Golden Lamb Awards - Glammies

From almost 100 entries, Hugh and Helen Winder from Feilding have won the 2010 Meat & Wool New Zealand Golden Lamb Awards (aka Glammies) with their Fairlea Texels lamb.

The Winders beat 15 other finalists to have their lamb declared the most tender and tasty in New Zealand and named the Glammies Grand Champion. Their lamb was processed at the winning plant, Land Meat NZ Ltd.
The Champion Meat Retailer trophy went to Harmony Foods in Paeroa.

Government appoints wool sector leader

Agriculture Minister David Carter has appointed Dr Murray Horn to lead work towards forming a single body for the New Zealand wool industry.
“The Government is serious about uniting the wool sector and moving it forward. Securing a person of Dr Horn’s calibre gives me confidence that progress can be made quickly,” says Mr Carter.
Dr Horn has held senior executive roles with the ANZ Banking Group, including as chief executive of ANZ’s New Zealand operations, and is a former Treasury Secretary. He is currently on the Board of Telecom and chair of the National Health Board.
Mr Carter says Dr Horn will act as an independent convenor and will be facilitating a meeting of wool sector organisations to begin the process of forming a single voice for the industry.
“I urge all the players to engage constructively in this process. It is a vital step in ensuring the future of the strong wool sector,” says Mr Carter.
Dr Horn’s appointment follows the release of the Wool Taskforce report Restoring Profitability to the Strong Wool Sector to a group of wool sector leaders last month. The report recommended a ‘single voice’ be formed to act on behalf of the industry.

New Directors elected to Meat & Wool New Zealand Board

Kirsten Bryant has been elected to represent the Western North Island ward and Anne Munro has been elected to represent the Central South Island ward.

The official voting results are:-

Western North Island:- Kirsten Bryant 9,620 and Tony Gray 5,879, informal 16. The voting return percentage for the Western North Island ward was 25.25 percent.

Central South Island:- Anne Munro 8,890 and David Douglas (incumbent) 7,480, informal 6. The voting return percentage for Central South Island was 38.92 percent.

Both new directors will start their electoral term from the Meat & Wool New Zealand AGM on 24 March 2010.

Farmer levies to kick-start Kiwi lamb consumption in Germany

In-store tasting promotions, creative point of sale materials and online communication with consumers feature in Meat & Wool New Zealand’s plan for promoting New Zealand lamb in Germany this year.
Meat & Wool New Zealand General Manager Market Development, Craig Finch says Germany is the number three market for New Zealand lamb by value and number four in terms of volume and there are gains to be made.
“New Zealand lamb has a premium position in Germany and makes up a large proportion of the lamb sold in German supermarkets and other retail outlets.
“Lamb isn’t traditional fare in Germany, so average sheepmeat consumption is only 1kg per year compared to pork at 46kg per year. There is also a general lack of awareness of lamb as a high‑quality alternative protein, and so its profile is lower in retail outlets.
“Our aim is to kick-start consumption by getting consumers to try New Zealand lamb and encouraging positive perceptions about the product. Ultimately we want to build consumer preference for New Zealand lamb.
“All New Zealand lamb sold in Germany is identified by the New Zealand lamb rosette or packaging that highlights our natural, pasture-fed production systems. We’re also improving the visibility of lamb in stores through creative point of sale materials on shelves, on-pack and in-store television.
“Engaging with consumers is another key tactic. In-store tasting promotions introduce consumers to New Zealand lamb at the point of purchase. The in-store tasting programme, developed and managed by Meat & Wool New Zealand, is co-funded by New Zealand exporters and their importers. Now in its third year the programme has shown consistent growth. In 2007 103 days were conducted reaching 12,175 consumers. Last year demand for the programme had grown to 568 days reaching 81,792 consumers.
The programme is focused on dealing directly with consumers and it is supported by online newsletters and the German-language New Zealand lamb website (www.neuseelandlamm.de) aimed to inspire and update them about the product through recipes, preparation tips and competitions.
“We’re also targeting journalists and, new to this year’s programme - bloggers - with video and recipe press releases to stimulate interest in New Zealand lamb and increase coverage in retailer and monthly magazines as well as online.”
Mr Finch says it is important to grow the preference and demand for New Zealand lamb to support export market growth.
Meat & Wool New Zealand also works with other iconic New Zealand products including wine to raise awareness of the New Zealand lamb brand.
“Important export markets like Germany are critical to the prospects of every New Zealand sheep farmer, so it’s vital that we partner with other organisations to make sure the investment we make on behalf of the industry is maximised.
“To ensure that our strategies benefit the industry as a whole, the plan is agreed with a New Zealand industry forum known as the Meat Promotion Group, which includes meat exporters and processors, as well as representatives from the Meat Industry Association.”
Key Statistics
 Germany is New Zealand’s number two sheepmeat market by value at $350 million (FOB).
· Germany is New Zealand’s number three export sheepmeat market by volume, at 27,235 tonnes (product weight) in the 2008-09 year, excluding offal.
· Germany is a high value market for mutton as well as lamb cuts.
· Germany is supplied within New Zealand's tariff‑rate quota of 227,854 tonnes c.w.e. to the European Union.
· Germany’s population is over 82 million.

