Massey University trials superior beef genetics in dairy farms with Beef+Lamb NZ
Massey University has begun trialling the use of superior beef genetics in its two dairy farms as part of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's dairy beef progeny test.
A hub farm in each of Beef + Lamb NZ’s seven regions and more focus groups are being rolled out for the red meat sector this year.
This is part of B+LNZ’s refreshed strategy, where it is lifting investment into their extension programme and putting more boots on the ground to help and guide farmers.
B+LNZ chief executive Alan Thomson told the organisation’s annual meeting in Rotorua today that the biggest changes under their refreshed strategy are in the extension area.
“What we heard from farmers during the strategy review is you wanted more boots on the ground helping farmers.
“In the last year we have been focused on recruiting great people to deliver the focus groups and hub farm programmes.
“Focus groups are small group learning initiatives that focus on a specific area of on-farm business or performance.
“All the research shows that these kinds of learning environments drive the most change on farm.”
Thomson says they have begun rolling out focus groups in all the regions.
By contrast, a hub farm showcases real-time farm business changes from implementing a change on the farm.
He adds that the aim over the coming year will be to set one hub farm up in each region.
“For both the focus groups and hub farms farmer council input has been critical and I’d like to sincerely thank them for their important work.”
Business Advisors and Accountants (BFA) and Craigs Investment Partners will be hosting an event later this month where they will take a deeper look at the practical and emotional side of succession planning.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says the Government needs to close loopholes in the guidance around limits on carbon forestry as news of further whole-farm sales emerges.
Sales of premium brand Envy apples are booming in Taiwan.
Sheep milk powder and products exporter Maui Milk is partnering with one of China’s biggest dairy players to boost its market presence.
Ngai Tahu's legal action seeking self-determination (rangatiratanga) over fresh water could have huge implications for the future of farming, the viability of farming businesses, and our wider rural communities, says Federated Farmers national vice president Colin Hurst.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
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