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Previous research has shown that sowing a catch crop can reduce nitrate leaching losses by as much as 40%, as well as improving nitrogen use efficiency and farmers’ profitability. This project aimed to upscale this previous applied research into working winter crop rotations in Canterbury and Southland and adapt it to the various soil and climatic conditions. … Background The use of catch crops is recognised as a potential tool to help reduce farmers’ nitrate leaching losses but without good …

B+LNZ invests in and supports growing, training and retaining people in our sector. We do this by collaborating with others to extend our reach and make a greater impact. Our vision is to build a thriving sheep and beef farming community by enhancing retention, fostering leadership and celebrating success through robust training and education from day one to beyond year three.   Our people and capability workstream is dedicated to building a strong and sustainable workforce for the sheep and …

To help farmers document their winter management practices, B+LNZ has rolled out the Forage Cropping module of the B+LNZ Farm Plan. A key outcome of this, is the documenting of actions to protect critical source areas and minimise environmental impacts. It will also help provide proof to the Government that farmers do not need further regulations to protect their natural resources and livestock. … To help farmers document their winter management practices, B+LNZ has fast tracked the roll out of …

The Government is working on updating the legislation around gene technology – or GE or GMOs – and B+LNZ is advocating for farmers’ concerns to be addressed.   Last updated: May 2025  Our position  Gene technology is a complex and divisive topic. From our ongoing conversations with farmers we know that some are very opposed to gene technology, while others see potential opportunities, and many need more information before deciding where they stand.   We have been clear throughout this process …

This project aims to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with increasing lamb survival in New Zealand. … Background On average, flocks within New Zealand record 15-18% mortality rates in their lambs. 75% of these losses likely occur within 3-5 days of lambing. The factors impacting lamb survival appears to be multi-factorial and complex.  This project aims to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with increasing lamb survival in New Zealand.  How will this be …

Good environmental and animal welfare outcomes require good practice. Farmers are already doing some great work in both the animal welfare and the environmental space, but there is always more to be done. Managing winter grazing activities to minimise impact on animal welfare and your waterways is easy and effective when you have a plan in place and simple management tweaks thought out in advance. … Following the Government’s recent announcement of amendments to Intensive Winter Grazing (IWG) …

Research suggests FE is only going to become a bigger problem, for more areas. As well as dealing with it this year, are you preparing for the long term?  … Breeding for FE tolerance in sheep is the single best opportunity that we have at the moment – find out how to get the rams that will help by reading the article below, and talk to your breeder. The cost of a bad outbreak can be high – estimated as close to $100 million dollars cost for affected areas. It is also a hidden killer. You see …

At makingmeatbetter.nz you can find a range of facts showing how New Zealand beef and lamb stacks up in terms of being: better for animals better for you better for the planet better for communities. We encourage you to check it out and help us bring some balance to conversations about food production.  … We’ve worked with key industry partners to develop a website containing proven facts about New Zealand’s farming methods and how our beef and lamb stacks up on key criteria. … There’s growing …

The main findings from this project showed that helicropping can be undertaken and utilised in a way that minimises environment risks. … The overall project objective was to define the role of helicropping in crop establishment and pasture renewal including:  • methodology  • where best undertaken  • identification of risks (particularly at grazing)  • risk mitigation (catch crop, cover crops, sediment bunds and runoff barriers). The project harnesses learnings from existing knowledge gained by …