B+LNZ has extended the Economic Impacts of Facial Eczema (FE) survey deadline to Friday 14 March 2025, giving farmers more time to participate and more chances to win. All farmers who take part go in the draw to win one of five Greenlea Meats vouchers.
To complete the survey, have your farm’s financial and management data ready, including revenue, stock classes, and animal health expenses.
Early survey responses highlight the significant challenges farmers face in managing FE. Many say preventative treatments are labour-intensive and costly, with some struggling to administer the correct dosage. However, most farmers who completed the survey recognised the value of pasture spore counting as a monitoring tool.
"These insights reinforce the need for better, more practical solutions to help farmers manage FE efficiently and affordably," says Dr Suzi Keeling, Head of Science and Research at B+LNZ.
"The more farmers who take part, the stronger the data will be, ensuring any solutions developed through the EFEI programme are fit for purpose."
FE costs the New Zealand livestock industry an estimated $332 million annually, yet its true impact on individual farms remains unclear. Whether or not your farm has been affected by FE, your input will help researchers develop targeted strategies to reduce costs and improve management.
"We know surveys can be a bit of a chore, but this is an opportunity to capture real farm-level data that will directly inform how we tackle FE in the future," Suzi adds. "By sharing your experience, you’re helping drive practical change for the industry."
The survey is open to sheep, beef, dairy, deer, and camelid farmers. It takes just 15-20 minutes to complete, and all data remains anonymous.
"Farmers are the ones dealing with this challenge every day—your insights are critical in shaping solutions that work," says Suzi. "Now is the time to have your say."
For questions, contact research@beeflambnz.com.
This survey is part of the pan sector Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme, led by Beef + Lamb New Zealand with support from the Ministry for Primary Industries, farmers and industry partners.