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Long-time manager leaves legacy with B+LNZ

Over almost a quarter-century, Cros Spooner has played a big part in shaping Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

Supporting quality nutrient advice for farmers

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is a proud supporter of the Nutrient Management Advisor Certification Programme (NMACP), a national certification scheme designed to lift the standard, credibility and consistency of nutrient management advice available to farmers.

Planning ahead for constrained Startect® supply

The important sheep drench, Startect®, may be in short supply from late 2026 and Wormwise Programme Manager Ginny Dodunski is advising farmers to plan ahead and consider system changes to reduce their reliance on drenches.

Diversification showcased at Marlborough Farmer of the Year field day

More than 110 people gathered at Wye Hills recently for the Marlborough Farmer of the Year winners field day, where 2025 winners Jason Rentoul and Chelsea Hudson shared an on‑farm look at their business and the factors behind their recognition.

E-diary notices: 27 March 2026

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

image of sheep in focus and out of focus on nz farm

New Zealand farm profitability continues to rebound but uncertainty on the horizon

New Zealand sheep and beef farmers can expect continuing strong returns, with average farm profit forecast to climb to $287,600 per farm in 2025–26 – nearly double last season’s result, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).

Latest developments on show at Sheep Breeder Forum

Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.

Championing the Farm Without Harm message

B+LNZ Eastern North Island Farmer Councillor Chloe Butcher-Herries is one of three inaugural Regional Champions for Safer Farms, taking the Farm Without Harm message to rural communities.

Weaning time: set beef calves up to get ahead of the worms

Wormwise consultant, vet and farmer, Mary Bowron outlines how to set beef weaners up for success in the war against worms.

Curiosity encouraged at hands-on animal health workshop

More than 50 Tasman farmers turned out for a practical, hands-on animal health workshop focused on post‑mortem learning, delivered through a collaboration between Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Town and Country Vet.

Two farmers selected for 2026 Global Sheep Forum

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is pleased to announce Grace Pettit (Tararua) and Carey Pawson-Edwards (South Canterbury) have been selected to represent New Zealand in the 2026 Global Sheep Forum Next Generation programme, to be held in Adelaide, Australia from 5–10 July 2026, alongside the Australian sheep industry’s LambEx event.

E-diary notices: 20 March 2026

New B+LNZ Wormwise handbook, Beef and sheep farmers recognised in BFEA regional awards, The poo‑dunnit of facial eczema: tracking this year’s spore story

Impact of the Iran Conflict on New Zealand’s red meat sector

Here’s the latest on disruptions caused by the Iran War and what you can do on farm.

image of annual meeting banner featuring a road running through a NZ farm

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s 2026 Annual Meeting concludes

The B+LNZ Annual Meeting was held in Timaru today. Attendees heard about the year in review and priorities for the year ahead. A resolution to increase directors’ fees was supported and the appointment of KPMG as auditor was confirmed after online voting.

Ram harnesses – a valuable farm management tool

Ram harnesses are a useful tool, helping to identify potentially dry ewes early and indicate lambing dates which helps with feed allocation, particularly in late pregnancy.

ERG looks for future environment opportunities

Debating how the sheep and beef sector can capture future opportunities while managing emerging environmental challenges was the hot topic of B+LNZ’s recent Environment Reference Group (ERG) meeting. Over two thought-provoking days, 14 farmer representatives discussed environmental opportunities and risks – and how to gear up to take advantage.

Image of B+LNZ staff member taking selfie at field day

E-diary notices: 13 March 2026

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

Matt McRae elected to B+LNZ Board as Southern South Island farmer director

B+LNZ has released the results of voting in the Southern South Island director election, as part of 2026 annual meeting processes.

image of ministers and officials in calf pen

Dairy and beef sectors welcome Government investment in Dairy Beef Opportunities programme

New Zealand’s dairy and beef industries today welcomed the Government’s investment in the $20.9 million Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme aimed at growing New Zealand’s dairy-beef sector and creating new revenue opportunities for farmers.

