Seeking farmer feedback on Biosecurity Act proposals, Free Facial Eczema text service, NZVA launch myth-busting video series about antimicrobial resistance
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.
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See elsewhere on our website for other e-diary info:
This week’s notices:
Updated guidance on Leptospirosis available
Worksafe has published updated guidance on preventing and controlling Leptospirosis, or lepto, an infectious and potentially fatal disease that passes from animals to people and between animals. Farm workers are particularly at risk of lepto. The Worksafe website contains information and learning modules – find them here. B+LNZ also supports the Leptospirosis New Zealand website and you can learn more about the potential effects of lepto in this Break-Feed podcast.
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. See also the story above for related announcements on NZ’s reduction targets.
Bird flu
Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) has confirmed that high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected for the first time in NZ. While this is an evolving situation, so far testing in Otago has identified a high pathogenicity H7N6 subtype. This is not the H5N1 type circulating among wildlife around the world that has caused concern, however, BNZ is still taking the find seriously. There are no human health or food safety concerns and it is safe to consume thoroughly cooked egg and poultry products. If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, please do not touch or handle them, and report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Please visit MPI's website for more information.
Entries open for AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year 2025
Entries are open for NZ Young Farmers’ AgriKids and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year 2025. Each competition, designed for primary and high school students, offers young people an opportunity to learn more about the agricultural industry by competing in hands-on challenges. Enter the AgriKids contest and FMG Junior competition today.
Wool Research Organisation of NZ (WRONZ) – Director vacancy, applications welcome
WRONZ is a specialist funder of post-harvest research and development for the NZ wool industry, committed to funding world-class research to create new and innovative uses for strong wool. Commercialisation and further development of WRONZ’s ‘new uses’ program for crossbreed wool is currently underway through a wholly owned subsidiary WoolSource. WRONZ has a current vacancy for an appointed director. The key skillsets required include strong affinity with the wool sector and connection to a sheep farm experienced governor with skills in strategic planning and implementation proven commercial experience, ideally in the space of science commercialisation or start-up financial management and investment management. B+LNZ on behalf of the Meat and Wool Trust is facilitating the director appointment process. Please forward applications and CV to enquiries@beeflambnz.com