Final season of Sheep Poo Study – farmers needed nationwide, TB review- have your say, New Animal Status Declaration (ASD) books/forms, Submissions open for measuring methane in sheep
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:
Final season of Sheep Poo Study – farmers needed nationwide
B+LNZ is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study. This research is helping build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across NZ and your farm could help complete the puzzle. Read our full media release and register for the next season here.
TB review- have your say
There is still time for farmers to have their say about the TB Plan review. There are in-person meetings taking place across the country, come along to find out more about what is being proposed or visit the B+LNZ website to watch our webinar. Farmers fund the TBfree programme through levies, and their input in this consultation is vital. The consultation runs through September and October. Find out more and make a submission here.
New Animal Status Declaration (ASD) books/forms
The transition period for the new ASD ended on 30 September so farmers and suppliers must now ensure ASDs contain the new declaration about the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion, to meet European Union (EU) requirements. OSPRI has advised there is a backlog of orders for the new ASD book – however, the form is available via MyOSPRI for electronic ASDs, or you can download and print a copy from the MPI website here. As the eASD via MyOSPRI cannot be used for transfer to and from saleyards, the following interim solution for animals sent to saleyards has been agreed by MPI for use only until 15 November 2025: If a supplier is unable to print the new ASD, the following declaration can be made in the ‘Additional information’ box: ‘no antimicrobial agents were used solely to improve growth/increase yield’ OR ‘antimicrobial agents were used solely to improve growth/increase yield’. The new supply of ASD booklets will be available before 15 November. More information about ASDs on OSPRI’s website here.
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.