Members of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farming Excellence Team, joined by new Chief Executive Alan Thomson, recently visited AgResearch’s Invermay Research Centre to explore research and genetics tackling some of the most pressing challenges faced by New Zealand sheep and beef farmers.
For Thomson, it was his first opportunity to experience the strong collaboration between B+LNZ and AgResearch. Both organisations are committed to delivering tools and research that directly benefits farmers. The visit combined presentations and demonstrations, showcasing the practical applications of their joint research efforts.
They explored GenomNZ, AgResearch’s commercial genotyping business, which connects cutting-edge science with commercial applications including providing testing services for B+LNZ’s Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme and the Central Progeny Test (CPT) for sheep. At the Meat Quality Lab, the team was introduced to research aimed at enhancing product value and creating new market opportunities for farmers.
The team got the opportunity to observe work being done on feed efficiency and methane emissions. Demonstrations of portable accumulation chambers (PACs) and gas analysis devices illustrated how methane emissions from sheep and cattle are measured. This research supports CPT, INZB and Cool Sheep programmes, focusing on developing genetic tools that enable farmers to breed animals that emit less methane without sacrificing productivity.
B+LNZ’s General Manager of Farming Excellence, Dan Brier, emphasised the significance of these partnerships.
“Our work with research organisations like AgResearch is about delivering real benefits that make a difference on-farm. We are both committed to solving difficult challenges on the farm and slotting solutions into the farm systems which drive the production and profitability of sheep and beef farmers,” he said.
The visit also featured a demonstration of CT scanning technology, which provides detailed insights into animal body composition and carcass quality. This combination of innovative research and practical farming applications highlights Invermay’s critical role in advancing New Zealand’s agricultural sector.
“It’s incredible to see the depth of science and how B+LNZ is working with partners like AgResearch to deliver real outcomes for farmers,” added Brier.
The visit reaffirmed the value of collaboration between B+LNZ and AgResearch. By working together, these organisations are equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.