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What’s the problem with high levels of nutrients? The problem is periphyton – the slime and algae found on river and stream beds. These organisms are essential for ecosystem functioning, but – under certain circumstances – they can proliferate and degrade waterways’ aesthetic, recreational, biodiversity and economic values. New Zealand streams are particularly prone to excessive periphyton growth because of the gravel nature of stream beds, high-intensity sunlight, warm waters and nutrient …

Saying thank you A $40 subsidy on faecal egg counts tested by Awanui Veterinary. Each year, 25 randomly chosen farms will undergo monthly FEC (Faecal Egg Count) and larval culture testing from October to May. Expressions of interest for the 2024–2025 FE season are now closed. You can register your interest in taking part in the 2025–2026 season. King Country – one of our youngest sheep collectors. Photo credit: Cathryn Peacocke. … This study will assess the prevalence and contributing factors …

The aim of this project was to evaluate different ways of communication for their reach, impact and associated behaviour change. Parasite management is important for every livestock farmer and this topic was used to help evaluate five different communication methods.  … The project used: analytics to assess the reach of the material models to predict the impact of this parasite campaign online surveys taken by participants immediately after viewing the material online surveys taken by …

… an individual tagging a friend and commenting why they think it’s important to celebrate New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector.   A person can enter as many times as they like if a new friend and a new reason to celebrate is entered each …

This project aims to identify economically viable methods to reduce ewe losses in New Zealand flocks. … Background Ewe losses, especially during lambing, are a major source of economic cost for sheep farmers. Research from Massey and Lincoln Universities in 2021 revealed that ewe losses can range from 2.2% to 16% annually, with two-thirds of these losses occurring during lambing, also resulting in lamb losses.  This project aims to quantify the economic costs due to ewe losses using real-world …

Things that can affect FEC results … This topic is a bit of a minefield, and we can’t stress enough that faecal egg counts are a GUIDE to the number of worms inside animals. You must interpret them in light of all other information available! The TREND in FECs can often be as helpful as the absolute numbers. Repeat FEC monitoring of a mob of animals often gives better information than one count in isolation … I’ve got the FEC results – what do they mean?  The answer to this question usually …

The Government has finished its consultations on four elements of the essential freshwater work programme – changes to the low-slope map for stock exclusion, freshwater farm plans, changes to the intensive winter grazing rules and wetlands.  See here for more information including our factsheets and submissions . Essential freshwater rules released: update August 2020 On 5 August 2020 the Government released the freshwater policy, standards and stock exclusion regulations relating to this …

… – Breeding Livestock Farming Level 3 and 4  Level 3 Sheep, Beef and Deer New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture – Meat & Fibre Level 3 Level 3 Agriculture micro-credentials Livestock Feed Supply and Demand, Assist with management of …

… farming practices, including keeping stock out of waterways. Industry reputation – the primary sector needs to protect not only the country’s waterways, but also the whole farm environment. Resource management – some …