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E-diary notices: 30 January 2026

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

RMA update: positive intent but major changes needed

Farmers are strongly encouraged to have their say during this once-in-a-generation opportunity to get the legislation governing the use of our productive resources right. Find out more about key issues for farming, where to find more info and how you can get involved.

Craigs Investment Partners returns as Strategic Partner for Out the Gate 2026

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is proud to announce Craigs Investment Partners as a Strategic Partner for Out the Gate 2026, following their support of the inaugural event in Rotorua last year.

image of mary bowron infront of sheep pen

Wise worm management on crops, how to maximise your investment

Wormwise vet and farmer Mary Bowron draws on her experience to outline the critical steps required to effectively manage worms on forage crops used for finishing lambs.

Rams due for health check

As sperm production in rams begins two months before mating, now is a good time for the ram team to be bought in for shearing and a health check.

Birchwood’s open gate brings the world walking in

Birchwood Station, a sheep and cattle farm an hour’s drive north of Invercargill, has welcomed travellers from around the world for 15 years, especially since becoming part of the Te Araroa Trail in 2011. This story is part of a B+LNZ and Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa series celebrating farmers who open their gates to share the special places they care for.

image of two female staff in B+LNZ branded gear at event

E-diary notices: 23 January 2026

B+LNZ RMA reform farmer engagement, ‘Have a hmmm’ this summer, Calf rearer survey, Reminder to submit samples for sheep genomics project, Tickets on sale: The Shepherdess Muster

image of Olivia Weatherburn and two farm dogs

Celebrating 10 years of B+LNZ’s Generation Next

June 2026 marks a major milestone for B+LNZ’s Generation Next programme – celebrating 10 years of upskilling the next generation of sheep and beef farmers. Apply now for the 2026 programme.

image of B+LNZ staff at Out the Gate conference standing behind sign

Farmlands joins Out the Gate 2026 as Strategic Partner

Out the Gate 2026, powered by the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Farmer Council and Kāhui, is fast approaching. Taking place in Christchurch 20 and 21 May, this year’s event promises to bring together celebration, learning, and networking in one unmissable experience.

Four to six weeks after weaning ideal time to check ewes’ udders

Research has shown that checking ewes’ udders a few weeks before mating is better than examining udders at weaning.

Get ready for National Lamb Day 2026

National Lamb Day is back on 15 February 2026, with opportunities for everyone to celebrate all NZ food producers – from farm to fork.

image of girl surfing in branded B+LNZ top

E-diary notices: 16 January 2026

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

Trade update: India and China

If you missed it over the holiday period, there were two important trade developments last month - one opening a potential long-term opportunity, the other providing certainty in an important existing market.

image of dairy beef cattle in green pastures

Help strengthen dairy‑beef: take the survey

A new national survey is gathering farmers’ real-world experience to build a clearer picture of calf rearing practices across New Zealand and help strengthen the future of dairy beef. Farmers who rear calves are encouraged to share their knowledge.

Gallagher named Principal Partner for Out the Gate 2026

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is proud to announce Gallagher as the Principal Partner for Out the Gate 2026, powered by the B+LNZ Farmer Council and Kāhui – the sector’s most anticipated event of the year.

Is your lamb drench working?

Wormwise vets Ginny Dodunski and Mary Bowron stress the importance of ensuring your lamb drench is effective early in the season.

2025 B+LNZ Rural Advancement Scholarship recipients announced

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is proud to announce the six recipients of the 2025 Rural Advancement Scholarship, an initiative designed to strengthen leadership within the sheep and beef sector.

Dr Dave Leathwick

B+LNZ and Wormwise acknowledge the recent death of AgResearch Parasitologist Dr Dave Leathwick and the significant contribution he made to this country’s livestock industry over his lifetime.

image of beef lamb New Zealand Christmas party

E-diary notices: 12 December 2025

Entries in the 2026 B+LNZ Awards are now closed, Help inform our RMA thinking, Sire Genotyping Project consent forms due, B+LNZ Online Fire Risk Wananga Workshops

COP30 underscored the need for balanced climate policy

Last month, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s director UK & EU Macaulay Jones attended COP30 in Belém, Brazil, as part of the World Farmers’ Organisation delegation.

