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B+LNZ Webinar: Sheep traceability consultation

MPI is consulting on three options to improve the traceability of sheep in New Zealand to support a faster response to disease outbreaks such as foot and mouth disease. B+LNZ Head of Technical Policy Chris Houston will host a short webinar at 7pm on Wednesday 25 March outlining the consultation, B+LNZ’s preferred position, and seeking feedback. There will also be time for questions.

Featured

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.

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?

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

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 Webinar: Sheep traceability consultation

Wed 25 Mar

National

Out the Gate 2026

A sector fit for the future, today

Tue 19 - Thu 21 May

National

Beef + Lamb New Zealand 2026 Annual Meeting

Wed 18 Mar

National

All events

B+LNZ 2026 Annual Meeting and related voting

Find out more about attending this year’s Annual Meeting and taking part in the voting process – two company resolutions are being voted on nationally and a Director election is taking place in the Southern South Island.

More info

image of Annual meeting banner windy road

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

B+LNZ Webinar: Sheep traceability consultation

Featured

Backing the next generation of genetics talent

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 Webinar: Sheep traceability consultation

Out the Gate 2026

Beef + Lamb New Zealand 2026 Annual Meeting

B+LNZ 2026 Annual Meeting and related voting

Sheep and beef farm survey