Entries are open in the 2024 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards giving those in the sheep and beef industry the opportunity to shine a light on their local heroes.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s CEO Sam McIvor says entries opened on 31 May and he is encouraging people to enter or nominate a person, innovation or technology that is helping to make this country’s red meat sector world leading.
“Think about your farm staff, the teachers, the mentors, the scientists, the community leaders, the breeders, the people who develop the technologies that make your life easier, the sector champions, the marketers and those who support farmer health and well-being and nominate them for an award.”
He says previous B+LNZ Award category finalists and winners have been overwhelmingly positive about the experience and the recognition they have received after winning an Award.
“Finalists and winners have told us that the Awards have given them a huge confidence boost and, in some cases, taken their business to a new level. For the wider sector it’s a real opportunity to recognise and celebrate those people and businesses making a significant impact.”
He says there are eight category awards, four of which are people focused and four are industry focused. Entries will close at the end of July with judging taking place throughout August.
“Entrants have told us that entering the Awards is easy, and the process is an opportunity to take stock of an individual's or business's achievements."
The Awards Showcase will be held at Claudelands Events Centre near Hamilton on 10 October.
Mr McIvor says while it has been a challenging year for many in the red meat sector, the country continues to produce top quality products in a way that resonates with consumers worldwide.
“During these tough times it is more important than ever that we celebrate our success."
“We have so much to be proud of and the Awards gives us the chance to showcase our pasture-based, red meat industry to our peers and the wider public.”
Mr McIvor says he is pleased that Farmlands is once again the Awards partner, who, along with the eight category sponsors, know how important it is to recognise the immense pool of talent within the sector.
Farmland's CEO Tanya Houghton says Farmlands is thrilled to be partnering with Beef + Lamb NZ for another year.
"Contributing to a long-standing fixture of the rural calendar, one that celebrates and recognises outstanding work and builds strength within the primary sector, is something that Farmlands is really proud of."
"We’re here to help farmers and growers achieve improved profitability and productivity through our delivery of key inputs. This partnership helps us demonstrate that commitment in other ways beyond giving our customers what they need for their business at the right price and with the right support.”
ENDS
Help shine a spotlight on our people and our sector. Think about the people in your circles making an impact and nominate them for one of the eight B+LNZ Awards categories. Entry is free. All information about the Beef + Lamb Awards can be found on B+LNZ’s website here: www.beeflambnz.com/awards