Beef Progeny Test strengthens NZ beef genetics
Mating wrapped up last month at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri.
New Zealand's primary sector is being called on to help shape the future of the country's industry by sharing views and insights about the availability and use of genetic tools.
The Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme has launched its fourth annual industry survey aimed at farmers, beef breeders and rural professionals, including agricultural consultants and facilitators, stock agents and vets. The survey closes on Monday, December 9, 5pm.
INZB programme lead Dr Gemma Jenkins says findings from the previous surveys had already been incorporated into programme activities.
The seven-year programme aims to boost the sector's profits by $460m over the next 25 years. It is developing a beef genetic evaluation system that includes traits that are important to New Zealand beef farmers, supporting a sustainable beef farming industry.
"We really encourage farmers and others involved in the sector to complete this year's survey, even if they have already taken part in previous years. This enables us to measure changes in views and the uptake of genetic tools over time," says Jenkins.
The closure of the McCain processing plant and the recent announcement of 300 job losses at Wattie’s underscore the mounting pressure facing New Zealand’s manufacturing sector, Buy NZ Made says.
Specialist agriculture lender Oxbury has entered the New Zealand market, offering livestock finance to farmers.
New research suggests Aotearoa New Zealand farmers are broadly matching phosphorus fertiliser use to the needs of their soils, helping maintain relatively stable nutrient levels across the country’s agricultural land.
Helensville farmers, Donald and Kirsten Watson of Moreland Pastoral, have been named the Auckland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Marc and Megan Lalich were named 2026 Share Farmers of the Year at last night's Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Industry Awards.
William John Poole, a third year Agribusiness student at Massey University, has been awarded the Dr Warren Parker and Pāmu Scholarship.

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