Update on legislation introducing limits on farm sales into carbon farming, We still need your sheep poo, Applications open for 2026 Kellogg programme, Submissions open for measuring methane in sheep, Movement controls for TB (Otago only)
This page contains this week’s e-diary national notices.
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This week’s notices:
Update on legislation introducing limits on farm sales into carbon farming
The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme – Forestry Conversion) Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament this week. While it’s encouraging to finally see some restrictions on wholesale conversions of farmland to exotic forestry, the legislation still doesn’t go far enough to slow the rate of productive sheep and beef land being lost. We’ll continue to closely track whole-farm sales into forestry, and will push political parties to address this issue in their policy positions ahead of next year’s General Election. Read our media release.
We STILL need your sheep poo
Final season starting soon. Register now to join B+LNZ's sheep poo study and help tackle facial eczema (FE) in NZ. As a thank you, you'll receive results to better understand your FE risk, a $40 subsidy on faecal egg counts tested by Awanui Veterinary, and the chance to be one of 25 farms selected for monthly FEC and larval culture testing from October to May. Register here and help us tackle FE together.
Applications open for 2026 Kellogg programme
Applications are now open for the 2026 Kellogg Programme One – an 18-day, in-person course spread over six months to fit around work and family. B+LNZ’s Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarship supports six farmers to complete a NZ Rural Leaders course, including Kellogg. Learn about the scholarship on B+LNZ’s website and apply for the Kellogg programme here. B+LNZ supports NZ Rural Leaders as part of our work to support the growth of leaders within NZ’s red meat sector. See also the story above.
Submissions open for measuring methane in sheep
Stud breeders interested in measuring methane emissions in their flocks during 2026 are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online. Combined with genotyping, these measurements generate methane breeding values. EOIs close 30 November, with outcomes communicated in December. Find more information and the EOI form here.
Movement controls for TB
New livestock movement restrictions are being introduced in a part of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock. The new movement control area covers Tarras, Lindis Valley, the upper Manuherekia and the top end of Ida Valley. It comes into effect on 1 October. Disease eradication agency OSPRI has sent advice on the new movement controls to all farms or lifestyle blocks with deer or cattle (about 110 properties) in the affected area. Being in a movement control area means all cattle and deer over three months old must be TB tested within 60 days of being moved. Only animals going directly to processing do not require a test. For more information, visit the OSPRI website.