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Farmer input needed – RMA National Direction Farmer Survey

The Government is currently consulting on changes to a range of national direction instruments, which will ultimately affect farmers though regional council rules. This survey will gather farmer input and help B+LNZ with its submission on Government proposals. Each page will show a quick snapshot of the proposal with some associated survey questions.

Complete the survey here

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E-diary notices: 11 July 2025

Consultation on Code of Welfare: Sheep and Beef Cattle closing soon, Farmer input needed – RMA National Direction Consultation, Join us at the 2025 Red Meat Sector Conference, Help shape the fight against facial eczema

image of native plants and pine trees in background

ETS forestry conversion rules welcome, but Government must go further

New Zealand’s red meat sector supports the intent behind proposed changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) but is urging the Government to go further to prevent the continued wholesale conversion of productive sheep and beef farmland into carbon farms.

Take advantage of wellbeing initiatives

Farmers are the most important asset on farms. That’s why Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) support initiatives that strengthen the mental wellbeing of our rural communities. Two examples are Farmstrong and Spark the Chat – programmes making a real difference in the lives of rural communities.

image of black angus beef cows infront of sheep on hill country

Beef systems boost productivity and profitability

Beef systemisation has the potential to be a gamechanger on sheep and beef farms with the potential to double, or even treble, productivity and profitability.

Every lamb counts

With average lamb mortality rates in New Zealand sitting stubbornly at around 15 percent, B+LNZ is working hard to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge to improve these odds.

Growing interest in profitable calf rearing for beef

A recent workshop in Manawatū brought together farmers from across the region to explore practical and profitable approaches to rearing dairy calves for beef production.

E-diary notices: 4 July 2025

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

image of 2025 National Ambassador Brendan Attrill

National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing announced

Beef + Lamb New Zealand congratulates South Taranaki dairy farmer Brendan Attrill on being named this year’s National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.

Join a 2025 B+LNZ Director roadshow near you

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) invites farmers across the country to attend the 2025 Director Roadshow, running from mid-July through to September.

image of pine tree plantation on Castlepoint farm

Your voice needed on forestry limits legislation

This email was sent to farmers on 2 July 2025.

image of two ewes grazing on hill country pastures

Striking it right with set-stocking rates

What are the correct set-stocking rates for ewes at lambing? Vet and Wormwise Programme Manager Ginny Dodunski strives to answer this question but says, like so many farm system questions, it is not straightforward.

Upcoming Pāmu Open Farm Days

A new series of Pāmu Open Farm Days, being held later this year and early next, will focus on running profitable and efficient farming businesses as well as providing an opportunity to build connections and learn about initiatives and insights across the sector.

image of three B+LNZ staff members at National fieldays in Hamilton looking at phone and laughinh

E-diary notices: 27 June 2025

RMA consultation info for farmers, Help shape the fight against facial eczema, Good genetic decisions just a click away, Last chance to nominate your bulls

image of two farmers with their surfboards on beach

B+LNZ’s ongoing support for Surfing for Farmers

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is proud to continue its support for Surfing for Farmers, now as a Grassroots Sponsor to reflect our long-standing commitment to this fantastic initiative helping farmers connect, unwind, and prioritise their mental wellbeing.

image of Wairarapa field day with attendees on farm

B+LNZ field day focuses on game-changing technologies

Technologies such as virtual fences, drones and parasite-controlling fertiliser have the potential to be game-changers for sheep and beef farmers and were the focus of a recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand field day.

Unpacking the Waikato PC1 decision

The Environment Court has released its long-awaited interim decision on Waikato Plan Change 1. The decision, likely to be finalised by the end of the year, will have implications for all farms in the Waikato and Waipā catchments.

Wairarapa farmers explore opportunities in dairy beef

Farmers from across the lower North Island recently gathered for a first-of-its-kind workshop focused on unlocking the potential of dairy beef.

B+LNZ update on environment policy advocacy June

This email was sent to farmers on 25 June 2025.

Good genetic decisions just a click away

For too long, the New Zealand beef sector has lagged behind its sheep and dairy counterparts in harnessing the power of genetics to drive productivity. That’s changing -- and it’s changing because the industry is pulling in the same direction.

image of B+LNZ staff at Ladies' Long Lunch in Gore

E-diary notices: 20 June 2025

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

RMA consultation info for farmers

The Government is consulting on changes to a range of national direction instruments, which will ultimately affect farmers through regional council plans and other rules. B+LNZ will be providing farmers with more info and will make a submission informed by farmer input.

image of sheep in the shed waiting to get shorn

Farmer input needed on code of welfare consultation

Farmer input is crucial for our consultation submission on proposed changes to the code of welfare for sheep and beef cattle. Find out more about how we’re getting input and how you can make your own consultation submission.

Celebrating Māori Agribusiness this Matariki

This Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a perfect opportunity to reflect, celebrate, share, and plan for the future. Matariki is a time to honour the past, enjoy the present, and plan for the future.

image of Ladies' Long lunch event in Gore

Empowering rural women in Gore

A total of 480 women from across the Southern South Island recently gathered in Gore for B+LNZ’s Ladies Long Lunch for a day of inspiration, connection, and celebration. The event, backed by an impressive lineup of sponsors, sold out in just 15 minutes.

Image of cows moving next to forage crops

Building on good wintering practices

Changes in livestock wintering practices over recent years have resulted in overwhelmingly positive feedback from Regional Councils and regulators. Now farmers grazing forage crops this winter are being encouraged to build on the good work

E-diary notices: 13 June 2025

Help shape the fight against facial eczema, Other Fieldays announcements

Help shape the fight against facial eczema

Take part in a national survey exploring the social impacts of facial eczema. It’s easy, completely confidential, and takes just 15 minutes to complete. For every response, $10 will be donated to the Rural Support Trust. Complete the survey before 18 July.

Complete survey here

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Events in your region

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Guidance on managing shearing cuts

Farmers can now access a factsheet and poster to inform conversations with shearing contractors about what processes to follow in the unlikely event of sheep being cut or injured while being shorn. Find these and other animal welfare-related resources in the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub.

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