NZ scientists make breakthrough in Facial Eczema research
A significant breakthrough in understanding facial eczema (FE) in livestock brings New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s devastating impact on farmers, animals, and rural communities.
Crown research institute AgResearch has partnered with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) to survey attitudes among red meat eaters in Australia and the United States towards physical and mental wellness related to consumption of meat.
The United States and Australia both play crucial roles in the domestic and global red meat market, serving as major producers and exporters of red meat, and having substantial red meat consumption per capita.
When asked, more than 90% of survey participants across both countries indicated interest in purchasing red meat to improve their wellness, while approximately 85% indicated a willingness to pay more for red meat for potential wellness benefits.
AgResearch senior scientist Carolina Realini says that while survey participants from both countries shared a common view on improving physical energy as a key wellness aspect, their specific interests differed.
“American respondents showed greater interest in improving cognitive function and mood through the consumption of red meat, whereas Australians emphasized joint and gut health,” Realini says.
She says the nutritional benefit of red meat, such as beef and lamb is already well-documented in previous research.
“We still have some way to go to be able to provide compelling and specific evidence of physical and mental wellness benefits from red meat consumption,” she says.
“We know that red meat producers in New Zealand are currently facing significant challenges and are actively looking for opportunities for better prospects in the future,” Realini says.
She says the survey results suggest a promising opportunity for producers to develop tailored products to align with consumers’ wellness preferences, individual needs, and various life stages; and clearly communicating the benefits of these tailored offerings to consumers.
“As researchers, the onus is on us to provide the trusted, robust scientific evidence that supports the recommended levels of red meat consumption as beneficial for wellness,” Realini says. “Such evidence is crucial to enable the red meat industry to make health claims about their products with confidence, while policymakers are encouraged to promote healthier food choices.”
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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