National lamb crop edges higher as ewe performance improves

New Zealand’s national lamb crop for the 2025–26 season is estimated at 19.66 million head, a lift of one percent (or 188,000 more lambs) on last season, driven by stronger ewe performance in most regions, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) latest Lamb Crop report.

image of cows in dry grass infront of mountains

Beef Progeny Test enters its sixth year

Mating wraps up this week at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri. Now entering its sixth year, the progeny test is a cornerstone of the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme.

Intent behind resource management legislation positive but details will be critical

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) strongly supports the intent of the Government’s proposed reform of the resource management system but the devil will be in the detail.

Voting to take place for one B+LNZ farmer director in 2026

An election will be held for a farmer director role in the Southern South Island (SSI) electoral district as part of the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand annual meeting process. Nominations and a call for remits closed on Friday 5 December.

image of Zowie Ransfield, rochelle white, kate guptill

E-diary notices: 21 November 2025

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

Farmers explore practical tech at Tākaka field day

Farmers from across the top of the south recently gathered in Upper Tākaka for a full day of learning and discussion, focused on practical technologies that can add real value to farm operations.

NZ’s sheep industry – 30 year report card

Since 1995, Beef + Lamb New Zealand has been recording the sheep industry’s genetic progress through its national genetic evaluation and results over the last three decades highlight how impressive this progress has been.

image of person conducting a body condition scoring test

Dry conditions build case for Body Condition Scoring

The dry conditions being experienced along much of the east coast of both Islands build a strong case for Body Condition Scoring ewes at this season’s weaning.

Take a break, try Surfing for Farmers

Surfing for Farmers is back for the summer, running in 25 regions across New Zealand and giving farmers the chance to swap gumboots for a surfboard. The initiative encourages farmers to take a couple of hours off farm each week, connect with others, and learn something new.

Apply for 2026 Next Generation Sheep Farmer Programme

Apply now for the Next Generation Sheep Farmer Programme, scheduled to take place in Adelaide, Australia from 5–10 July 2026 alongside the Australian sheep industry ‘LambEx’ event. Following the Australia visit, participants in the programme will then travel to New Zealand to learn about our sheep industry.

image of councillors at farm carrying basket

E-diary notices: 28 November 2025

Your input into farm safety, Nominations for director role open, Waikato Plan Change 1

RMA reform must be evidence-based and enduring

The Government is expected to introduce RMA legislation by the end of this year. We’re concerned the consultation process will run over the holiday period but will be strongly advocating for adequate time to talk to farmers, and for practical workable outcomes.

Apply for B+LNZ’s Agricultural Student Scholarship

Are you planning to study agriculture at tertiary level in 2026? Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is offering a new Agricultural Student Scholarship to support tertiary students passionate about making a difference in New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector.

Congratulations to the 2025 Marlborough Farmer of the Year

As proud sponsors, Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) congratulates the 2025 Marlborough Farmer of the Year, Jason Rentoul and Chelsea Hudson of Wye Hills.

How do I know if my calf drench is doing its job?

If you’re rearing calves for beef, or as dairy replacements, you’ll likely be treating them at intervals for internal parasites, or worms.

Get to know new B+LNZ WNI Farmer Councillors

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) recently welcomed three new Farmer Councillors to its Western North Island region.

The Nutrition Process helps optimise farm productivity

The newly released Beef + Lamb New Zealand resource The Nutrition Process helps sheep and beef farmers ensure their stock getting the nutrition they need to optimise productivity, irrespective of their farming system.

E-diary notices: 21 November 2025

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

Entries for 2026 B+LNZ Awards close soon

Entries for the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards close in just over two weeks and anyone working in the red meat sector is encouraged to either enter or nominate their industry heroes.

