More than 50 Tasman farmers turned out for a practical, hands-on animal health workshop focused on post‑mortem learning, delivered through a collaboration between Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Town and Country Vet.
Held at the Moore family’s Moutere Downs property in Upper Moutere, the day focused on building farmers’ confidence to investigate animal health issues on farm, gather better information, and work more effectively with their veterinarians.
The morning session centred on post‑mortem learning, led by Town and Country Vet veterinarian Roger Bay, supported by a graduate vet Maddie Dickie and large animal veterinary technician Del Bruce. Using a hands‑on approach, farmers rotated through learning stations identifying healthy organs, discussing what ‘normal’ looks like, and observing a full post‑mortem demonstration.
“The whole idea was to encourage farmers to be curious,” says Amanda Henderson, B+LNZ Extension Manager for Tasman-Marlborough. “This was about having a look when you get the opportunity, identifying what doesn’t look normal, and gathering information that helps build a bigger picture with your vet.”
Key takeaways
- Be curious – have a look, take samples where possible
- Know what’s normal – recognise expected structure, colour and fluid
- Take photos and keep records – accumulating mortality data helps long‑term animal health planning
The workshop highlighted how post‑mortems are one of the most powerful diagnostic tools available on farm.
Reuben Moore says, “Having it on farm and being able to see and talk through everything step by step made it really practical.
“I think everyone went away with something they could actually use the next time they’re dealing with an animal health issue.”
Facial Eczema top of mind
In the afternoon, attention turned to facial eczema (FE), with Kristin Kirkpatrick, B+LNZ’s Senior Advisor for Farmer Engagement and Partnership, leading discussions on FE research updates, pasture spore count sampling, diagnosis, prevention and treatment options, and farmer experiences.
Kristin Kirkpatick says, “FE continues to be a big concern for farmers across the country. The session focused on the importance of spore counting, using regional data to trigger actions on farm, and how working closely with their vet helps with better decision‑making and planning.”
The session also included Reuben Moore sharing insights from his involvement in two B+LNZ studies focused on facial eczema.
Reuben spoke about being part of the B+LNZ Sheep Poo Study, which is helping build a better understanding of the extent of facial eczema across New Zealand. He outlined how the additional information and benchmarking he receives through the study supports more informed decision‑making on his own farm.
He also shared his experience participating in B+LNZ’s Nested EFEI Study, highlighting its value from a stud breeding perspective.
“As a stud breeder, any information we can record helps improve our selection process,” Reuben said. “The Nested EFEI Study was invaluable last season – from regular weighing and blood tests to monitor GGT levels and track liver damage in response to facial eczema exposure, through to having a consistent relationship with the vet technician making the fortnightly visits.”
Thank you
The workshop was made possible through collaboration between B+LNZ, Town and Country Vet, and the generosity of the Moore family in hosting the event.
Also thanks to Under the Hood BBQ for supplying lunch.
Events like this is powered by the B+LNZ Farmer Council and Kāhui.
Learn more
To find out about upcoming workshops, field days or farmer discussion groups near you, keep an eye on B+LNZ’s event calendar.
B+LNZ Pole Position Workshop: Tackling worms and Facial eczema head on
If you want to learn more, there’s another practical workshop nearby exploring worms and facial eczema on 31 March in Havelock, Marlborough. Learn more here.