Lake Taupo offered a wonderful scenario last October 17-21, when delegates from the seven country member organizations gathered at the International Beef Alliance annual conference.
The program covered a diversity of events that provided an interesting educational experience for the attendees.
A boat ride on the lake and a Maori welcoming ceremony set the stage with an amazing insight of the New Zealand history and culture.
Visits to three cattle farms around the lake allowed the group to see different production systems with strong focus on sustainability. Mike and Sharon Barton at Glen Emmerth Farm, Barry and Celia Pope at Moerangi and Oraukura Station and John and Catherine Ford at Highlands Station were our friendly and hospitable hosts.
A panel session on the Red Meat Agricultural Profit Partnership took place on Wednesday October 19 featuring George Tatham (B+LNZ), James Parsons (B+LNZ), Tony Egan (Greenlea Premier Meats Ltd.) and Dr. Julie McDade (Greenlea Premier Meats Ltd).
Guest speakers Mike Petersen, New Zealand Special Agricultural trade Envoy, Matthew Costello from Rabobank, Scott Kennedy, Ambassador Chef, and Hon. Nathan Guy, Primary Industries Minister of New Zealand brought a high level of relevance to the Conference.
International Trade, Sustainable Beef Production and Leadership Development were the core topics in the agenda of the General Session, which concluded with important joint statements on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and on Trade Liberalization and Sustainability.
…………..looking forward to the next IBA Conference in Paraguay on October 2017!!
