Awards go to pork industry

Awards go to pork industry

Murellen Pork producers, Murray and Helen Battersby have taken second place in the prestigious Lincoln Foundation's - Rabobank Farmer of the Year Award.

The award, which was first held in 1978, aims to recognise outstanding and innovative management practitioners and marketers who are providing leadership in land-based business and will benefit from further study overseas.

The Battersby's were one of five finalists for the award which is made to those demonstrating the best overall financial and management performance in their enterprise during the past five years.

Having identified a niche market for premium pork the Battersbys researched the requirements for achieving a top quality product, and went on to establish their own supply chain, working closely with breeders, transporters and processors.

Based in Sheffield, Canterbury, branded Murrellen pork is now delivered to a range of top quality butchers and restaurants throughout New Zealand.

New Zealand Pork Industry Board Chief Executive Angus Davidson, said the Board was delighted that one of the industry's leading producers had received national recognition not only as a farmer but as a producer and distributor of a premium pork product.

Another pork producer, Ben Voice, who is also based in Canterbury, has won the Matson and Allan Real Estate Young Achiever Award. This award recognises professional achievement as well as involvement in and commitment to, community activities.

"The fact that these two awards have gone to people in the pork industry is a real reflection of the increasing innovation and professionalism of our leading producers. We may be a relatively small industry, but we are becoming an increasingly smart industry," Mr Davidson said.

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