New website launched at Meat Industry Workshop

New website launched at Meat Industry Workshop

30 October 2006

AgResearch MIRINZ launched its new website today at the second annual Meat Industry Workshop at AgResearch's Ruakura campus in Hamilton.

Around 50 people from across the meat industry including representatives from processing and packaging companies, and research funders, are attending today. The one-day workshop features presentations about the latest research at AgResearch MIRINZ (Meat Industry Research Institute of New Zealand - MIRINZ became part of AgResearch in 1999.)

AgResearch's new website www.mirinz.com aims to create a stronger connection between AgResearch MIRINZ and its customers, says website co-ordinator Robert Kemp.

"The website will become a live interface between the red-meat industry and AgResearch MIRINZ.

"The MIRINZ brand name is well recognised in the global meat processing industry, especially on-plant. The AgResearch MIRINZ website will be a key contact point for clients of AgResearch's Food, Metabolism & Microbiology, and Dairy Science & Technology sections."

Topics at the workshop include new insights into meat colour, model-based measurement for automated cutting, quality assurance for flavour of pasture-fed ruminants and efficient energy use. Spoilage, packaging and shelf life are also being discussed, along with bobby calf processing and AgResearch MIRINZ's consultancy and library services.

In addition, AgResearch is presenting a progress report about genetic gain for meat yield and meat quality in sheep and cattle. AgResearch is perhaps unique globally in being able to integrate on-farm and off-farm meat R&D.

AgResearch MIRINZ senior research engineer Dr Mike North says the importance of holding events like the annual Meat Industry Workshop cannot be overstated.

"Benefits from this event include the raising the profile of science and technology, understanding the industry's key issues, dissemination of recent research findings, networking with peers, and planning future developments together.

"Although this is only our second annual workshop, the industry response has been excellent and it is here to stay," he says.

ENDS

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