Smarter farming: is facial eczema your hidden profit killer?
With our climate becoming warmer and wetter, we're no longer immune to this damaging fungal toxin. In fact, 2024/25 research confirms Wairarapa is now a moderate to high-risk area.
Whether you’re farming sheep, beef, dairy – your livestock is at risk. It’s not about the animal – it’s about the spores they're ingesting.
FE is costing New Zealand farmers an estimated $332 million in lost production every year. You might not realise you’ve been impacted, but you may have noticed:
- Poor growth rates and yields.
- Reduced fertility.
- Underperforming animals.
It could be drench resistance – or it could be sub-clinical FE. And here’s the kicker: for every animal showing visible signs of FE, up to 23 others may be suffering silently. That’s liver damage and lost productivity happening beneath the surface, without any obvious symptoms.
About the workshop
The Good News: We’ve teamed up with MPI in a seven-year, multi-million dollar initiative to eliminate the impacts of facial eczema. Just one year in, the programme is already delivering promising breakthroughs.
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Cara Brosnahan, a leading FE researcher, to Pirinoa, South Wairarapa. Cara will be joined by local vets and farmers for a hands-on, practical workshop that shines a light on this silent stealer of productivity and profitability.
No matter what you farm, this is a day for you.
Topics covered
- A clear understanding of FE risk factors.
- Tools for monitoring spore counts, including insights from the Sheep Poo Study.
- Practical steps to protect your animals.
- What to look for in a cull ewe autopsy.
- Real stories from farmers who’ve been impacted – and what they’ve changed.
Don’t let unseen damage erode your productivity. Come along, get equipped, and take action to protect your livestock – and your bottom line.
Facilitator
- Dr Cara Brosnahan – leading FE researcher.
Registration
A light lunch will be provided.
Registration is essential.