NEW FACES leading the two main meat processing cooperatives will prove the acid test of what’s really prevented industry reform to date, says one of the departing chief executives.

SITUATIONS VACANT at the top of both big meat processing cooperatives presents a “huge opportunity” to advance industry reform, claims the Meat Industry Excellence (MIE) group.

After eight years in the role, Silver Fern Farms chief executive Keith Cooper is stepping down.

The phrase "from the farm to the customer" is often heard in agricultural circles, but Silver Fern Farms is turning that philosophy on its head.

TWO YEARS ago the Te Aroha, Waikato, meat processing plant burned down, a major tragedy for a small town in a productive farming area.

PRACTICAL, POLITICAL, inspirational, controversial: the recent Red Meat Sector conference in Queenstown covered all the bases.

ANZCO Foods managing director Mark Clarkson has been appointed to the Beef + Lamb New Zealand board.