A Legacy of Growth, A Future Forged Together

 

HAWKE’S BAY, NZ – Recently, over 112 Atkins Ranch suppliers, partners, and team members gathered for the annual Supplier of the Year Awards Dinner, a flagship event in the Atkins Ranch calendar. The event brings together suppliers from across the country for an evening of celebration, robust discussion, and beautiful food. It was a powerful affirmation of Atkins Ranch’s collective resilience, shared purpose, and a celebration of the humble New Zealand farmer, who is far more comfortable on the land than in the spotlight!

The defining Atkins Ranch culture was on display for all to see: a diverse group of hardworking, honest farmers, with their often-strong opinions and ways of doing things, but an ultimate belief and drive to produce the best lamb in the world.

Defining the Next Chapter of Growth

The evening was a positive view to the future. Our Chairman of the Board, Stu Ellingham, delivered an operational update, focusing on the tactical efficiencies and successful navigation of recent supply chain hurdles. This detailed overview provided suppliers with valuable insight into where operational focus will be placed in the coming year, particularly regarding logistical optimization and quality assurance protocols necessary for continued export success.

Following this, CEO Pat Maher delivered the overarching strategic vision. The discussion went beyond simple market movements, addressing the critical importance of technological adoption, environmental stewardship goals, and regulatory compliance in securing premium market access, particularly in North America and Europe. Pat underscored that investment in the network’s capacity and adherence to the highest certifications, both hallmarks of the brand, will remain the critical differentiators in a competitive global market.

Shared Perspectives

A highlight of the evening was the stimulating keynote address by Will Barton of Gundagai Meat Processors. Will shared deep, actionable insights into how their operations are successfully pioneering data-driven farming practices, from advanced pasture management techniques to leveraging genetic data for improved resilience.

Will’s talk served as a powerful reminder that while the core values of farming remain timeless, the tools for achieving excellence must evolve. The response from the floor was immediate and engaged. The robust Q&A session was a clear indicator of the intellectual investment within the Atkins Ranch network. The attendees were certainly not short on sharp questions for Will, particularly regarding how Australian drought-resilience strategies and precision agriculture tools could be adapted to New Zealand’s current climatic and regulatory challenges.

This discussion not only enriched the knowledge base of the suppliers but also affirmed their shared commitment to rigorously exploring new ideas, ensuring Atkins Ranch maintains its leadership position.

Building on Our Success

The detailed delivery of the key performance indicators affirmed the network’s outstanding collective achievement in fiscal year 2025. Strong year-over-year growth, particularly in key export markets, underscores that the premium pricing achieved for Atkins Ranch products directly reflects the network’s consistency and quality standards.

The figures confirmed the economic health and resilience of the network, showing how the mutual benefits and sustained value provided to the supplier base are directly linked to unwavering adherence to the brand’s strict quality and environmental protocols.

Celebrating Excellence and Partnership

The evening culminated in the presentation of the Supplier of the Year Awards, a celebration that recognized those who not only met performance targets but truly exemplified the core spirit of the network. The criteria for these awards are multifaceted, weighted heavily toward consistency in supply, environmental stewardship measured against established KPIs, and the quality of partnership demonstrated throughout the year. Each winner demonstrated an absolute commitment to quality that sets the benchmark for the entire Atkins Ranch network.

Congratulations to our distinguished winners:

• Highest Drafting to Specification – W & A Wallace Farming Company Ltd
• Producer of the Year – W & A Wallace Farming Company Ltd
  • 1^st Runner Up – Rangitoto Station Ltd
  • 2^nd Runner Up – Glen Eden Farms Ltd

Rounding out the successful evening, each attendee left with a symbolic gift: a grow bag containing three plants. This unique and thoughtful takeaway served as a powerful, tangible commitment to Atkins Ranch’s enduring connection to the land and its long-term sustainable goals.