Help shape the fight against facial eczema, Other Fieldays announcements
This page contains this week’s e-diary national notices.
If there’s something you want to know specific to your region, contact your local extension manager – find their details here.
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See elsewhere on our website for other e-diary info:
This week’s notices:
Help shape the fight against facial eczema
B+LNZ urges farmers to take part in a national survey exploring the social impacts of facial eczema – a key part of the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts programme. 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 here before 18 July. Read the media release to find out more.
Other Fieldays announcements
B+LNZ staff and Directors have been busy on the ground at National Fieldays this week. Among other things, we were part of: the Resilient Pastures announcement (see story above); the formal signing of the foot and mouth disease operational agreement between the sector and the Government (see this joint media release); and Minister Hoggard announced the trial of a voluntary nature credits market framework at the B+LNZ site (see this media release). There’s still time to visit the B+LNZ Fieldays site – we’re at PD48 and PD50 in the Pavilion, showcasing the latest research and tools designed to help lift productivity and profitability on farm.
Lower on-farm inflation brings relief for farmers
On Tuesday, B+LNZ released its latest on-farm inflation report, showing a 0.6 percent drop in input prices for the year to March 2025 – the first decrease in years. The fall is largely due to a 13.9 percent drop in interest rates. After a 30 percent rise in input costs since 2020, this easing of pressure offers a welcome relief for improved profitability, particularly with farm-gate prices remaining steady. Read the media release here.
Grazing dairy animals?
Both the dairy farmer and the grazier have NAIT responsibilities.
- The grazier must create or confirm a movement in NAIT within 48 hours of animals arriving.
- Best practice is to scan animals on and off your property to make sure details are correct.
- Ensure all animals are tagged and registered before transport.
It’s a good idea to have a grazing agreement that clearly sets out who is responsible for keeping NAIT records up to date. All Persons in Charge of Animals (PICAs) have legal obligations under NAIT, so make sure everyone knows their role. Questions? Visit the OSPRI website for further advice.
B+LNZ Lamb Survivability Focus Groups: Expressions of interest
B+LNZ is seeking sheep farmers passionate about lifting lamb survivability to join new focus groups. These groups of 8–12 farming businesses will meet three to four times a year to discuss real challenges and opportunities on farm. Limited spots are available locally – register your interest now.