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Foot and mouth disease Operational Agreement – farmer vote

B+LNZ is seeking farmer approval to join an Operational Agreement between the agricultural sector and the Government on foot and mouth disease readiness and response. Voting closes at 2pm on Friday 16 May 2025.

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E-diary notices: 7 May 2025

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

Improving our event registration processes

From next week, if you’re registering for a B+LNZ event you might notice a few changes. They’re part of improving our connection with farmers and access to our tools and resources. Find out more about the real benefits of having a B+LNZ online account.

Dr Mitloehner shares insights on methane

World-renowned methane expert Dr Frank Mitloehner visited New Zealand on his way to Australia, where he is being hosted by Cattle Australia. During his visit, he shared the value he sees in working with farmers to reduce agricultural emissions. He advocates for a ‘carrot’ rather than ‘club’ approach and supports managing methane emissions to best control warming.

Shamubeel Eaqub on people and productivity in our sector

Widely respected economist Shamubeel Eaqub used data to spark an important discussion about the people productivity gap in NZ’s red meat sector at Out the Gate 2025. A recording of his presentation is now available.

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Rural Support Trust Report shows strong impact for rural communities

On 6 May, the Rural Support Trust (RST) released the Rural Support Impact Report highlighting its important work supporting rural communities and the positive impact it has had across New Zealand.

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B+LNZ urges Government to close carbon farming loopholes before more damage done

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is urging the Government to close loopholes in the guidance around limits on carbon forestry, as concerning news of further whole-farm sales emerges.

Care required when transitioning cattle onto winter forage crops

Time, attention to detail and patience are required to minimise the risk of animal health issues when transitioning stock onto winter forage crops.

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E-diary notices: 2 May 2025

Voting underway on foot and mouth disease agreement, Dairy farmers – on the move? Update NAIT this Moving Day 2025

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Further updates on advocacy

B+LNZ has followed up with the Government on issues relating to limits on carbon forestry and the need for more time on gene technology legislation. We have also organised farmer information events and are undertaking international advocacy.

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Meeting the need with millions of meals

In recent months, Meat the Need & Feed Out, a charity connecting farmers and food producers with struggling families across New Zealand has rebranded and had a change of leadership.

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Selective drenching halves drench use

Building on earlier success, further trials of targeted selected treatment using SmartWorm® across diverse farming systems have shown that drench use can be substantially reduced without major impacts on lamb growth.

Unlocking the potential of hogget lambing

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s recently revised Unlocking the Potential of Hogget Lambing book contains a wealth of practical information for sheep farmers wanting to maximise production in their ewe lambs.

Lessons learnt from involvement in B+LNZ’s Beef Progeny Test

Ten years on from his involvement in Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Beef Progeny Test, Matt Smith is applying many of the same principles to the beef herds he oversees today.

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E-diary notices: 25 April 2025

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

Responding to questions on gene tech

Farmers have asked B+LNZ for more information on the complex topic of gene technology.

B+LNZ showcasing dairy beef work at SIDE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand recently attended the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) to promote how we provide value for dairy farmers for their beef levies. Established in 1998, SIDE has grown to become New Zealand’s premier dairy conference and the largest event of its type in the country.

Sheep and beef farmers well represented in 2025 Ballance Farm Environment Awards

The annual round of regional Ballance Farm Environment Awards has wrapped up, with sheep and beef farmers winning five of the ten regional Supreme Award.

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Farm technician’s dream job

Bella Taylor is living her dream.

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Autumn sub clover management sets up pastures for spring

Recent widespread autumn rain will have triggered the germination of subterranean clover seeds and the resulting seedlings should be allowed to reach the 3–4 trifoliate leaf stage before grazing.

image of B+LNZ farmer councillor and Alan

E-diary notices: 18 April 2025

Voting underway on foot and mouth disease agreement, B+LNZ says more detail needed on freshwater farm plans

B+LNZ says more detail needed on freshwater farm plans

Beef + Lamb New Zealand says the latest announcement on the revised freshwater farm plans system shows encouraging signs but because a lot of detail is still missing, concerns remain for sheep and beef farmers.

Find events in your region

Events in your region

All events

B+LNZ Gisborne Farming for Profit Field Day – Growing and Diversifying the Family Business

Gisborne Thu 15 May

B+LNZ Farmer Forum with Minister Hoggard

National Mon 26 May

SOLD OUT: B+LNZ Southern Ladies' Long Lunch: Empowering & Celebrating Women in the Rural Sector

Southland Thu 12 Jun