increase font size
Facial eczema costs the NZ livestock industry an estimated $332 million annually.
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..
Autumn calves are born in kinder conditions than what their spring cousins enjoy. But it takes a careful nutrition regime and a close eye on growth targets to capitalise on the opportunity nature, through pasture, offers this time of year.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
Wintering decisions shape the success of early lactation.
The dairy sector is in a strong position, with high milk prices, declining interest rates, and renewed confidence.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.
