Entries open in the 2026 B+LNZ Awards

B+LNZ chief executive Alan Thomson says everyone knows someone, or something, making our sector world-leading.  

“Think about your farm staff, fellow farmers, sector leaders, teachers, innovators, mentors, scientists, technologies, rural champions, and marketers and nominate them for an award.”  

He says previous B+LNZ Award category finalists and winners have been overwhelmingly positive about the experience and profile they gained through being associated with the Awards. 

“Finalists and winners tell us the Awards have given them a huge confidence boost and, in some cases, the Awards have helped take their business or career to a new level.” 

There are eight category awards, four of which are people focused, and four are industry focused. Entries will close in December with judging taking place throughout January and February.  

Finalists will be named in March 2026 and the winners announced at a showcase dinner which will be one of the highlights of B+LNZ’s Out the Gate conference being held at Te Pae in Christchurch on 20 and 21 May.  

Mr Thomson says B+LNZ has taken the opportunity to align its two premier events. “This gives farmers and agribusiness professionals the opportunity to hear some outstanding speakers and thought leaders at Out the Gate and celebrate the people and technologies that contribute so much to New Zealand’s red meat sector at the B+LNZ Awards Dinner. 

“After successfully navigating a challenging few years, the sheep and beef sector is in good heart, and the Awards give us all the opportunity to celebrate the people and technologies that have supported the sector through challenging times. 

“We have so much to be proud of and the Awards give us the chance to showcase the leading edge of our sector to peers and the wider public.” 

To enter or for more information go to www.beeflambnz.com/awards  

Entries close at 5pm, Monday 8 December. 

ENDS 

For more information, please contact [email protected]