Farmers in B+LNZ’s Western North Island Lamb Survival Focus Group are finding practical ways to reduce lamb losses by sharing ideas, challenging each other and putting new knowledge into practice.
The group brings together farmers from a range of farming systems who share a common goal: improving lamb survival and lifting flock performance. Through regular meetings, on-farm discussions and input from subject matter experts, members are exploring the factors that influence lamb survival and identifying changes they can take back to their own businesses.
B+LNZ Extension Manager Christine Christensen says the group is a great example of farmers learning from each other while being supported by science and research.
"Everyone in the group is willing to share what's working, what isn't, and where they see opportunities to improve. That openness creates some really valuable conversations."
“When the group was formed, they calculated they were collectively losing more than $1 million worth of lambs between scanning and weaning. With lambs expected to be worth more this year, the cost of those losses would be even greater. The group is now working to better understand and address the factors contributing to lamb mortality,” explains Christensen.
Recent discussions have covered ewe nutrition, lambing management and emerging research. Members have also heard from experts such as Professor Paul Kenyon from Massey University, whose insights have helped farmers consider new approaches on-farm.
For Feilding farmer Dr James Lockhart, the value of the group goes beyond the technical information shared during meetings.
"I am finding the group extraordinarily valuable on two counts," he says.
"The first is the obvious discussion and debate, insight and learning. The second, and just as valuable, is the external influence over accountability of performance."
Lockhart says being part of a group of like-minded farmers creates motivation to keep improving.
"It is a privilege to be part of this group. On the one hand there are keen young enthusiasts and on the other, farmers with many years of experience. It isn't just the discussions in the group, it is the accountability.
"This is a group of farmers genuinely striving to do better."
That willingness to challenge current thinking and test new ideas is a hallmark of the Focus Group model. Participants are encouraged to identify opportunities, set goals and report back on progress, helping ensure learning translates into practical change on-farm.
Christine says that farmer-driven approach is what makes the groups so effective.
"Members are highly engaged, supportive of one another and open to trying new things that could make a difference on their farms. The discussions don't stop when the group day ends either. Farmers continue to share observations, research and questions between meetings."
The group is now looking forward to coming together after lambing to review the season, compare results and discuss lessons learned.
"The lambing debrief will be one of the most valuable sessions," says Christine. "We’ll be crunching the numbers for everyone’s farm - it's an opportunity to reflect on what worked, what didn't and where there may be opportunities to improve lamb survival in the future."
Optimising Lamb Survivability podcast series
Optimising lamb survival, a B+LNZ Scene + Herd podcast series, shares practical tips and proven strategies to lift lamb survival and productivity.
- Episode one with Dr David Stevens.
- Episode two with Professor Paul Kenyon and Georgie Eade.
- Episode three with Dr Rene Corner-Thomas.
Bella, our Beef + Lamb Assistant powered by AI, is trained on B+LNZ’s Knowledge Hub resources. She can help round up trusted information and practical answers to your questions.
Other stories about B+LNZ Focus Groups
- Focus Groups running across the country.
- Northern South Island Lamb Survival Focus Group dig into ewe nutrition.
- A B+LNZ Focus Group opened doors for a Northland couple.
- Last year, B+LNZ Focused Groups kicked off in Wairarapa/Tararua.
About B+LNZ Focus Groups
B+LNZ Focus Groups are a small group learning initiative introduced into the extension programme as part of B+LNZ's refreshed strategy.
They are topic-focused and outcomes-driven, providing farmers with the opportunity to learn from one another and from subject matter experts. Groups are deliberately kept small to ensure everyone has the chance to contribute, share experiences and learn from each other.
Each Focus Group runs as a closed group, typically over one to two years, with participants committing to the full programme. The aim is to learn together, identify opportunities for improvement and implement actions on-farm that deliver real value over the long term.
Focus Groups are free for B+LNZ levy payers and their employees.
Learn more on B+LNZ’s website.