Taste Pure Nature comes to life in Shanghai

New Zealand’s red meat story took a major step forward in Shanghai earlier this month with the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand.

Meet the new B+LNZ Farmer Council Chair

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Billing as National Chair of the Farmer Council, following the formal election held November 12. Dan was elected unopposed from the Chairs and Deputy Chairs from B+LNZ’s seven regional Farmer Councils.

Traceability begins with a date – Christine Angland’s approach

At the foot of Canterbury’s Main Divide sits Mt Algidus Station, where Christine Angland and her husband Peter have been farming for the past 13 years. Their high-country operation spans 4,000 hectares of effective land, calving 1,300 cows annually and wintering around 2,600 cattle and 4,600 sheep.

Reducing the risk of pneumonia at weaning

With weaning soon to get underway, some simple management strategies can help prevent the economic losses associated with pneumonia and pleurisy.

The New Zealand red meat sector welcomes US beef tariff move

The US Government announcement that it will be removing its reciprocal tariffs on a range of food products, including New Zealand beef, is positive says the New Zealand red meat sector.

E-diary notices: 14 November 2025

Final season of Sheep Poo Study – farmers needed nationwide, Celebrating our Rural Women’s Day (15 October), MPI guide to the new Animal Status Declaration, World Iron Awareness Week (13–19 October)

Trade, tariffs and biosecurity top of mind in US visit

B+LNZ’s General Manager Policy and Advocacy, Rowena Hume, joined the recent NZ-US Council business delegation visit to the United States, where tariffs, trade policy and biosecurity were front and centre.

Do I need to quarantine drench the calves I'm buying?

Calves have been hot property this spring, but Wormwise’s Programme Support, Mary Bowron, warns that without the right management, bought-in calves are potentially carrying a hidden time-bomb.

B+LNZ leads ground-breaking sheep genomics project

Beef + Lamb New Zealand is leading a ground-breaking genomics project which will help future-proof New Zealand’s sheep industry.

Northland’s Oneriri Station opens its gate for B+LNZ Showcase

Over 225 people took the opportunity to look over the 3,500ha Oneriri Station at Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s recent Northland Showcase event.

Meet your new B+LNZ Eastern North Island Farmer Councillors

Each year, Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) holds its Farmer Council Annual Meetings across the country to discuss the implementation of their yearly regionalised plan, welcome new members and learn from other farmers.

E-diary notices: 7 November 2025

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

B+LNZ seeking director nominations as part of 2026 Annual Meeting process

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

image of Mark Harris and males around ute

B+LNZ gets behind Movember

Spring’s a busy time on farm and a good time to check in on mental health.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand meets with fellow producers in Brazil

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) chief executive Alan Thomson and Director UK and EU Macaulay Jones have recently returned from the World Meat Congress (WMC) in Brazil, where global meat industry leaders came together to discuss shared challenges on a range of issues from climate change and sustainability to trade access and biosecurity.

East coast farmers encouraged to prepare for drought

B+LNZ is encouraging farmers along the east coast of both Islands to start planning for drought as recent Nor West winds have left soil moisture levels depleted.

image of Stacey Waka looking back with a rugby ball

Women’s Rugby World Cup puts NZ red meat front and centre

B+LNZ’s Women’s Rugby World Cup broadcast partnership reached 1.5 million New Zealanders throughout the competition, connecting beef and lamb to sport, pride, and performance. Learn more about the campaign and other work promoting red meat to New Zealanders.

image of three students and mentor next to ute

Pause before lighting vegetation fires

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging farmers in regions affected by the recent windstorms to pause, plan and allow vegetation to fully dry out before setting it alight.

