Scene + Herd: Podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

The carbon footprint of New Zealand beef and lamb – what does the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) say?

Recently commissioned research has confirmed the carbon footprint of New Zealand beef and lamb is amongst the lowest in the world. Additionally, NZ’s sheepmeat is arguably “climate neutral” when warming effect of emissions and on-farm sequestration are both taken into account. Julian Ashby, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Chief Insight Officer, discusses why B+LNZ commissioned the research, how it was undertaken and how credible the results are.

For more information, check out the webpage: https://beeflambnz.com/news-views/important-new-research-nz-beef-and-lamb-carbon-footprint

Breakfeed: WormWise update on the ban on sale and use of Bionic capsules. May 2023

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

Farmers are being urged to consider other options to support ewe performance over lambing following a ban on the sale and use of Bionic Capsules. Ginny Dodunski, B+LNZ’s Wormwise Programme Manager, gives an update on the issue and what farmers can do.

For more information on managing internal parasites in ewes pre-lambing, check out our earlier podcast, “Wormwise tips for ewes pre-lamb and lambs at tailing.” https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/podcast/PC140-wormwise-tips-ewes

Breakfeed: On-farm biodiversity planning, with Professor David Norton

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

In this podcast as part of Otago Catchments Biodiversity Series, Professor David Norton explains how to plan for biodiversity in a farm planning context including dealing with regulations and why it’s important to work with others. This is part of a series created by a collaboration between Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Otago Catchment Community Inc, New Zealand Landcare Trust, with a special thanks to our host farmers, host catchment groups, and Prof. Norton.

Breakfeed: Why native biodiversity is important to farmers, with Professor David Norton

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

In this presentation as part of Otago Catchments Biodiversity Series, Professor David Norton explains why native biodiversity is important to farmers. This is part of a video series created by a collaboration between Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Otago Catchment Community Inc, New Zealand Landcare Trust, with a special thanks to our host farmers, host catchment groups, and Prof. Norton.

 

Breakfeed: Why farmers should think about native biodiversity, with Professor David Norton

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand 

 

In this presentation as part of the Otago Catchments Biodiversity Series, Professor David Norton explains what biodiversity is, why it’s important and his advice for incorporating biodiversity into your farm. 

This is part of a video series created by a collaboration between Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Otago Catchment Community Inc, New Zealand Landcare Trust, with a special thanks to our host farmers, host catchment groups, and Professor Norton. 

Bringing the best minds to the biggest challenges for sheep, beef and dairy farms

Recorded at the Beef + Lamb New Zealand 2023 AGM. Dan Brier, GM of Farming Excellence at B+LNZ, chairs a panel discussion with Dr Nick Sneddon of Massey University, Dr Axel Heizer of AgResearch and Veterinarian Ginny Dodunski of B+LNZ Wormwise. They discuss current and future research and investment in facial eczema, beef production from dairy genetics and internal parasite management.

World leading beef and lamb doesn’t grow on trees – the Kiwis Backing Farmers campaign

We’re joined by Gwyn Jones to discuss ‘Kiwis Backing Farmers’, a joint initiative from 50 Shades of Green and Beef + Lamb New Zealand. This is a simple way for Kiwis to support practical changes that work for the environment and farmers. We need your help to make the Government listen. For more information, visit https://kiwisbackingfarmers.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - Native plants as alternative forages

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Dr. James Millner (Massey University) talks about assessing native shrubs as an alternative forage for sheep and beef cattle as part of the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - How can knowing the soil temperature and moisture levels help farmers

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand 

Dr. Nathan Odgers (Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research) talks about how knowing their soil temperature and moisture levels helps farmers. This work is part of the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme, which was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - Setting up the sensor network

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Dr. Nathan Odgers (Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research) talks about setting up the sensor network that was used to measure soil temperature and moisture micro-indicators as part of the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - AgYields National Database

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Professor Derrick Moot (Lincoln University) talks about AgYields, a database of pasture and crop yields from throughout New Zealand, that was supported by the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - Soil and Fertiliser series

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Professor Derrick Moot (Lincoln University) talks about the soil and fertiliser factsheet series developed as part of the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme and why this information is important for farmers to know. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - The APSIM model

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Professor Derrick Moot (Lincoln University) talks about the development of the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator model (APSIM for short), which is one of the key tools to have come out of the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - The TGM model

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Professor Derrick Moot (Lincoln University) talks about the development of the thermal time-based (TGM) model within the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme and how is it going to help farmers with pasture planning. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - Study sites used to collect data

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Professor Derrick Moot (Lincoln University) talks about the different hill country study sites within the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - Legumes

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Professor Derrick Moot (Lincoln University) talks about how legumes can already help farmers tackle Greenhouse Gas emissions and climate change which was part of the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: B+LNZ’s Generation Next programme – Southland farmers Ben & Sarah Dooley

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Ben and Sarah Dooley farm just outside of Wyndham in Southland and together completed the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Generation Next Programme in 2018. The fourth-generation farmers caught up with B+LNZ National Extension Programme Manager Olivia Weatherburn to share their experience from the programme and reflect on how it has helped them get to where they are today.

Check out more about the B+LNZ Generation Next programme and how to apply by visiting https://beeflambnz.com/your-levies-at-work/blnz-generation-next-programme

 

 

Breakfeed: B+LNZ Generation Next Graduate Bayley Coates

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Back in 2018 Bayley Coates was starting to climb the agricultural ladder but was unsure where she was heading. Since then, she has taken on the management of a 285ha dry stock block in South Otago. She catches up with Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s National Extension Programme Manager Olivia Weatherburn and talks about how the B+LNZ Generation Next programme has helped her progress and how growing a wider network has been so beneficial.

