Wednesday, 10 April 2024 11:55

$20m facial eczema research funding announced

Written by  David Anderson
The FE partnership – jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government and the primary sector – was announced at this year’s Central Districts Field Days. The FE partnership – jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government and the primary sector – was announced at this year’s Central Districts Field Days.

Government and the red meat sector are teaming up to help eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) on farmed animals.

The $20 million partnership - jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector - aims to save farmers an estimated NZ$322 million per year on FE losses, as well as reduce their reliance on zinc dosing as a preventative measure.

FE can reduce animal growth rates, fertility and production while significantly impacting animal health.

At present, there is no cure for the disease, with limited management tools available.

FE causes an estimated $332 million impact annually to farmers through slower livestock growth rates and can cause the loss of a significant amount of stock during severe outbreaks.

The disease, associated with a toxin-producing fungus, not only affects the financial bottom line for farmers but is a pressing animal health issue. With climate change, the disease is expected to spread more widely across New Zealand.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the program will support multiple approaches, building on research, and bringing together many of the country's top researchers.

"Prevention solutions such as early detection, mitigation and management options are key to the programme. Decision support tools will also be collaboratively developed with farmers and rural professionals."

McClay added that this will be complemented by the FE breeding value for dairy cows recently announced by the Livestock Improvement Corporation.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) says it welcomes the Government's $8.3 million commitment to combat FE.

It says the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme is valued at $20.75 million over a seven-year period and is a collaborative effort.

B+LNZ has committed $9 million, alongside the Government's $8.3 million funding commitment through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund with the remaining in-kind funding coming from contributions from 13 industry partners.

"Recognising the severe impact of this disease on farm productivity, profitability and animal health, the collaboration between B+LNZ, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), and partners marks the most significant step forward in decades towards managing a disease that has been impacting sheep, beef and dairy farmers for over 100 years," the industry body says.

The funding announcement was made earlier this month by Minister for Agriculture, Todd McClay and B+LNZ board chair, Kate Acland at the Central Districts Field Days in Fielding, with Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon in attendance.

“This announcement is timely, giving a confidence boost to our sector as we grapple with the impact of two years of poor returns coupled with recovery from major weather events and a challenging summer for many,” Acland says. “The EFEI programme will undoubtedly improve farm productivity and profitability overtime.”

She adds that by eliminating the impact of FE, will see improvements in both the physical health of livestock, increased productivity and better returns for our farmers.

More like this

Unsung heroes under the soil

Much of the scientific work being carried out at the Massey University led regenerative agriculture project, Whenua Haumanu, is below the ground.

Competition culls 13,000 goats

A collaborative effort between hunters, landowners, and conservation organisations has seen the successful removal of 12,935 wild goats during the second annual National Competition.

Lamb crop drop

There's been a dramatic and larger than expected drop in the number of lambs produced in New Zealand.

Featured

New UHT plant construction starts

Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.

National

Machinery & Products

GEA launches robotic milkers

Milking technology provider GEA Farm Technologies is introducing its first automatic milking system (AMS) in New Zealand.

More front hoppers

German seeding specialists Horsch have announced a new 1600- litre double-tank option that will join its current Partner FT single…

Origin Ag clocks up 20 years

With roots dating back to 2004, Origin Ag was formed as a co-operative business model that removed the traditional distributor,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Dark ages

OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought…

Rhymes with?

OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be,…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter