E-diary notices: 29 November 2024

// B+LNZ

Spotted something in our weekly e-diary newsletters and need to refer to it again?

image of B+LNZ staff on farm with black cow next to fence

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: 

Consultation on NZ’s international climate change targets – template available

The Government is calling for feedback on its second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) covering our emissions reductions between 2031–2035 under the Paris Agreement. They want feedback on what should be considered when setting our next NDC and how important different factors are in this decision. The Government has indicated they want to finalise the NDC before February 2025 and are giving submitters two weeks to provide feedback. B+LNZ does not think that either of these deadlines are suitable or reflect the time needed for considered analysis given the impact of these decisions on our farmers. We will be submitting detailed feedback on behalf of our farmers but if you’d like to submit your own feedback, you can use a prewritten submission template we’ve developed – find it on the B+LNZ website here. For more information about the consultation see the MfE website. Consultation closes 8 December.

Seeking farmer feedback on Biosecurity Act proposals

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has reviewed the Biosecurity Act 1993 and developed a range of proposals designed to update and modernise it. B+LNZ is preparing a submission on the Act and seeks farmer input on some of the proposals. Complete this survey by 8 December to have your say. You can also make your own submission to MPI here.

Farmers reminded to dose dogs as sheep measles cases spike

Farmers are being urged to ensure they keep up to date with measures to control C. ovis (sheep measles) after the Ovis Management programme reported a spike in infection rates. Data from meat processors for October, the first month of the new season, identified that 1.38 percent of lamb processed throughout the country was recorded as being infected. That compares to 1.13 percent for October 2023. Ovis or sheep measles is caused by the Taenia ovis tapeworm. Although it poses no risk to human health, it can cause blemishes in sheep meat, which is undesirable for consumers and particularly for the export market. It is critical to ensure all dogs on farms where sheep graze are dosed regularly with the required tapeworm treatments, and also any dogs visiting the farm. Find out more

Take part in beef genetics survey

Help shape the future of New Zealand’s beef industry by sharing your views and insights about the availability and use of genetic tools. The Informing New Zealand Beef programme has launched its fourth annual industry survey aimed at farmers, beef breeders and rural professionals, including agricultural consultants and facilitators, stock agents, and vets.

Answers will remain anonymous and completed surveys will go into a draw to win a $100 Prezzy Card and a meat pack of premium beef and lamb cuts, valued at $260.The survey closes at 5pm, Monday 9 December. Participate in the survey here

Free facial eczema text service

Don’t let facial eczema (FE) catch your farm off guard this season! B+LNZ’s free FE text service keeps you informed with regional pasture spore counts, management tips and expert insights to help you protect your stock and maintain productivity. Sign up today to start receiving texts at www.beeflambnz.com/fetext. Stay alert, stay prepared, and make the best management decisions for your stock.

Giveaway: what are Kiwis eating this Christmas?

Retail Meat New Zealand is conducting their Annual Kiwi Christmas Survey and need your input. Tell them about your plans for the festive season (and what you will be eating) and in return, you will go in the draw to win one of five $200 vouchers from Green Meadows Beef. Learn more and complete the survey here.

Seeking Wairoa District farmers’ views on native shrub revegetation in hill country

Massey University researcher Joan Ropiha is inviting farmers to share their views on using native shrubs to revegetate steep, erosion-prone pastoral land. The survey is confidential, takes about ten minutes to complete, and is easy to participate in. As a thank you, five $100 gift cards will be donated to hill country-related charities in the Wairoa District. This research builds on Joan’s work for B+LNZ’s Hill Country Futures programme under the Resilient Forages workstream. Complete the survey here before 30 November.