Awards banner with four past winners and a lamb featured

Finalists announced in 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards

The finalists have been announced in this year’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards.

image of smedley cadets in the sheep yard

Backing the next generation of genetics talent

In the lead‑up to this year’s Sheep Breeder Forum, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is offering a scholarship designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of geneticists and future breeders.

image of Ginny Dodunski on farm with sheep

Help – my drench is failing, now what?

Ginny Dodunski, Wormwise’s Programme Manager outlines what to do when faecal egg counts indicate that worms are surviving your drench.

Technology and innovation on display at Tangihanga Station

There was a strong sense of curiosity and optimism in the air at Tangihanga Station recently, as farmers, landowners and sector leaders gathered for a Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) field day that placed technology and innovation at the centre of the conversation.

E-diary notices: 6 March 2026

Annual meeting voting closes next week, Rural professionals: please complete digital farm data survey

RMA reform: B+LNZ continues to push for changes

Following our submission on the draft legislation to replace the Resource Management Act, we’ve had a series of meetings with Ministers and officials and will provide an oral submission at the upcoming Select Committee.

image of challenge winners holding certificates

Whenua Māori Te Whakaari Inc wins B+LNZ Station Challenge

B+LNZ was proud to be part of the recent East Coast Farming Expo in Wairoa. A key highlight was the B+LNZ Station Challenge, which drew shepherds eager to put their skills to the test.

Act now to address rain-damaged kale crops

While the wet summer in some areas has been good for grass growth, some kale winter forage crops have been affected by rainfall, with some crops rotting in the ground.

B+LNZ announces 2026 Agricultural Student Scholarship recipients

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is pleased to announce the ten recipients of the inaugural 2026 B+LNZ Agricultural Student Scholarship, created to support emerging leaders in New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector.

image of B+LNZ branded tent outside with particpants

E-diary notices: 27 February 2026

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

US tariff changes: what they mean

A major shift in US trade policy has reduced tariffs on New Zealand sheepmeat but added new uncertainty. Beef remains exempt, and further changes are possible. Here’s what this may mean for farmers.

Connect with B+LNZ at your local Field Day or Show

There are plenty of opportunities to catch up with the B+LNZ team, ask questions, and hear the latest. We’ll be on site at the Wānaka Show, Central Districts Field Days, and Fieldays at Mystery Creek – come chat to the team and let us know what’s on your mind.

Don’t let worms gatecrash mating season

Wormwise vet Mary Bowron gives timely advice about worm management in the read- up to mating and particularly being on the look-out for the blood-sucking Barber’s Pole worm.

B+LNZ says significant changes needed to RMA replacement legislation

In its submission on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill as part of Resource Management Act reforms, B+LNZ has called for significant changes because the current wording in the legislation does not match the Government’s intent.

image of lesley coppell and her son Lachie

E-diary notices: 20 February 2026

Reminder: voting letters hitting mailboxes, Complete the remuneration survey for a chance to win, Central Field Days

image of Kate Acland and MPs at National Lamb Day bbq

National Lamb Day 2026 celebrates NZ food from farm to fork

From Parliament to field days, Kiwis enjoyed celebrating New Zealand food producers during National Lamb Day 2026.

Lifting performance through focus groups

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) refreshed extension programme is progressing well, and farmers across the country are already seeing the benefits of a new approach to farmer‑led learning.

Ewe body condition drives conception rates

Body condition scoring ewes at least six weeks out from mating can make a significant difference to conception rates and scanning percentages.

Hard grazing required before sowing subterranean clover

Farmers wanting to establish subterranean clovers in their pastures this autumn are encouraged to graze pastures down to 700-1000kgDM/ha prior to sowing.

image of farmer using cellphone with flock of sheep in background

Have your say on sheep traceability

Incursions of foreign animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease could be devastating for farmers, livestock industries and New Zealand’s economy.

E-diary notices: 13 February 2026

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

B+LNZ Annual Meeting voting underway next week

Voting information for the 2026 B+LNZ Annual Meeting processes – including a director election for Southern South Island voters – will be sent to everyone on B+LNZ’s electoral roll from Monday, 16 February.

Important update about RMA reform consultation

The following was emailed to farmers on 12 February 2026.

Tickets now available for Out the Gate 2026

Tickets are now available for Out the Gate, B+LNZ’s largest red meat sector event, returning from 19-21 May 2026 at Te Pae, Christchurch.

