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Guidance on managing shearing cuts

Farmers can now access a factsheet and poster to inform conversations with shearing contractors about what processes to follow in the unlikely event of sheep being cut or injured while being shorn. Find these and other animal welfare-related resources in the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub.

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E-diary notices: 28 March 2025

Spotted something in our weekly e-diary newsletters and need to refer to it again?

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B+LNZ seeking clarity following RMA announcement

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says it supports the need for Resource Management Act (RMA) reform but is seeking clarity from the Government on specifics of the proposed replacement that could potentially impact sheep and beef farmers.

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand’s TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go.

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Out the Gate 2025 proves a great success

Out the Gate 2025 powered by the B+LNZ Farmer Council and Kāhui, held on 26 March, gathered sheep, beef and dairy-beef farmers to explore all things on-farm productivity, the importance of people within the industry, and the technology and tools available to tackle changes in our sector with confidence.

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B+LNZ 2025 Annual Meeting wrap-up

At the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Annual Meeting today, attendees heard updates on the organisation’s achievements over the past year and what’s planned for the coming year. A resolution to increase directors’ fees was confirmed by a narrow margin, and the appointment of KPMG as auditor was confirmed.

B+LNZ’s advocacy on afforestation

Last week we emailed farmers with updates on our environmental advocacy, including on the issue of whole-farm forestry conversions being entered into the ETS. Find out more about this issue and what B+LNZ is advocating for.  

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Driving genetic gain focus of B+LNZ Beef Breeders Forum

Over 150 people attended last week’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Beef Breeders Forum where the focus was on the need to drive genetic gain in New Zealand’s beef industry.

Open Farms 2025 draws the crowds

New Zealand’s national Open Farms Day took place on Sunday 9 March 2025. This year’s event drew the largest crowds ever, with a record 4,504 urban Kiwis flocking to a range of farmer and grower host farms across the country.

E-diary notices: 21 March 2025

B+LNZ Western North Island Director election result, Additional guidance on managing shearing cuts available, Join the Dairy-Beef Collective

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B+LNZ 2025 Western North Island Director election result announced

B+LNZ has released the results of voting in the WNI farmer director election. Andrew Stewart, Rangitikei hill country farmer, has been elected to the B+LNZ Board in the Western North Island electorate. Results of other voting will follow the annual meeting next week.

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B+LNZ update on environmental policy advocacy

This email was sent to farmers on 20 March 2025.

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Meet B+LNZ’s Māori agribusiness advisory group

B+LNZ continues to build its support for Whenua Māori, having established its very first Kāhui (Māori agribusiness advisory group) to represent the needs of Whenua Māori entities.

North Otago dairy farmers host B+LNZ’s Dairy Beef Progeny Test

Eager to add value to their non-replacement dairy calves, Hayden and Robyn Williams have put their hands up to host Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Dairy Beef Progeny Test.

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B+LNZ puts genetics tools into farmers’ hands with new nProve Beef

Farmers now have a powerful new tool to help them select the best bulls for their farm business, with Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) launching nProve Beef, a free, easy-to-use online genetics tool.

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B+LNZ welcomes launch of free trade agreement negotiations with India

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) welcomes the New Zealand Government’s announcement that comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations have formally commenced with India.

McLanachan family builds on successful ryegrass trial

A B+LNZ-funded trial has shown a promising approach to winter forage production and soil protection. The McLanachan family successfully integrated annual ryegrass into their maize system, providing valuable winter feed while improving farm profitability.

E-diary notices: 14 March 2025

Spotted something in our weekly e-diary newsletters and need to refer to it again?

Part one: The Sherlock’s profitability journey

Two years ago, Waingaro farmers Jon and Fiona Sherlock were questioning the viability of their sheep and beef business. Struggling with a lack of profitability and the erosion of equity, the couple were left questioning how and why they were farming their 660ha hill country property.

Mary Bowron joins Wormwise

Highly experienced Marlborough veterinarian and sheep and beef farmer Mary Bowron will be joining the team at B+LNZ’s Wormwise Programme at the end of March.

Farmers needed for agriculture qualification review

Muka Tangata is leading qualification development in a project supported by B+LNZ to ensure the industry gains and retains a talented workforce. We’re seeking input from sheep, beef and deer farmers.

Will Wilding of Te Mania Angus for winning the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award

Te Mania Angus win three awards at Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards

North Canterbury sheep and beef farmer Will Wilding from Te Mania Angus won the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award at the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards last week.

Research investigates use of sensors for early disease detection in sheep

A research programme supported by Beef + Lamb New Zealand is investigating the potential for using accelerometer sensors for early detection of conditions such as facial eczema (FE) in sheep.

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E-diary notices: 7 March 2025

Have you received B+LNZ Annual Meeting and Western North Island director voting info?

