Boosting kilograms of product out the gate is one of the fastest ways to lift profitability, and this afternoon is all about practical, on‑farm actions to help you do it.
Meet Kate Acland
Your B+LNZ Northern South Island Director and Board Chair. Kate Acland will also be in attendance for the afternoon. Kate will be available the hour before the event starts to answer any specific questions you might have so be there at 12pm.
On the day
Hear from two leading experts:
- Dr Rene Corner-Thomas (Massey University)
Practical strategies to lift sheep performance through better feeding, pasture utilisation, reduced wastage, and identifying the low‑hanging fruit to increase total production. - Dr Mark Ferguson (neXtgen Agri)
Work through your own genetic plan (sheep or beef) so you leave with a clear roadmap. Mark will cover:- Developing your genetic plan: Bringing together traits that make you money, save you money, save you time and delight a customer into a genetic strategy.
- Practical ram and bull buying tips to maximise performance.
- Strategies to select the highest performing replacement ewes and heifers.
See the benefits of knowing your numbers. Kg out the gate is something not all farmers measure regularly but we all should be.
Speaker bios
Dr Rene Corner-Thomas (Massey University)
Rene is an Associate Professor in Animal Science at Massey University, specialising in improving the productivity and efficiency of sheep systems. Her research focuses on practical, on-farm strategies such as feeding, shelter, and management to lift ewe performance and lamb growth and survival.
Dr Mark Ferguson (neXtgen Agri)
Mark is CEO of neXtgen Agri International, a Trans-Tasman livestock genetics consulting firm with a team of 14 independent specialists across Australia and New Zealand. The company works with sheep and beef cattle producers at every level, from elite stud breeders through to commercial operations, helping them make better breeding decisions grounded in evidence. Mark holds a PhD in genetics, has been involved in livestock breeding for over 30 years, and hosts the Head Shepherd podcast.
BBQ provided by ANZCO
The day will conclude with a BBQ with the meat supplied by ANZCO.
Registration
Registration is essential.