Wool Taskforce: asking the right questions

Agriculture Minister David Carter has congratulated the Wool Taskforce on its report Restoring Profitability to the Strong Wool Sector, released today.
“The report asks the right questions and identifies strategies to restore profitability to a sector that has been in decline for decades,” says Mr Carter.
“Everyone knows that the only way to raise price is to raise demand. Rather than generically marketing New Zealand wool, the report says the industry needs to work across the supply chain to boost demand for clothing, carpets and other wool products.
“The Taskforce makes it clear that this will only come about through unity and leadership, essentially having one voice for the sector. I’m encouraged to hear this challenge from a group formed from within the industry.”
Mr Carter established the Taskforce and called for the report following the ‘no’ vote on Wool Levy payments in October 2009.
He says that, given the group had only four months to address 40 years of decline in the sector, there was a surprisingly strong level of consensus across the Taskforce.
“I congratulate the Taskforce for delivering a quality majority report to such a tight timeframe. It has done everything I asked of it.
“I am conscious that previous reports on the wool industry have dropped like a stone, and I don't want to see that happen with this one. It is now up to the industry, and its leaders to ensure it doesn’t,” says Mr Carter.
To view a copy of the report, click the Title above.

Agriculture Minister moves to unify wool industry

Agriculture Minister David Carter is to appoint an independent expert to work on forming a single body for the New Zealand wool industry.
A meeting today of 35 sector leaders agreed to adopt the recommendations of the Wool Taskforce report Restoring Profitability to the Strong Wool Sector.
This included a proposal to form a ‘single voice’ to act on behalf of the industry.
“There was robust discussion at the meeting but everyone agreed that this was a vital first step in ensuring the future of the strong wool sector,” says Mr Carter.
“The group agreed unanimously that the answer to this doesn’t lie with any of the existing organisations, but rather with a clean slate approach.
“I will be seeking an independent convenor who will begin the task of unifying an industry that has been fragmented for far too long. I appreciate that this will not be an easy task and I urge all sectors of the industry to engage constructively in this process.
“Today’s meeting saw an encouraging step forward and I am hopeful that this marks the beginning of a new chapter for the New Zealand wool industry,” Mr Carter says.
Media contact: Vanessa Rawson 021 245 9773

New Zealand Lamb campaign launches in UK

A new campaign to promote New Zealand lamb in the UK has been launched by Meat & Wool New Zealand this week.
Meat & Wool New Zealand General Manager, Market Development, Craig Finch said the campaign signals the start of the new lamb season and it highlights the attributes valued by consumers in the UK.
“We know from our research that British consumers love that our lamb is raised on green grass year-round and in natural farming systems.
“The advertising takes a humorous view of the lengths to which New Zealand sheep farmers go in raising the world’s finest free-range lamb.”
Using the theme of “A National Obsession” the advertising shows a lifeguard - renamed a lambguard - looking after sheep which are grazing close to a running stream.
The campaign to promote New Zealand lamb will have a presence on television through food channel sponsorships, although the major focus is on print and online media.
“Increasingly we are using online communications to reach consumers. For instance, using consumer e-newsletters containing recipes, competitions and tips, almost a quarter of a million British households are receiving information about New Zealand lamb in every issue.”
Mr Finch said the advertising campaign can be viewed on the website targeting British consumers www.national-obsession.com. This site contains a range of material promoting New Zealand lamb including recipes, webcasts by New Zealand celebrity chef, Peter Gordon, showing three of his favourite lamb dishes, webcasts of New Zealand farmers and a competition to win flights to New Zealand in association with Air New Zealand.
This campaign is funded by New Zealand sheep farmer levies to keep the New Zealand lamb brand in front of consumers in this important market. Last year 73,321 tonnes of New Zealand lamb, worth $656 million, went into the UK - New Zealand’s largest single market.
For more information please contact; Meat & Wool New Zealand General Manager Market Development 04 474 0846.

