Beef + Lamb New Zealand is shared naming and branding for two farmer-owned industry organisations that represent sheep and beef cattle farmers in New Zealand.[1] Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd and Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc.[2] The latter organisation promotes beef and lamb products in the domestic New Zealand market and receives funding from farmer levies, meat processors and retailers.[2][3]
History
Since 1997, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc has promoted and managed the New Zealand Beef and Lamb Quality Mark.[3][4]
In 2010, the organisation change its name from Meat and Wool New Zealand to Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd to advertise its focus upon meat-production.[2]
In 2014, B+LNZ Genetics was founded by Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd.[5][6][7]
In 2018, Beef + Lamb New Zealand celebrated National Lamb Day by commissioning a giant lamb chop which visited various landmarks around New Zealand.[8]
B+LNZ Genetics
B+LNZ Genetics was founded by Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd with funding provided by sheep and beef levy payers and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.[5][6][7] B+LNZ also receives funding from third parties such as meat processors, breed societies, and other commercial entities involved in the sheep and beef industry.[5][6][7] B+LNZ Genetics focuses on genetics research and development relevant for the sheep and beef industry within New Zealand.[5][6] B+LNZ operates a beef genetics research programme in collaboration with the Ministry for Primary Industries.[9][10] One research programme has compared genetic variation across Angus and Hereford breeds of cattle.[11] B+LNZ Genetics staff have investigated topics such as the genetic basis for variation in sheep tails.[12]