It's Gate-to-Plate show excitement

ON THE LAMB: Former All Black Richard Loe (left) as Allflex ambassador, and Shane McManaway, from Allfex Australasia, will be at Wairarapa's Lamb Producer Day at the Masterton A&P Show next month.

The Masterton A&P Show in February will feature Wairarapa's first ever Lamb Producer Day, with Gate-To-Plate contestants getting a special invite.

The Consumer is King-themed seminar and trade show will feature key speakers including Con Williams, ANZ's chief economist, Michael Jamieson, director, Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), and Richard Shirtcliffe from Tuatara Breweries.

Richard Loe, former All Black and new Allflex Ambassador, will also be present.

The Lamb Producer Day will take place on Friday, February 20 - the day before the final "on-the-plate" stage of the competition at the Masterton A&P Show.

It will be followed by a cocktail event to celebrate the Gate-to-Plate finalists through to the last stage.

Gate-to-Plate involves Wairarapa farmers entering their lambs to be judged on the hoof, hook and plate.

Event sponsor, Allflex's Shane McManaway, says the Lamb Producer Day is an opportunity for local producers to extend their business learning as well as catch up with their farming neighbours.

"Gate-to-Plate is growing in size, calibre and reputation. Our producers are engaged, enthusiastic and business savvy.

"Extending the competition entrants' pack to include the Producer Day provides a valuable add-on for contestants and an ideal networking forum."

Organiser Anna Nielson said: "Centred around what the consumer wants, the Producer Day also ties in nicely with the major prize - $5000 worth of professional services, from Grow Wellington, focused on developing market connections beyond the farm gate."

Producers have until 5pm on Monday, January 19, to register for the competition.

-Entry forms can be downloaded at www.gate-to-plate.co.nz or requested via email info@gate-to-plate.co.nz