Alliance completes $16m warehouse tech update
Alliance Group has launched a new $16 million warehouse technology system at its Lorneville plant near Invercargill.
Ahead of the World Butchers' Challenge, the captains of 14 nations’ teams squared off in Paris over the weekend.
In one pre-game clash, Germany’s reigning champions went head-to-head with host nation France in an arm wrestle between German captain Dirk Freyberger and French captain Ip Yan Fat.
The friendly rivalry set the tone for what promises to be a high-stakes competition, with Germany claiming the first unofficial victory of the weekend.
Ashley Gray, chief executive of the World Butchers’ Challenge says anticipation is at an all-time high and the energy in Paris is “electric”.
“Some teams are hungry for their first victory, others are determined to defend their title, and new nations are ready to make their mark,” Gray says. “We can’t wait to see the competition unfold and wish all the competitors the best of luck.”
Today, Paris will play host to 14 national teams for the ninth World Butchers’ Challenge at Paris Arena Sud 6, part of the Paris Expo Exhibition Centre.
The three-hour challenge will see each team demonstrate their carving, boning and finishing skills – underpinned by creative and cultural flair.
The winning team will be awarded the Friedr. Dick Golden Knife Trophy at a Gala dinner on Tuesday, 1 April in Paris.
The 2025 World Butchers’ Challenge is sponsored by Friedr. Dick, Devro, Van Hessen, and Anago.
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.

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