Spotted something in our weekly e-diary newsletters and need to refer to it again?
Spotted something in our weekly e-diary newsletters and need to refer to it again?
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:
B+LNZ responds to claims by NFU Chair
B+LNZ has responded in the UK to claims made by David Barton, Chair of the UK's National Farmers’ Union (NFU), regarding Morrisons' trial of New Zealand lamb in its stores. Barton suggested that NZ lamb is of inferior quality and environmentally harmful due to the long shipping distance to the UK. B+LNZ is disappointed by these claims and has provided evidence to UK media and written letters to the Editor of farming publications with evidence that our standards are consistently considered as good as the UK’s and that studies show our carbon footprint is the same or lower even including transportation to the UK. Read our full response here.
Register for Facial Eczema tolerance test update and Q+A webinar
This B+LNZ webinar will give valuable insights and updates about the Facial Eczema (FE) tolerance test currently being developed. Discover how B+LNZ, in collaboration with AgResearch and dNature Limited, is leading the way for a non-invasive alternative to the current FE tolerance test and its potential impact on sheep breeding. Register here to join Cara Brosnahan and Suzi Keeling from B+LNZ’s research team, along with Axel Heiser from AgResearch and John Mackay from dNature on Monday 27 May at 6.30–7.30pm.
Country trails newsletter
Farmers and rural communities wanting to promote their tourism activity can do so for free through the NZ Country Trails online platform. NZ Country Trails also publishes a regular newsletter – the latest edition is available here and includes a focus on tree growing, particularly alternatives to pines, along with links to further information. B+LNZ proudly supports NZ Country Trails to help farmers connect their on-farm experiences with travellers.
Help inform the review of agriculture qualifications and standards
Muka Tangata Workforce Development Council is seeking participants for the review of agriculture qualifications and standards. They need industry guidance to ensure these products are fit for purpose and reflect the needs of our sector. Register your interest to join the Qualifications Advisory Group (helping shape what graduates will know, be and do) or the Technical Advisory Group (helping design the learning standards). If you have any questions, please contact: Liam.Whaley@mukatangata.nz
Registration of interest for B+LNZ Freshwater Policy Position Workshops
Thank you to those that have already registered your interest, we will be contacting you with further details. There is still an opportunity for others to register your interest. During the first two weeks of June the B+LNZ Environment Policy and Advocacy Team will be running four workshops for farmers to give input to help B+LNZ develop a package of strong freshwater policy positions that enable sheep meat and beef farming businesses to be productive, profitable, and sustainable. The workshops will be from 12–4pm, with a light lunch provided. Proposed date and locations are:
- 5 June – Balclutha
- 7 June – Christchurch
- 11 June – Te Kuiti
- 13 June – Feilding
Farmer input is vital to policy position development for B+LNZ. If you would like to provide input through these workshops, please register your interest here or by emailing May.Ponsonby@beeflambnz.com