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Red meat prices and farm profitability rebounding

New Zealand’s red meat sector is on track for a strong rebound, with farm profitability and export returns expected to rise significantly in the 2024-25 season, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Mid-Season Update.

Delivering in the regions

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is ramping up its regional delivery efforts with refreshed Regional Delivery Plans (RDPs), led by the Farmer Council, Kāhui, and our extension team.

Spotlight on incredible female lineup at Out the Gate 2025

With International Women’s Day being celebrated this Saturday 8 March, B+LNZ is using the opportunity to spotlight the incredible female speakers and facilitators lined up for Out the Gate 2025, taking place on Wednesday 26 March in Rotorua.

Southern farmers push boundaries with hogget lambing performance

Achieving a hogget lambing of 150% is not beyond the realms of possibility for a group of southern farmers who are already seeing this figure in their hogget scanning results.

E-diary notices: 28 February 2025

Spotted something in our weekly e-diary newsletters and need to refer to it again?

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FE survey extended and simplified

B+LNZ has extended the Economic Impacts of Facial Eczema (FE) survey deadline to Friday 14 March 2025, giving farmers more time to participate and more chances to win. All farmers who take part go in the draw to win one of five Greenlea Meats vouchers.

Farmer involvement in environment policy crucial

A key theme at the recent B+LNZ Environment Reference Group (ERG) meeting was the importance of farmers getting involved in policy processes on the ground. The ERG provides critical feedback and advice for B+LNZ – find out more about the meeting and their role.

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Farmers’ voices heard in vocational education consultation

B+LNZ and Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) have made a joint submission on the future of work-based learning in response to the Government’s vocational education reforms. The submission is aimed to help to ensure the needs of sheep, beef, and deer farmers are considered as the system is redesigned.

Weaning is a good time to BCS cows to help with feed planning

Body Condition Scoring breeding cows at weaning will help farmers understand what fat reserves cows are carrying into winter and identify animals that may need extra feed.

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National Lamb Day a great success

National Lamb Day on 15 February 2025 was a great success with Kiwis nationwide getting behind the campaign to celebrate our world-leading lamb and the farmers who produce it.

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Congratulations to Ahuwhenua Trophy finalists

B+LNZ congratulates the 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy Finalists: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, and Tawapata South Māori Incorporation Onenui Station.

E-diary notices: 21 February 2025

Calling on farmers to complete survey to find the real cost of FE, Applications close soon for B+LNZ Generation Next Programme

Voting underway as part of B+LNZ Annual Meeting

Keep an eye on your mailbox. Voting information for the 2025 B+LNZ Annual Meeting processes – including a director election for Western North Island voters – will be arriving over the coming days.

Preparing for sowing subterranean clover this autumn

Farmers intending to direct drill, oversow, or broadcast subterranean clovers into their dryland pastures this autumn should now be grazing those pastures down to 700-1000kgDM/ha.

B+LNZ says Gene Technology Bill represents potential opportunities, but issues must be worked through

While Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is supportive of a review of New Zealand’s gene technology legislation, it says it’s important to take the time to address a number of critical issues.

The heart of Growing Future Farmers

Dive into the podcast series showcasing the highly successful Growing Future Farmers programme that B+LNZ sponsors. Discover its inspiring beginnings, the people shaping it, and the students and farmers benefiting from the initiative.

B+LNZ showcases world-class farming to EU Ambassador

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) recently hosted the EU Ambassador H.E. Mr Lawrence Meredith and his staff on a New Zealand sheep and beef farm, offering them a firsthand look at how farmers embed sustainability practices in their daily work.

E-diary notices: 14 February 2025

Spotted something in our weekly e-diary newsletters and need to refer to it again?

B+LNZ Chair strengthening NZ-US ties

B+LNZ Chair Kate Acland is currently in the United States, strengthening our partnerships and ensuring we understand what is happening under the new Administration, given the US is one of our largest markets.

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B+LNZ and Wormwise call for smarter funding

Vital agricultural research is at risk due to flaws in the current funding model, prompting B+LNZ and partner organisations to raise concerns with Minister Shane Reti. You may have seen recent news articles about the joint letter highlighting the issue.

Work-based learning consultation underway

The Government is currently consulting on vocational education reforms, which are set to reshape work-based learning. These changes will have a significant impact on training and career pathways for sheep, beef and deer farmers.

Body Condition Scoring pre-mating lifts ewe performance

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is encouraging farmers to body condition score their ewes at least six weeks out from mating to help maximise conception rates.

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Are you ready for National Lamb Day?

Kiwis across the country are firing up their BBQs on Saturday 15 February 2025 in celebration of National Lamb Day. It’s a great way to enjoy some lamb and celebrate our farmers.