Grass-fed black cattle will be centre of attention for more than 100 visitors to the South Island next week.
Visitors from around the globe arrive on Sunday to take part in the PGG Wrightson World Angus Forum pre-forum tour of the South Island.
New Zealand Angus Association former president and Canterbury ward councillor Bruce Alexander, of Hunter, is chairman of the PGG Wrightson World Angus Forum pre-forum tour of the South Island.
Mr Alexander said 110 visitors, some from as far afield as Canada, Scandinavia and Argentina, as well as New Zealanders, would be taking part.
''They're very interested in the black cattle,'' he said. They would have the opportunity to see stud and commercial cattle throughout the central South Island.
Of particular interest would be the ''grass-fed'' system used to grow cattle in New Zealand which was ''pretty much unique''.
''We will be showing the world what can be done on an all-grass system.''
There are about 200 registered breeders in New Zealand raising 25,000 cattle - the largest beef breed in the country.
The association is also celebrating 150 years since the breed arrived in the country. Studs on the tour programme include Woodbank Stud; Te Mania, New Zealand's largest Angus stud; Stern Angus; Kakahu Stud and Meadowslea.
- by Ruth Grundy