Celebrating National Lamb Day

National Lamb Day, which was celebrated last Saturday, commemorates a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s agricultural history.

This day marks the departure of the ship Dunedin from Port Chalmers in 1882, carrying the first shipment of New Zealand frozen lamb to London.

This landmark event marked the start of what has grown into the country’s successful food and fibre industry.

It’s a day to celebrate the journey of lamb from New Zealand farms to the global market, as well as the farmers who make it all possible.

Over the past two years, National Lamb Day has gained visibility through social media platforms, raising awareness of its significance.

“We don’t celebrate National Lamb Day on the farm, to be honest, I only started hearing about it in recent years, so it tends to fly under the radar here,” Ngātīmoti sheep farmer Alistar Eggers explains.

“That said, it’s an important part of the industry’s history and great to have it noted.”

Sherry River sheep farmer Blair Anglesey agrees.

“I have only recently learned about National Lamb Day. While we don’t currently celebrate it on the farm, it’s certainly something we should celebrate, New Zealand lamb is a great product.

“It’s 100 per cent grass-fed, a great source of protein, and packed with high levels of iron and B12.”

National Lamb Day serves as a reminder of New Zealand’s agricultural achievements.

It also highlights the quality of the country’s lamb exports, the spirit of Kiwi innovation and excellence in our farming practices.