This helps ensure a cleaner and more efficient burn.

image of field day attendees sitting in a group

E-diary notices: 31 October 2025

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

bird's eye view of farm, pine trees and bright blue sea

B+LNZ Webinars: RMA Reform – What it means

Wed 4 Feb

Northland/Auckland
Waikato/King Country/BoP
Gisborne/Hawke's Bay
Taranaki
Tararua/Wairarapa
Manawatū-Whanganui/WLG
Tasman/Marlborough
West Coast
Canterbury
Otago
Southland

B+LNZ and Ballance Agri-Nutrients Making your Fertiliser Count Workshops

Tue 24 - Wed 25 Feb

Northland/Auckland

B+LNZ AgInnovation Conference

Wed 22 Apr

Taranaki
Tararua/Wairarapa
Manawatū-Whanganui/WLG

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]

image of 75 years Economic Service badge

Applications open 2026 the B+LNZ Generation Next Programme

Over six months, participants will take part in three engaging workshops plus a webinar, designed to develop skills and connections for the future of the beef and lamb industry. Applications close: 20 February 2026.

Apply now

Welcome to Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Help strengthen dairy‑beef

Featured

E-diary notices: 30 January 2026

RMA update: positive intent but major changes needed

Craigs Investment Partners returns as Strategic Partner for Out the Gate 2026

Wise worm management on crops, how to maximise your investment

Rams due for health check

Birchwood’s open gate brings the world walking in

E-diary notices: 23 January 2026

Celebrating 10 years of B+LNZ’s Generation Next

Farmlands joins Out the Gate 2026 as Strategic Partner

Four to six weeks after weaning ideal time to check ewes’ udders

Get ready for National Lamb Day 2026

E-diary notices: 16 January 2026

Trade update: India and China

Help strengthen dairy‑beef: take the survey

Gallagher named Principal Partner for Out the Gate 2026

Is your lamb drench working?

2025 B+LNZ Rural Advancement Scholarship recipients announced

Dr Dave Leathwick

E-diary notices: 12 December 2025

COP30 underscored the need for balanced climate policy

National lamb crop edges higher as ewe performance improves

Beef Progeny Test enters its sixth year

Intent behind resource management legislation positive but details will be critical

Voting to take place for one B+LNZ farmer director in 2026

E-diary notices: 21 November 2025

Farmers explore practical tech at Tākaka field day

NZ’s sheep industry – 30 year report card

Dry conditions build case for Body Condition Scoring

Take a break, try Surfing for Farmers

Apply for 2026 Next Generation Sheep Farmer Programme

E-diary notices: 28 November 2025

RMA reform must be evidence-based and enduring

Apply for B+LNZ’s Agricultural Student Scholarship

Congratulations to the 2025 Marlborough Farmer of the Year

How do I know if my calf drench is doing its job?

Get to know new B+LNZ WNI Farmer Councillors

The Nutrition Process helps optimise farm productivity

E-diary notices: 21 November 2025

Entries for 2026 B+LNZ Awards close soon

Taste Pure Nature comes to life in Shanghai

Meet the new B+LNZ Farmer Council Chair

Traceability begins with a date – Christine Angland’s approach

Reducing the risk of pneumonia at weaning

The New Zealand red meat sector welcomes US beef tariff move

E-diary notices: 14 November 2025

Trade, tariffs and biosecurity top of mind in US visit

Do I need to quarantine drench the calves I'm buying?

B+LNZ leads ground-breaking sheep genomics project

Northland’s Oneriri Station opens its gate for B+LNZ Showcase

Meet your new B+LNZ Eastern North Island Farmer Councillors

E-diary notices: 7 November 2025

B+LNZ seeking director nominations as part of 2026 Annual Meeting process

B+LNZ gets behind Movember

Beef + Lamb New Zealand meets with fellow producers in Brazil

East coast farmers encouraged to prepare for drought

Women’s Rugby World Cup puts NZ red meat front and centre

Pause before lighting vegetation fires

E-diary notices: 31 October 2025

Meet Bella – your B+LNZ Knowledge Hub assistant

Find events in your region

Events in your region

B+LNZ Webinars: RMA Reform – What it means

B+LNZ and Ballance Agri-Nutrients Making your Fertiliser Count Workshops

B+LNZ AgInnovation Conference

Sheep and beef farm survey

Applications open 2026 the B+LNZ Generation Next Programme