Move over ham, here comes lamb
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.
One of New Zealand's fastest females on a bike, 2011 Supercross World Cup Champion, Sarah Walker, will judge the 2012 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd Golden Lamb Awards (aka the Glammies) in Wanaka on March 9.
The competition, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Genetics, aims to find the best lamb New Zealand farmers and retailers have to offer.
A record number of entries have set a precedent this year. Nearly 150 entrants are eagerly waiting to hear if they are one of the 20 finalists going through to the ultimate taste test at the grand final held at the Upper Clutha A & P Show on March 9.
Walker says she is looking forward to judging the awards, especially as it gives her the opportunity to taste plenty of a favourite food.
"I can't wait to sample some of New Zealand's most raved about product, it's a privilege," says Walker, who is currently training hard for the London Olympics later this year.
She will join head judge, Invercargill chef, Graham Hawkes and 2012 Beef + Lamb New Zealand ambassador chef and executive chef at The True South Dining Room, Queenstown, Ben Batterbury.
The competition is supported by processing plants across the country including: Alliance, Ashburton Meat Processors, Auckland Meat Processors, Blue Sky Meats (NZ) Ltd, Cabernet Foods, Harris Meats, Land Meat NZ Ltd, Silver Fern Farms, Taylor Preston and Wilson Hellaby.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.