The B+LNZ team talked with farmers at 2024 Mystery Creek Fieldays about our on-farm extension work, research, and efforts to boost sector pride.
Thousands from across New Zealand attended Mystery Creek between 12-15 June in Hamilton. Among them were farmers, politicians, industry professionals, lifestyle block owners, and more, all coming together to celebrate and explore the agricultural sector.
B+LNZ’s CEO, Sam McIvor, took the opportunity to speak with farmers and politicians at the site. He says, "It is fantastic to see farmers taking a well-deserved break to get off farm and connect with each other and the wider industry. Despite the challenges facing our sector, there was a positive atmosphere at Fieldays."
Fuelling our Olympians and building sector pride
The joint site by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the New Zealand Team highlighted how New Zealand’s farmers are integral to fuelling our Olympians and how our grass-fed beef and lamb provide the nutritional edge that helps our athletes excel on the world stage.
Visitors met Olympians and participated in the "Tour De Fern – Sprint for the Fern" cycling simulation using state-of-the-art Technogym Ride smart bikes. There some good media interviews during the week with Olympians who spoke to the importance of B+LNZ’s partnership with the Olympic team and nutritional importance of red meat.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, alongside notable figures such as Act’s David Seymour and EU Ambassador Lawrence Meredith, visited the site and took part in the cycling challenge.
McIvor, who raced EU Ambassador Lawrence Merdith and National’s Tim van der Molen, says it was great to give farmers a sense of pride in the role they play to support our Olympians.
Research on display
A section of B+LNZ site was dedicated to showcasing our leading role in research and innovation aimed at addressing sector production challenges. One of the highlights was a live demonstration that compared healthy sheep livers with those affected by Facial Eczema (FE).
B+LNZ’s Wormwise Programme Manager, Ginny Dodunski, spoke to attendees about the severe effects of FE on sheep and cattle and the work B+LNZ leads to tackle this production-limiting disease for our sheep, beef and dairy farmers. "It was a hands-on experience where participants could glove up and feel the differences firsthand while asking questions," Ginny says. "This interactive approach really seemed to draw in the crowds. It was a good chance for farmers to see the impact of these conditions up close."
As a leading expert on parasites, Ginny also engaged in numerous discussions with farmers about internal parasite management and B+LNZ’s ongoing research to tackle these challenges.
Celebrating our local heroes
During these tough times, celebrating our successes is more important than ever.
B+LNZ dedicated some of the Fieldays site to promoting nominations for the 2024 B+LNZ Awards. Entries are open and we encourage you to help shine a spotlight on our people and our sector by nominating them for one of the eight B+LNZ Awards categories.
Visit our B+LNZ Award categories webpage to learn more about the B+LNZ Awards and nominate your local hero.
B+LNZ ran a B+LNZ Awards giveaway at Fieldays, allowing farmers to shout out their local heroes and learn more about the B+LNZ Awards. It was a fantastic chance to talk to farmers about remarkable individuals in the farming community who they might like to nominate. The prize pack, generously donated by sponsors, is valued at $1,000.