NFU President keynote speaker of conference

28 February 2005

NFU President keynote speaker of conference

National Farmers Union (England and Wales) President Tim Bennett will be the keynote speaker at Meat & Wool New Zealand’s Growing the Future Conference in Christchurch on March 17.

Meat & Wool New Zealand’s CEO Mark Jeffries says he is delighted Mr Bennett has agreed to speak at the conference and says he will offer valuable insights into the UK agricultural industry, along with other high calibre international speakers.

Australian Wool Innovation Chairman Ian McLachlan and the Chief Executive of the Co-operative Research Centre for Cattle and Beef Quality, Prof Bernie Bindon are also speaking at the two-day event, which includes the Annual General Meeting on March 16.

“Tim Bennett is a well-known figurehead in UK agriculture. He’s an experienced commentator and farmer and has been involved with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) for 17 years. I look forward to hearing his views on UK agriculture, the industry and the outlook for the future.”

Mr Jeffries says farmers will be interested to hear about some key initiatives to enhance the business of farming, including an NFU campaign that aims to foster a better understanding of farming throughout Britain.

“This has helped British consumers become aware of the journey that food makes between farm gate and supermarket. The campaign’s success will be of particular interest to New Zealand farmers and industry,” Jeffries says.

Ian McLachlan will address a field day at the Claxby property, Swannanoa, on March 16 before the Meat & Wool New Zealand AGM. “Ian McLachlan has a wealth of experience in and knowledge of the agricultural sector. A former politician and President of the National Farmers Federation he will give an interesting perspective on the future of the wool industry and partnering with New Zealand.”

Prof Bernie Bindon speaks at the Growing the Future Conference on March 17. “The Co-operative Research Centre for Cattle and Beef Quality (Beef CRC) is a recognised world leader in research into the genetic and non-genetic factors affecting beef quality. The success story of this centre will be of interest to farmers,” Mr Jeffries said.

ENDS

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