Sheep and beef groups unite for research

By PHILIPPA STEVENSON

A new company will be the largest non-Government investor in research for the sheep and beef sectors.

Meat New Zealand and the Wool Board will combine the operations of WoolPro, Sheep Improvement, the Economic Service and Meat New Zealand's research and development functions.

Meat NZ chairman Jeff Grant said he expected the move would improve the sectors' leverage on Government research money.

"It should also allow us to work more effectively with the research community," he said.

Sheep and beef farmers stood to gain considerably from the amalgamation.

"Combining Meat NZ's research investment with the Wool Board's similar investment and WoolPro's farm extension capability will lead to improved development and uptake of new farming methods. It's a good deal for everyone," he said.

Wool Board chairman Bruce Munro said combining the bodies was a logical extension of the cooperation between the two producer groups.

"On the ground, things will be more efficient.

Staff in the regions will represent one organisation delivering the full range of services to sheep and beef farmers," he said.

A new company - jointly owned and financed by Meat New Zealand and the Wool Board - will be established over the next few weeks with senior management appointed by its board of directors.