On the way to reaching T150

Sheep farmers may be well on the way to reaching Federated Farmers’ T150 goal after a new partners’ programme called Backbone™ was announced by Silver Fern Farms today.

Meat & Fibre chairman, Bruce Wills says he is extremely encouraged by the new integrated supply chain that focuses on the three areas that its T150 campaign said needed to change.

“Federated Farmers said those proposing change should ask themselves, "How will this initiative help reach the $150 lamb target?” It is great to see a processor has taken this seriously and moved to make the changes needed.

In its new proposal Silver Fern Farms shows:

· Commitment to supply for growers and processors.
· Incentives to supply livestock outside peak processing season.
· The move to heavier lambs.

“Silver Fern Farms must be congratulated. I have reviewed the figures and with this proposal farmers are looking at $90 to $110 for a “19kg Euro lamb” for next season. We are well on the way to reaching our $150 target. This is very good news.

“Federated Farmers has only just launched the T150 programme, and some have felt uncomfortable with such a ‘highly aspirational figure’. We said $150 would not be an easy target to meet but heads needed to be lifted to sight a target that is tangible, inspirational and achievable.

“There is much more that needs to be done throughout the industry to achieve better and more sustainable returns to growers but this is certainly a good start.”

“The Silver Fern Farms’ new supply programme is certainly encouraging. Farmers now have their part to play. We need to commit to supply contracts and spread our selling season,” Mr Wills said.