increase font size
The study has revealed that spores linked to FE are present from Northland all the way down to Otago.
Reecently Beef + Lamb New Zealand hosted a webinar giving farmers an update on findings from the Sheep Poo study, featuring Dr Cara Brosnahan and vet Ginny Dodunski. This study, which is entering its final year, is a key part of the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme and is helping build a clearer picture of how FE affects farms nationwide.
B+LNZ says there is still time for farmers interested in getting involved, as the third season starts soon.
Top findings learnt through season 1 and 2:
Traditionally thought to be a problem confined to the North Island, the study has revealed that spores linked to FE are present from Northland all the way down to Otago.
“FE risk isn’t just seasonal or regional,” said Brosnahan.
“We’ve seen spore activity stretch into May and June, and it’s not limited by geography.”
The study also looked at how farmers in the study are currently managing FE risk:
These numbers reflect a growing awareness of the need for long-term solutions. But the study didn’t stop there.
The study is also looking into what are risk factors of FE. Could elevation be a factor? Is FE risk clustered in certain areas? Does grazing behaviour make a difference?
To answer these, data from each year will be analysed to help confirm these patterns.
B+LNZ says that early evidence suggests that if your neighbour has high spore counts, you might too. Elevation and pasture height are also emerging as important factors. The higher the elevation, the fewer FE spores were found in the faeces. In contrast, lower pasture height was linked to increased spore presence. Understanding these localised risks could be key to developing targeted interventions and management strategies.
While season 1 and 2 have given significant insights that will pave the way for creating an effective risk assessment tools and solutions for managing FE, there is still work to be done.
B+LNZ says it needs more farmers to join the study.
By joining the final season of the largest facial eczema study of its kind, farmers can help build a national solution to a disease that costs the livestock industries over $330 million each year. Participation is free, and farmers receive fortnightly spore count results which can help inform proactive management decisions.
“We’re closer than ever to understanding FE. With farmer input, we can find the tools that really work,” said Brosnahan.
New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) encourages afforestation while not achieving climate goals, says a new report released by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton.
Are you ready for El Nino? That’s the question asked by Beef+Lamb NZ’s Ian Tarbotton who leads B+LNZ’s farm extension service.
Will a stronger, more coordinated voice help rebuild confidence and improve returns in the wool sector?
Beef+Lamb New Zealand and the Ag Emissions Centre have launched a new research project aimed at helping beef farmers reduce methane emissions without impacting productivity or profitability.
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
OPINION: David Seymour and James Meager's plan to make it easier for farmers and orchardists to operate drones can best be described a 'courageous' move.
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
A partnership between state-owned enterprise Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) and charity Meet the Need is putting more than quality New Zealand beef into food bank parcels this year.
The Opportunity Party has faced criticism during the election campaign that its policies are too urban-focused and offer little for rural communities.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
