A New Zealand farmer-owned food co-operative has been trialling MEQ's AI technology, which provides objective measurement of beef and lamb quality.
Chief executive David Surveyor said the project was a key part of the co-operative’s beef growth strategy and in direct response to farmer demand. “We have seen a steady increase in supply volumes year-on-year and our farmers have been seeking more beef capacity in peak season. This investment meets this need but also benefits our deer farmers because we have increased the plant’s venison processing capacity,” he said. Alliance Group would continue investing in a premium beef portfolio and strengthening its beef performance at its Mataura, Levin and Pukeuri (Oamaru) plants, Surveyor said. He believed the beef expansion showed the co-operative’s commitment to the Lorneville plant and said it would create longer seasons for staff and add new jobs to the region.