The competition, now in its eighth year, is open to all breeds and celebrates the quality and variety of lamb available in New Zealand, with a focus on increasing consumption of one of the country's largest export earners.
Hobby farmer Mike Ryan blew his commercial farming counterparts away when he took the top spot last year with a Coopdale lamb (a Coopworth-Corriedale cross). Mike breeds his Coopdales on a 16ha block in West Melton and was encouraged to enter by his livestock agent, Phil Manera, of Hazlett Rural Ltd.
Now retired, the former furniture factory manager believed the secret to beating the commercial farmers was the amount of time he was able to spend on his 150 ewes, which were fed on clover-based pasture with some lucerne baleage.
New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Association general manager and competition convener Greg Burgess said the competition was a chance for farmers to prove their lambs were the best of the best.
''The mint lamb competition is one of the highlights of the show on Wednesday afternoon at the Sheep Exhibitors Club.
''With the spotlight now shining on sheep, this competition is a tremendous opportunity to highlight your farming operation by entering your lambs.
''I would also encourage all stud breeders to have your clients enter this prestigious competition as it is a fantastic promotion for your particular breed.''
Lambs must be current new season, born after July 1, 2014. They are judged on the hook at an Alliance plant for best overall yield.
The top four lambs in each of the four classes (dual purpose/wool breed, dual purpose/cross terminal, composite/crossbred cross terminal and terminal) are selected as semifinalists and sent to be tender tested at Lincoln University.
Based on the result of the tender test, the top three lambs in each of the classes are selected as finalists and taste-tested at the Canterbury show where the overall winner is announced.
There is no entry fee for the competition, with proceeds from the gift lambs credited to the Canterbury A&P Association to support the development of the show.
To receive an entry form or for more information on the competition contact (03) 343-2136 or email bindy@theshow.co.nz. Entries close Wednesday, October 22.