A joint project between two of the country’s biggest meat contractors has been announced, with the aim of transforming the way sheep farmers sell stock.

The New Zealand Merino Company, along with Silver Fern Farms, has announced a plan to grow overseas market demand for fine sheep meat.

The two companies launched an option for 3 year meat contracts for fine merino wool growers, in what is being described as a ‘revolutionary step’ in the industry.

NZ Merino’s CEO John Brakenridge says the partnership will give growers more certainty and connectivity to their primary markets.

"There is certainty, there is a marketing and branding programme happening at pretty attractive levels.

"For the growers - when have they ever been offered a 3 year contract before and when have they been offered them at these sorts of levels?"

Mr Brakenridge and Silver Fern Farms CEO Keith Cooper have publicly acknowledged something in the sector needed to change, to keep growers afloat.

A series of grower meetings is planned for the near future.

"In terms of when are we looking at it, we’re finalising it over the next couple of weeks.

"The purpose of meeting with these growers is to work on the final detail and it’s a matter of tidying that up, but we’re looking at heading out there with the growers sooner than  later."

The initiative is supported by the Government’s Primary Growth Partnership programme.

For more on the announcement, head to Silver Fern Farm's website, here.