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:
Further update on planning for impacts from Iran conflict
B+LNZ is providing advice to Government on sheep and beef farmers’ needs and monitoring the evolving situation around the Iran conflict. While there are still many unknowns, we do know: there should be enough fertiliser supply to meet farmers’ usual autumn needs (and the Government is well aware of how critical fertiliser will be in spring); there could be potential shipping and logistics challenges for product into our international markets, similar to those we saw post-Covid, that farmers should be aware of and should plan livestock movements and feed requirements well in advance; and if fuel alert levels change we’ll reassess some B+LNZ operations and may move events online. In the meantime, we recommend farmers keep in close contact with your stocking agent/processor, fertiliser representative, topdressing pilots or other support services that may be affected if fuel supplies become constrained. See also last week’s e-diary story.
Watch the webinar and provide feedback on sheep traceability
This week B+LNZ ran a webinar on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) consultation on options to enhance the traceability of sheep and pigs – the webinar outlined what’s being consulted on and B+LNZ’s views. A recording of the webinar is now available and we encourage you to watch this and provide feedback via a short survey which you can find here. Your responses will help inform B+LNZ’s submission to MPI. Find out more about the consultation on our website.
How do you manage parasites? B+LNZ wants to know
Parasites and drench resistance are getting harder to control, so B+LNZ is ramping up support through research, on‑farm trials, farmer learning groups, and Wormwise. We’re running a short, anonymous survey to help us focus our work where it will make the biggest difference. Your responses, alongside insights from our Livestock Parasite Management groups, will show what’s working and where more support is needed. It takes just five minutes, and your input directly shapes the tools, resources, and research we invest in. Take the survey here.
Beef and sheep farmers recognised in BFEA regional awards
Congratulations to everyone who took home prizes at last week’s regional Ballance Farm Environment Awards. They include:
- Clarence and Elise Stolte of Stolte Ag, who were named the Regional Supreme Winners for the East Coast.
- Tony and Pattie O’Boyle of Marangai Station – winners of the B+LNZ Livestock Farm Award for the East Coast region.
- Jarred and Bronwyn Clode of Te Hou Farms, who were named the Regional Supreme Winners for Horizons.
- Alan and Kerri Blake of Triple Farms (Ongarue) – winners of the B+LNZ Livestock Farm Award for the Horizons region.
- Alan Dobbie of Wiroa Horticulture (Kerikeri), who was named Regional Supreme Winner for Northland.
- Murray Child and Dean Child of MJ & KE Child & Sons (Maungakaramea), winners of the B+LNZ Livestock Farm Awards for the Northland region.
Latest developments on show at Sheep Breeder Forum
This year’s Sheep Breeder Forum in Christchurch will bring together breeders, scientists, and industry experts from across the country. Attendees can look forward to a full programme, including a demonstration of a new genetics tool launching in 2026. Find out more.
Thank you for helping build a clearer calf rearing picture
Thank you to everyone who took part in the national calf rearer survey. We had an outstanding response, with 699 completed surveys. Your input is helping build a clearer picture of calf‑rearing practices and will guide future research to lift performance and profitability. Congratulations to our prize winner: Sarah and Dan Cornwall. All entries went into the draw for $2,000 of NZAgBiz calf‑rearing products.
Environment Canterbury Rural Waste Survey
Rubbish and waste remain a challenge for many rural businesses and are often part of farm assurance and audit requirements. To help understand current practices and explore more practical solutions, Environment Canterbury is surveying farmers. Feedback will inform more sustainable waste and recycling options. Farmers who complete the survey go in the draw to win a $2,000 native plant package. Complete the survey.
Detainment Bund Field Days
Field days are being held across New Zealand to share practical insights into Detainment Bunds and their role in reducing flood impacts and improving stormwater quality. The research behind these events is co‑funded by B+LNZ, and each field day includes on‑farm demonstrations, discussion of recent findings, and practical guidance on effective design and implementation. Events will take place on 23 April in Pomahaka in West Otago, 29 April in the King Country, and 30 April in the Kaipara north of Auckland. Registration is required by emailing [email protected], and while registration will be available on the day, early confirmation is preferred.