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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 …

Pastoral Genomics is a New Zealand research consortium for forage improvement through biotechnology. … Pastoral Genomics is a consortium for forage improvement through biotechnology, comprised of B+LNZ, DairyNZ, DEEResearch, Grasslands Innovation (a joint venture between Grasslanz Technology and PGGW Seeds), Agriseeds, AgResearch and Dairy Australia. The board includes George Tatham, B+LNZ Farmer Director for the Eastern North Island. Forage improvement The aim of Pastoral Genomics is to …

Co-funded by Beef + Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ, this project aims to learn from Northland farmers about their experiences with forages and what challenges they see in the future.  … Background As New Zealand farmers face increasing climate variability, it is crucial to adapt forage bases, forage programmes, and overall farm systems. This project will explore how farmers are already adjusting to these conditions and identify the key changes still needed to future-proof their operations.   By …

The role of the research team is to ensure B+LNZ delivers innovative and tangible research outcomes so New Zealand’s sheep and beef farmers can make improvements to their farming system and business now and into the future. … B+LNZ's research portfolio is diverse and supports several projects and larger programmes across animal health, productivity and genetics, environmental health and mitigations (greenhouse gas) and landscape management. The successful delivery of research programmes is …

Contamination can be readily brought onto and spread around your farm by visitors, their vehicles or via equipment that has been used on other farms or at sale yards. … Recommended practices Keep the farm, yards and storage areas clean, tidy and free of vermin. Limit the unnecessary movement of people, pets and vehicles onto and around the property, especially the areas where animals are kept. Minimise the number of entry points and restrict uncontrolled access to the rest of the farm. Define …

Disease prevention and control require regular attention to stock health, knowledge, planning, good record keeping and compliance with domestic regulations. Explore recommended practices and specific diseases and issues below. … Recommended practices Prevention Prevention is hugely important: develop a farm animal health plan or calendar with your veterinarian. This will include vaccination and drench programmes appropriate to the needs of your farm business. Consider buying stock on the basis …

Making sure that our farmers are getting the best value they can for their beef and lamb is not just about maintaining the status quo in our current markets – it’s also about using market innovation to carve out new ‘slices of the pie’. We want to enable innovation that is transformational to the New Zealand red meat sector in terms of profitability, sustainability, and confidence. … What is market innovation? Market innovation is the improvement of the mix of target markets and of the way in …

This proof-of-concept project introduces a new approach by establishing an annual ryegrass crop within standing maize fields before the maize is harvested.  … Background This proof-of-concept project explores an innovative agricultural practice designed to harness the dual benefits of growing additional winter feed for lamb fattening while protecting the soil from winter weather.   This project introduces a new approach by establishing an annual ryegrass crop within standing maize fields before …

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) …

Part of being a good employer is to ensure your staff have continuous improvement. … Below are some resources to help ensure you are continuously upskilling your staff. Manager's reports (PDF, 395 KB) Performance incentives (PDF, 355 KB) Performance management (PDF, 573 KB) Sheep. beef, deer career pathway – Primary ITO (PDF, 136 KB) Safe Work Procedures FarmSmart 2017: Melonie Sheppard – getting the most from your staff Checklist for farmer employers (PDF, 328 KB) DairyNZ useful resources on …