The finalists have been announced in this year’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards.
B+LNZ’s CEO Alan Thomson says after a thorough and robust judging process, it was a pleasure to be able to announce the 24 finalists across the eight categories in this year’s B+LNZ Awards.
“We have been very impressed by the quality of entries across all award categories and while this made judging particularly challenging, it has highlighted the depth of talent and innovation in the red meat sector.”
He says the judging team of farmers and industry professionals had a difficult job selecting the finalists from such strong entries as all the finalists were making a positive contribution to the sheep, beef and dairy beef sector.
“It is a privilege to be able to recognise their work through the B+LNZ Awards.”
The winners will be announced at the B+LNZ Awards Dinner at Te Pae in Christchurch on Wednesday, 20 May.
For the first time, the B+LNZ Awards Dinner will be part of B+LNZ’s flagship two-and-a-half-day Out the Gate event, and Mr Thomson is encouraging farmers and rural professionals to make the most of the full programme on offer.
Centred around the theme “A sector fit for the future, today”, Out the Gate 2026 brings farmers together for two and a half days of learning, connection and inspiration.
“Out the Gate is about setting farmers up to be future‑fit – hearing from global voices, diving into new research, and exploring what’s coming next.”
“I really encourage farmers to make the most of taking a couple of days away from the farm by attending both Out the Gate and the Awards Dinner. It is a great opportunity to learn, network, be inspired and celebrate the people and the technologies that make our pasture-based red meat industry world leading.”
B+LNZ Awards Finalists 2026
Bioeconomy Science Institute Emerging Achiever Award
- Ben Dawson (Patoka)
- Graham Johnson (Waikato)
- Alice Wilson (Wairoa)
Rabobank People Development Award
- Lone Star Farms (Nelson)
- Shane and Lynnette McManaway, Ongaha (Wairarapa)
- ADB Williams Trust (Dannevirke)
Alliance Significant Contribution Award
- Phil Journeaux (Waikato)
- Dr Stewart Ledgard (Ruakura)
- Dr William Rolleston (South Canterbury)
FMG Rural Champion Award
- Mark Harris (Hawke’s Bay)
- Kristy McGregor (Horowhenua)
- Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science & Research Award
- Dr Gale Brightwell and the AgResearch Food Integrity Team
- Paul Kenyon (Palmerston North)
- Garth Riddle (Northland)
Datamars Livestock Technology Award
- GenomNZ (Dunedin)
- Helical (Rotorua)
- Super Air (Waikato)
Gallagher Innovative Farming Award
- FE Gold (Waikato)
- Jon and Fiona Sherlock (Waikato)
- Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust (Gisborne)
PGG Wrightson Market Leader Award
- Conscious Valley (Wellington)
- Green Meadows Beef (New Plymouth)
- Rob and Mandy Pye (Northland)
Tickets for both the B+LNZ Awards Dinner and Out the Gate can be purchased through B+LNZ’s website. See links below.
Purchase Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards 2026 tickets here
Purchase Out the Gate 2026 tickets here
ENDS
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 021 151 8685.