A company focused on people

By Jamie Quinn

Silver Fern Farms was first established back in 1948, since then, they have become New Zealand’s leading procurer, processor, marketer and exporter of premium lamb, beef and venison, as well as being an industry leader in both environmental sustainability and the humane treatment of animals.

The processing industry requires care, passion and respect, and these values play a vital role in every part of the business.

Silver Fern Farms believes they can create positive change for our environment, for our people and for the economic success of New Zealand. They are the first red meat processor in New Zealand to be carbon footprint certified by Toitu Environcare, they are dedicated to sustainable farming practices and leading the transition towards low-carbon production. Sustainability is a whole department for Silver Fern Farms. They have a three-thousandacre farm where a young rugby team came along to help plant trees, along with high school students who have made the trip to do the same.

They are proud of the progress they have made towards building a more sustainable company and are inspiring the youth of today to look towards sustainability for their own futures.

By 2030 the company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their plant operations by a significant 30 percent.

Silver Fern Farms has been approved as Net Carbon Zero by the USDA, which means that the total emissions generated by each pound of product, is measured and certified, throughout the whole life of the product. They are using whole-farm thinking to reimagine the traditionally used land into something of real value and positive benefit.

The company has been struggling with proper resourcing since Covid hit and what it’s done as far as getting employees into the country.

Their people are a huge focus for them, it’s not just about running a processing site, it’s about being agile in an ever-changing environment. The younger generation look at work differently, they value balance and Silver Fern Farms is committed to finding ways to facilitate this.

They want people to have balance in their lives, while this means constant learning, it is important to the company to make sure their people are happy without undermining the business.

The company’s dedication to doing the right thing for everyone is admirable, they ask the question, what can we do better for our people? And this care overflows to their work for the environment which is clear to see in their initiatives to minimise their environmental impact.

Silver Fern Farms is supplied by approximately 16,000 family farmers across New Zealand, each of which has a goal to provide exceptional, high quality red meat, and make it a priority to do so responsibly.

The company follows the principles of the “five freedoms” for animal welfare, which means you’re not just buying delicious meat, you’re buying into the humane treatment of livestock, sustainability and a community of independent farmers.

What makes Silver Fern Farms’ meat different is the lush vegetation and diverse terrain of the incredible country we and our animals call home.

At Silver Fern Farms, they like to say that their beef, lamb and venison are like the finest New Zealand wines; rich and bright in flavour with a delicately tender, velvety texture.

What makes the company stand out, is that they go beyond grass-fed farming, they treat their animals with the utmost care and respect. The animals at Silver Fern Farms are raised in accordance to the internationally recognised principles of animal health and welfare.

The benefits of New Zealand grass-fed start at pasture and go right to the plate. New Zealand’s red meat is naturally lower in fat and is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Considering the care that goes into Silver Fern Farms animals, it’s no wonder New Zealand has some of the finest red meat in the world. CT Silver Fern Farms service@silverfernfarms.co.nz www.silverfernfarms.com

— Advertising Feature

•

•

•

•

•

•