Pests and diseases thrive in great growing conditions

Recent rainfall has made for a fantastic growing season in many regions, but farmers are also reporting a proliferation in pests and diseases such as facial eczema, flystrike, porina and internal parasites.

E-diary notices: 6 February 2026

SSI director election and other annual meeting voting processes, Last chance to have your say on the Government’s RMA reform, WRONZ Board vacancy applications

75 Years Strong: The Sheep and Beef Farm Survey

For 75 years, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Sheep and Beef Farm Survey has set the gold standard for independent farm performance insights, helping farmers make informed decisions, strengthened the sector’s story, and supported policy shaped by real world evidence.

B+LNZ team at Southern Field Days

B+LNZ is looking forward to connecting with farmers at Southern Field Days in Waimumu (11–13 February). If you’re heading along, make sure you stop by stall A144-A145 for a chance to catch up with B+LNZ staff and local Farmer Councillors over coffee and a morning tea.

Meet Bella – your B+LNZ Knowledge Hub assistant

Like any good heading dog, Bella (Beef + Lamb Assistant) will listen to your commands – tell her what you want to know and she’ll round up an answer from the Knowledge Hub in no time.

Ask Bella How Bella can help

Find events in your region

Events in your region

All events

B+LNZ AgInnovation Conference

Wed 22 Apr

North Island

Out the Gate 2026

A sector fit for the future, today

Tue 19 - Thu 21 May

National

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards 2026

Now as part of Out the Gate

Wed 20 May

National

All events

Sheep and beef farm survey

We’re looking for new farms to contribute. If you’re interested in this free, confidential and comprehensive benchmarking service, contact Joanne Jensen at [email protected]

Welcome to Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Featured

Long-time manager leaves legacy with B+LNZ

Supporting quality nutrient advice for farmers

Planning ahead for constrained Startect® supply

Diversification showcased at Marlborough Farmer of the Year field day

E-diary notices: 27 March 2026

New Zealand farm profitability continues to rebound but uncertainty on the horizon

Latest developments on show at Sheep Breeder Forum

Championing the Farm Without Harm message

Weaning time: set beef calves up to get ahead of the worms

Curiosity encouraged at hands-on animal health workshop

Two farmers selected for 2026 Global Sheep Forum

E-diary notices: 20 March 2026

Impact of the Iran Conflict on New Zealand’s red meat sector

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s 2026 Annual Meeting concludes

Ram harnesses – a valuable farm management tool

ERG looks for future environment opportunities

E-diary notices: 13 March 2026

Matt McRae elected to B+LNZ Board as Southern South Island farmer director

Dairy and beef sectors welcome Government investment in Dairy Beef Opportunities programme

Finalists announced in 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards

Backing the next generation of genetics talent

Help – my drench is failing, now what?

Technology and innovation on display at Tangihanga Station

E-diary notices: 6 March 2026

RMA reform: B+LNZ continues to push for changes

Whenua Māori Te Whakaari Inc wins B+LNZ Station Challenge

Act now to address rain-damaged kale crops

B+LNZ announces 2026 Agricultural Student Scholarship recipients

E-diary notices: 27 February 2026

US tariff changes: what they mean

Connect with B+LNZ at your local Field Day or Show

Don’t let worms gatecrash mating season

B+LNZ says significant changes needed to RMA replacement legislation

E-diary notices: 20 February 2026

National Lamb Day 2026 celebrates NZ food from farm to fork

Lifting performance through focus groups

Ewe body condition drives conception rates

Hard grazing required before sowing subterranean clover

Have your say on sheep traceability

E-diary notices: 13 February 2026

B+LNZ Annual Meeting voting underway next week

Important update about RMA reform consultation

Tickets now available for Out the Gate 2026

Pests and diseases thrive in great growing conditions

E-diary notices: 6 February 2026

75 Years Strong: The Sheep and Beef Farm Survey

B+LNZ team at Southern Field Days

Meet Bella – your B+LNZ Knowledge Hub assistant

Find events in your region

Events in your region

B+LNZ AgInnovation Conference

Out the Gate 2026

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards 2026

Sheep and beef farm survey