Rural News Wrap

This year's annual Canterbury A&P show has been canned, while there's mixed results at the meatworks where venison sales have bounced back but lamb prices remain at historical lows, and new research suggests growing demand for alternative proteins could change the future of farming.The annual Canterbury A&P show, which sees country come to town in Christchurch, has been canned​.A round-up of the week's agricultural news with RNZ rural news reporter Monique Steele.The annual Canterbury A&P show, which sees country come to town in Christchurch, has been canned over financial viability challenges, with organisers saying two years of Covid-19 disruptions and a financial loss last year meant it was just not feasible this year. Venison exports to the US have soared in recent months.Venison sales have bounced back after taking a hit during the pandemic, but more dairy cull cows flowing into the works has resulted in meat companies lowering their prices and lamb prices remain at historical lows. Most North Island processors are paying between$6.00 and $6.30 a kilogram. Down South sheep are going for $5.80 to just over $6.00 a kilo.It's a mixed bag at the meatworks.Two red-meat sector research projects have just received a major funding boost from the New Zealand Meat Board - $1 million is going towards tackling facial eczema and another $700,000 is going to an existing project giving farmers beef genetics tools to increase productivity and profitability. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details