The idea of the programmes is to demonstrate the key principles of sustainable beef production.
Dr Scott Champion, chief executive, B+LNZ, said: "This sustainability programme will highlight a range of best practice activity, starting on the farm and following right through to the McDonald’s customer."
He explained that, through the programme, work would be done with farmers and processors to identify and develop good management practices that support sustainable beef production.
"This means sustainable production systems, lower inputs, use of new technologies and the highest levels of animal welfare."
Patrick Wilson, managing director of McDonald’s New Zealand, said the Chicago-based McDonald’s Corporation had invested US$50,000 in the project, with the learnings from the pilot beef programme to be rolled out to other part of the McDonald’s New Zealand supply chain.