Peak season is under way

Silver Fern Farms donate to foodbanks across New Zealand

Silver Fern Farms is a proud part of regional New Zealand. In the North Island alone, Silver Fern Farms processes livestock for over 10,000 sheep, beef and deer farmers, employs over 4000 staff, and pays over $190 million in wages and salaries to processing site staff, with this revenue flowing back through our regional communities and economies.

Our processing sites also play an important role in Meat the Need, a charity which accepts livestock donations from farmers, which are then processed by Silver Fern Farms and donated to foodbanks across New Zealand to give to those in need.

The Season Ahead

While the Christmas winddown is approaching for many New Zealanders right now, at Silver Fern Farms’ processing sites the season is only just getting underway, and thousands of staff are now into the busiest part of the year.

Meat processing follows New Zealand’s ‘grass curve’ which means the largest amount of livestock comes off farm and into processing sites from December through to February.

This year has got off to a good start thanks to both the planning of our staff and a welcome increase in some overseas workers which will go a little way towards addressing the significant labour shortages which have been impacting our sites over recent years.

However, this year we’re also seeing a large amount of livestock available to be processed compared to the previous seasons.

Even with the favourable start and

While the Christmas winddown is approaching for many New Zealanders right now, at Silver Fern Farms’ processing sites the season is only just getting underway, and thousands of staff are now into the busiest part of the year.

the improved labour situation, we are likely to see some pressure on wait times in some areas. Our site staff and livestock representatives continue to work hard on our farmers’ behalf to keep things moving.

As we head into the busiest part of the season for our industry, and many New Zealanders are serving up premium red meat for holiday meals, Silver Fern Farms wanted to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of our site staff, livestock representatives and farmer partners.

You all continue to go above and beyond to tackle any challenge ahead. Thank you.. ■

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