We want your sheep poo, Register your interest in a B+LNZ climate policy position workshop, TB slaughter levy changes, Shepherdess Magazine Spring edition out now, Expressions of interest – livestock parasite management group for Northland cattle production
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.
To sign up to e-diaries, create/login to a B+LNZ online account, go to ‘Account settings’ and select the e-diary box – you’ll be asked to pick which region/s you want to receive e-diaries for.
See elsewhere on our website for other e-diary info:
This week’s notices:
We want your sheep poo
Join B+LNZ's sheep poo study to help us understand the spread of facial eczema (FE) in New Zealand. As a participant, you'll receive free FE spore counts, access to an online map showing spore detection across the country, and opportunities to connect with other farmers through a WhatsApp group and webinars. The next season starts soon. Register your expression of interest here.
Register your interest in a B+LNZ climate policy position workshop
The B+LNZ Environment Policy and Advocacy team will be running six climate change workshops for farmers, five in person and one online. This is a chance for farmers to help B+LNZ develop a package of climate change policy positions that enable sheep meat, beef and dairy beef farming businesses to be productive, profitable, and sustainable. We encourage farmers to come to one of these in-person workshops, which will be from 12–4pm with a light lunch provided:
- Hastings: Mon 7 Oct
- Masterton: Wed 9 Oct
- Whangarei: Mon 14 Oct
- Gore: Wed 16 Oct
- Oamaru: Thu 17 Oct
- Online: Mon 21 Oct (4–7pm)
Farmer input is vital to policy position development for B+LNZ. Please register your interest here or by emailing lucy.evans@beeflambnz.com
TB slaughter levy changes
From 1 October 2024, the new TB differential slaughter levy rates are:
- $12.25 per head for dairy animals, changing from $11.50 per head.
- $4.50 per head for beef animals, changing from $4.75 per head.
Each year, the TB differential slaughter levy rates for beef and dairy cattle are reviewed under the TBfree Funders Agreement to ensure that the overall funding of the TBfree programme aligns with the agreed funding levels. Levies are adjusted to reflect the latest industry Farm Gate Values and slaughter volumes for both dairy and beef stock. The TB differential slaughter levy is collected to support funding of the TBfree programme on behalf of beef and dairy industries, and the funding shares change annually based on shifts in the relative size and value of each industry. Farmers should keep their NAIT accounts up-to-date and record the correct animal type to ensure they are paying the correct TB slaughter levy. For more information, visit OSPRI’s website.
Shepherdess Magazine Spring edition out now
The Spring edition of Shepherdess Magazine is now available. You can order your copy on their official website. B+LNZ supports Shepherdess Magazine, using it to highlight positive stories and initiatives in the sheep and beef sector.
Expressions of interest – livestock parasite management group for Northland cattle production
B+LNZ is supporting the creation of seven new Livestock Parasite Management farmer learning groups across the country. These groups will focus on addressing drench resistance and improving parasite management. In the Northland region, vet Garth Riddle of Bay of Islands Vets is leading a group and is looking for 12 interested cattle farmers who can commit to attending every meeting. The project is run for one year, with four meetings taking place. Interested farmers can learn more and register by emailing Garth at garth@bayvets.co.nz