In a recent B+LNZ Scene + Herd podcast, Farmlands CEO Tanya Houghton shares Farmlands’ commitment to the B+LNZ Awards and how Farmlands is innovating and supporting farmers.
Hosted by B+LNZ’s GM of Communications & Insights, Rowena Hume, the episode highlighted the vital role New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector plays for Farmlands.
Tanya congratulated the 2024 B+LNZ Award finalists that have been announced and encouraged everyone who can to join the celebration in Hamilton on 10 October. Tickets are on sale on here with a special group discount of 10% when you purchase six or more tickets (limited time offer).
Watch the recording below or listen to the B+LNZ Scene + Herd podcast here.
Key takeaways
Tanya explained that Farmlands has been involved with the B+LNZ Awards since its inception and sees it as an opportunity to bring the rural community together, foster a sense of excitement, and celebrate the hard work and success stories across the sector. “For us, it’s about supporting and celebrating innovation and productivity. We want to help create an atmosphere where people can come together, share success, and continue to build a strong sense of community.”
She highlighted that Farmlands’ purpose as a co-operative is focused on improving productivity and profitability for New Zealand’s farmers and growers. “That obviously has a great link to what B+LNZ is doing [with the Awards].
Farmlands partners with a select few organisations, and the B+LNZ Awards is a key collaboration, reflecting how the sheep and beef sector remains the backbone of Farmlands, accounting for 30% of its business.
“The sheep and beef sector is really important not only to New Zealand but to Farmlands as a whole.”
A key element of the B+LNZ Awards is celebrating innovation. Farmlands has also embraced innovation, launching new tools like the FarmlandsPRO app and the Farmlands Card App. These digital solutions make it easier for farmers to do business with the co-op, and offer improved pricing, special offers and discounts – part of Farmlands’ broader mission to help its customers get more value from the co-op as it becomes more efficient.
During these financially tough times, Farmlands is investing in upskilling its team and strengthening its supply chain to provide more efficient services, allowing them to pass on savings to their shareholders.
Another takeaway from the discussion was the emphasis on collaboration within the agri-sector. “The more we collaborate and understand that we’re all interconnected, the better we can support each other. When the sector works together, everyone benefits,” Tanya said.
With the B+LNZ Awards taking place on 10 October in Hamilton, Tanya shared a message of support for the finalists. “I wish everybody the best of evenings at the Awards … I hope everyone has a fantastic night on the night and I look forward to hearing the stories and sharing in the celebrations.”
Join in on the celebrations – get your tickets!
The 2024 Awards is taking place on 10 October in Hamilton.
Tickets are available are still available with a 10% group discount when purchasing six or more tickets.
The evening will provide an opportunity to sample some of the finest produce of our great agricultural sector as finalists are introduced and the winner of each of the eight award categories are announced.
We look forward to celebrating New Zealand’s world-leading red meat sector!
Learn more about the B+LNZ Awards here.