Four candidates for two Meat & Wool New Zealand Director positions

Nominations for the farmer-elected Meat & Wool New Zealand Director positions in the Western North Island and Central South Island electorates will ensure an election in both this year, as they come to the end of three year terms.
In the Western North Island, Kirsten Bryant of Fordell (06 342 7755) and Tony Gray of Pohangina Valley (06 328 4575) have been nominated. The electorate has been represented in the current term by Ron Frew who did not seek re-election.
Central South Island incumbent, David Douglas of Oamaru (03 431 2585) will be challenged by Anne Munro of Fairlie (03 685 5772).
Meat & Wool New Zealand General Counsel, Dave Harrison said one director is required for each electorate and the election will be conducted by postal and internet vote. Only registered voters in each electorate are eligible to vote and voter registration forms can be obtained from Electionz.com by calling the freephone 0508 666 336. Registrations must be returned by Wednesday 10 February.
Voting papers will be sent out on Tuesday 16 February and must be lodged by Wednesday 10 March, which is Election Day.
Election inquiries should be directed to the Returning Officer, Warwick Lampp, freephone 0508 666 336.
No remits have been lodged for consideration at the Meat & Wool New Zealand AGM which will be held at Te Kuiti on 24 March.

Meat & Wool New Zealand director nominations close next week

Sheep and beef farmers are being reminded that nominations are sought for two farmer elected director positions on the Board of Meat & Wool New Zealand.
The positions are for the Western North Island and the Central South Island electorates, for a term of three years. Nominations close on Wednesday 20 January 2010.
Incumbent Central South Island Director, David Douglas has signalled that he intends to stand for re-election, while incumbent Western North Island Director, Ron Frew has notified the board he is not seeking re-election.
Nominations must be submitted on the official form that can be obtained from the Returning Officer Warwick Lampp by calling the Election Hotline 0508 666 336. They must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 20 January 2010.
Voters in the two electorates are encouraged to check that they are on the electoral roll and this can be done by calling the Election Hotline. Farmers who are not registered need to fill out a voter registration form by 10 February 2010. This can be obtained from the Election Hotline 0508 666 336.
To be eligible to vote, a livestock farmer must have owned at least 250 sheep or goats or a combined total of these, or 50 beef cattle, or 100 dairy cattle, on 30 June 2009.
Election day is 10 March 2010.
Meat & Wool New Zealand is also calling for remits for next year’s Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held on 24 March 2010 in Te Kuiti.
Livestock farmers who want to propose remits are invited to submit them by Wednesday 20 January 2010.
Remits must be submitted on the official form that can be obtained from Meat & Wool New Zealand General Counsel, Dave Harrison by freephoning 0800 696 328. Remits require 10 (ten) levy payer signatures and those farmers must be registered on the Meat & Wool New Zealand electoral roll.
Remits will be included with voting documents and sent to farmers in February 2010.
For more information please contact: Meat & Wool New Zealand Communications Manager, Jan Keir-Smith 027 271 7593.

Meat & Wool New Zealand calls for director nominations

Nominations are sought for two farmer elected director positions on the Board of Meat & Wool New Zealand.
The positions are for the Western North Island and the Central South Island electorates, for a term of three years. Nominations close on Wednesday 20 January 2010.
Incumbent Central South Island Director, David Douglas has signalled that he intends to stand for re-election, while incumbent Western North Island Director, Ron Frew has notified the board he will not seek re-election.
Nominations must be submitted on the official form that can be obtained from the Returning Officer Warwick Lampp by calling the Election Hotline 0508 666 336. They must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 20 January 2010.
Voters in the two electorates are encouraged to check that they are on the electoral roll and this can be done by calling the Election Hotline. Farmers who are not registered need to fill out a voter registration form by 10 February 2010. This can be obtained from the Election Hotline 0508 666 336.
To be eligible to vote, a livestock farmer must have owned at least 250 sheep or goats or a combined total of these, or 50 beef cattle, or 100 dairy cattle, on 30 June 2009.
Election day is 10 March 2010.