The annual awards, introduced by the organisation’s southern region farmer council, have been running since 2012.
But it’s time to ensure the awards remain relevant so it’s been decided to take a break for a year, B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor said.
The awards aim to celebrate the best sheep in the country but whether they are relevant in their current format and how B+LNZ can build on their success will be determined in the overhaul.
“The awards are the one occasion that brings stakeholders together to recognise the people and genetics that make the sheep industry world-leading,” McIvor said.
“To ensure the awards stay relevant and reflect the changing nature of the sheep industry, the organisation has chosen to take a one-year break to re-evaluate and where necessary re-purpose the awards.”
As part of the re-evaluation B+LNZ will review the format, timing and criteria for all the awards.
The review process will include consultation with farmers and all other stakeholders to ensure that when they return in 2019 the awards will be as successful as they have been in the past, McIvor said.
“We’re committed to drawing on the collective experience of those who have been involved to help develop a great event for the future,” McIvor said.
