Last year's winner says the Canterbury A&P Show's mint lamb competition is a good indicator for the sheep industry.
Oxford farmer Hugh Taylor won the mint lamb competition at last year's Canterbury A&P Show with his Romney lamb and said the competition was a good indicator of how well breeds were performing.
''The mint lamb competition is certainly an interesting guide on where breeds fit, regarding meat yield, taste and tenderness for an eating experience.
''Having won last year with a Romney lamb it poses many questions. For example, was this a one-off or has the Romney got traits that have not been previously identified to pursue higher value?
''It is encouraging that the Canterbury A&P Association runs this competition as it is an important indicator to the lamb industry in this country,'' Mr Taylor said.
The competition, now in its seventh year, was open to all breeds and celebrates the quality and variety of lamb available in New Zealand with a focus on increasing consumption of one of the country's largest export earners.
Lambs must be born after July 1 this year. They will be judged on the hook at an Alliance plant for best overall yield. The top four lambs in each class will be selected as semifinalists (16 in total) and sent to be tender-tested at Lincoln University.
Based on the result of the tender test, the top three lambs in each class will be selected as finalists (12 in total). All finalists will be taste-tested at the Canterbury A&P Show to decide the overall winner.
Competition convener and New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Association general manager Greg Burgess said sheep farmers should give it a go.
''In my position with the New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Association, members are always informing me of the superior meat quality of their particular breed. I say now to all of you, enter this competition and prove it!
''The mint lamb competition continues to raise the profile of the sheep breeding industry, it is so important for farmers to participate.
"I challenge all farmers to enter, not just for the prizes, but for the profile for your particular breed and for your farming operation.''
There is no entry fee for the competition and proceeds from the lambs will go to the Canterbury A&P Association for ongoing show development.
To receive an entry form or for more information contact the show office on (03) 343-2136 or email: bindy@theshow.co.nz
Entries close Wednesday, October 23.