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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.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
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