Breakthrough in Facial Eczema research offers hope for New Zealand farmers
A breakthrough in the understanding of Facial Eczema (FE) in livestock could bring New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s impact.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on livestock farmers to take part in a survey measuring the financial impact of facial eczema (FE).
The results will help shape practical solutions through the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme.
The survey deadline has been extended to 14 March 2025, giving farmers more time to share their experiences and go in the draw to win one of five Greenlea Meats vouchers.
FE costs the New Zealand livestock industry an estimated $332 million annually, yet its full impact on individual farms is still not well understood. Whether or not you’ve had issues with FE, your insights will help researchers develop targeted strategies to reduce costs and improve management.
Dr Suzi Keeling, B+LNZ’s head of science and research, says farmer participation is vital.
“The insights we are already gaining from the survey reinforce the need for practical, affordable solutions to help farmers manage FE. The more farmers who take part, the stronger the data will be,” she says.
Early responses highlight key challenges— many farmers find preventative treatments costly and labour-intensive, while most see pasture spore counting as a valuable monitoring tool.
“We know farmers are already stretched, but this is a chance to have your say and ensure the solutions being developed genuinely work for you.”
The survey takes 15–20 minutes to complete and asks for farm financial and management data, such as revenue, stock classes, and animal health costs.
EFEI Programme
B+LNZ is leading the $20.75 million, seven-year EFEI programme, co-funded by the Government through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFFF) fund. The programme focuses on:
“This is your opportunity to make a difference,” says Dr Suzi Keeling.
“By sharing your experience, you’re helping build tools and strategies that will support farming businesses and communities for years to come.”
All responses are anonymous and will directly inform practical tools and solutions.
To complete the survey or learn more, visit www.beeflambnz.com/efei or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Good Carbon Farm has partnered with Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust to deliver its first project in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.
The Government says it is sharpening its focus and support for the food and fibre industry in Budget 2025.
A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.
A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.
Healthcare appears to be the big winner in this year's budget as agriculture and environment miss out.
OPINION: Imagine if the Hound had called the Minister of Finance the 'c-word' and accused her of "girl math".
OPINION: It's good news that Finance Minister Nicola Willis has slashed $1.1 billion from new spending, citing "a seismic global…