technologies where the top 20 finalists will be determined based on the scientific assessment of yield, tenderness, succulence and colour of each entry lamb leg.
These final 20 will be judged at the Grand Final held at the Wanaka A&P Show on March 13.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.
In a surprise move, Federated Farmers meat and wool group has dumped its chair Toby Williams.
Former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has received the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award.
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