PGG Wrightson Celebrates Finalists for the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards
PGG Wrightson is proud to celebrate the announcement of the finalists for the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Awards. These awards celebrate the people, innovation, technologies, and farming systems that make New Zealand’s grass-based red meat industry world-leading.
The winners will be presented at the B+LNZ Awards Dinner on 20 May.
2026 Award Finalists:
- Bioeconomy Science Institute Emerging Achiever Award: Ben Dawson (Patoka), Graham Johnson (Waikato), Alice Wilson (Wairoa).
- Rabobank People Development Award: Lone Star Farms (Nelson), Shane and Lynnette McManaway (Ongaha, Wairarapa), ADB Williams Trust (Dannevirke).
- Alliance Significant Contribution Award: Phil Journeaux (Waikato), Dr Stewart Ledgard (Ruakura), Dr William Rolleston (South Canterbury).
- FMG Rural Champion Award: Mark Harris (Hawke’s Bay), Kristy McGregor (Horowhenua), Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network.
- Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science & Research Award: Dr Gale Brightwell and the AgResearch Food Integrity Team, Professor Paul Kenyon (Palmerston North), Garth Riddle (Northland).
- Datamars Livestock Technology Award: GenomNZ (Dunedin), Helical (Rotorua), Super Air (Waikato).
- Gallagher Innovative Farming Award: FE Gold (Waikato), Jon and Fiona Sherlock (Waikato), Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust (Gisborne).
PGG Wrightson Market Leader Award
As proud sponsors of this category, we congratulate the following finalists who have demonstrated outstanding commercial leadership, market innovation, and value creation:
- Conscious Valley (Wellington)
- Green Meadows Beef (New Plymouth)
- Rob and Mandy Pye (Northland)
PGG Wrightson acknowledges all the individuals and organisations shortlisted this year. Your passion and commitment continue to strengthen New Zealand’s red meat sector and the communities it supports.
We look forward to celebrating with you at the 2026 B+LNZ Awards Dinner on 20 May.