Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) refreshed extension programme is progressing well, and farmers across the country are already seeing the benefits of a new approach to farmer‑led learning.
One of the key parts of this refreshed approach is the B+LNZ Focus Group model – small, topic‑driven groups that bring together farmers who want to explore a specific aspect of their business in depth, share experiences, and put practical learnings into action.
A farmer-centred way of learning
Each Focus Group runs as a closed group over roughly two years, meeting around eight times. The strength of the model lies in its intimacy: the groups are deliberately small, giving every member the chance to contribute, test ideas, and learn both from each other and from subject‑matter experts invited along the way.
Every session is designed to help farmers identify opportunities or challenges within their own businesses, try a new approach back home, and bring those learnings to the next meeting.
“Members share what they tried and what they learned, building a rich cycle of realworld, farmer-led improvement,” says Dan Brier, B+LNZ’s GM Farming Excellence and Extension.
Participation is free for levy payers and their staff, and farmers simply need to commit to attending all sessions and be open to learning.
Groups running across New Zealand
Focus Groups are established based on regional needs, identified alongside B+LNZ Farmer Councils and Kāhui. Right now, groups are active in nearly every corner of the country and on an impressive range of topics. Below is an outline of some current groups, with more to come.
“Across all these regions and topics, the common thread is simple: farmers learning from farmers, supported by the right expertise, in a space where ideas can be tested and results shared openly,” says Dan.
Animal production and performance Many regions are focusing on Animal Production, with farmers using these groups to dive deeper into stock performance, feeding strategies, genetics and key production drivers specific to their local systems. These groups are running in:
| Improving lamb survival Improving lamb survival is also a major theme nationally, with farmers coming together to explore nutrition, lambing environment, ewe condition and management practices that can make a significant difference during those critical early stages. Current groups include:
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Financial management Several regions are strengthening financial capability through groups focused on understanding business drivers, building confidence in decisionmaking and improving the financial resilience of farming operations. These groups are active in:
| People and Capability Other groups are exploring the people side of farming – from leadership to communication to team culture. These include:
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Forages, farm systems and beef systemisation Farmers are also working together to strengthen farm systems and forage management through:
| Parasite management Parasite management is becoming increasingly complex nationwide, prompting strong demand for Integrated Parasite Management groups. Current locations include:
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Other specialist groups Specialist groups have also formed around key regional issues and opportunities, including:
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Join a B+LNZ Focus Group near you
B+LNZ is continuing to establish new groups where demand exists, and farmers are encouraged to get in touch if they see a topic or region that aligns with their needs.
Get in touch with your local Extension Manager.
Learn more about B+LNZ Focus Groups.