Check out more about the B+LNZ Generation Next programme: https://beeflambnz.com/your-levies-at-work/blnz-generation-next-programme

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - Understanding the Mātauranga Māori of native shrubs

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Joan Ropiha (Massey University) talks about her PhD work as part of the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme assessing specific natives shrubs for sheep and beef forage and biodiversity enhancement. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

 

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures – FarmSalus

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

 Dr. Katherine Dixon (Nature Positive) and Angela McFetridge (Design and Capability Lead, Beef + Lamb New Zealand) talk about FarmSalus, the farmer wellbeing assessment tool which was created as part of the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

 

Grazing lucerne on Willesden Farm, with Tyler Good and Derrick Moot

Tyler Good is Finishing Manager for Willesden Farm on Banks Peninsula, Canterbury. In this podcast he discusses with Professor Derrick Moot of Lincoln University how he grazes a significant area of lucerne. In particular, they focus on lambing hoggets on lucerne, and finishing lambs to slaughter.

This podcast and the associated videos were funded by the Hill Country Futures programme. For more information, including the videos, visit https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

 

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - Farmer interviews

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

 

Angela McFetridge (Design and Capability Lead, Beef + Lamb New Zealand) and Dr. Katherine Dixon (Nature Positive) talk about the interview work within the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme and the conversations they had with farmers to learn what is important to them. Hill Country Futures is a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - Value of the programme to farmers

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

 

Dr. Adam Barker (Scarlatti) talks about estimating the benefit of the value of the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme and the benefits to hill country farming. Hill Country Futures is a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: B+LNZ’s Generation Next programme – Southland farmer Georgie Galloway

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Georgie Galloway continues to climb the ladder on the dry stock and fattening farm she has been employed on for the last 7 years. Back in 2019 she completed the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Generation Next Programme. She caught up with B+LNZ’s National Extension Programme Manager Olivia Weatherburn to share the key things she learned during the programme and the skills she still uses today because of it.

Check out more about the B+LNZ Generation Next programme and how to apply by visiting https://beeflambnz.com/your-levies-at-work/blnz-generation-next-programme

Breakfeed: B+LNZ’s Generation Next programme – Northland farmer Jake Herron

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Jake Herron was ready to leave the sheep and beef industry and lost his confidence before completing the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Generation Next Programme back in 2019. He has recently made a big move from Central Otago to Northland for his dream farm management role. Jake caught up with B+LNZ’s National Extension Programme Manager Olivia Weatherburn to share how a mentor and networking has helped him to where he is today.

Check out more about the B+LNZ Generation Next programme and how to apply by visiting https://beeflambnz.com/your-levies-at-work/blnz-generation-next-programme

Hill Country Futures: Panel discussion

Dr. Suzanne Keeling (Sector Science Strategy Manager, Beef + Lamb New Zealand), Professor Derrick Moot (Lincoln University) and Dr. Katherine Dixon (Nature Positive) give an overview of the Hill Country Futures Partnership programme and how it is supporting hill country farming. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and well-being of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

Breakfeed: Hill Country Futures - An introduction

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

An overview of the Hill Country Future Partnership programme presented by Sarah Perriam. Hill Country Futures was a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and well-being of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities. For more information: https://www.hillcountryfutures.co.nz/

An international perspective on sustainable farming – Kate Liversidge, Arla Foods

Recorded on a B+LNZ Farming for Profit webinar, August 2022.

Kate Liversidge is a Senior Manager of Agriculture Operations at Arla Foods. Arla Foods is one of the largest farmer-owned dairy cooperatives in the world and is passionate about producing high-quality milk in a responsible way. Arla’s dairy farmers are already among the most climate-efficient in the world, and they have created the world’s largest eternally-validated climate data set to aid the journey to carbon net zero by 2050.

Kate discusses market trends; environmental challenges; opportunities for farmers and how Arla tackles challenges with a consumer mindset.

Breakfeed: Wormwise tips for ewes pre-lamb and lambs at tailing

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Ginny Dodunski is Programme Manager for Wormwise, NZ’s national internal parasite management strategy. On this 1^st podcast, taken from several short videos she recorded, Ginny introduces Wormwise, and talks about the need (or otherwise) for drenching ewes pre-lamb or lambs at tailing/docking.

For more information, check out the Wormwise website https://wormwise.co.nz/ and check out the resources on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Knowledge Hub www.beeflambnz.com 

Greener Pastures: Priorities for a low-footprint, high-value food producing future

NZ’s pastures face challenges from climate change, the need to improve environmental outcomes, and changing consumer wants. The New Zealand Grassland Association has outlined a way forward for the $30+ billion pastoral industry through a green paper, which follows on from the 2021 Resilient Pastures Symposium. On this webinar recording, some of the paper’s authors discuss the 5 actions we should take.

 

 

EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement and NZ’s Red Meat sector

The recently signed European Union-New Zealand trade deal received a lot of media attention and there’s some confusion as to why the red meat sector is disappointed. To discuss why Beef + Lamb New Zealand hoped for more and to explain where NZ as a whole did get some gains, we are joined by Frances Duignan, our Senior Manager - International Trade. You can read our article here

Better Beef Breeding: the Informing New Zealand Beef Programme

Informing New Zealand Beef is a 7 year programme to provide NZ beef farmers with the ability to breed animals better suited to this country. It will develop tools for our unique farm systems, in particular a NZ-specific genetic evaluation. Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics Dan Brier (General Manager) and Anna Boyd (Genetics Operations Specialist) join us to discuss the planned programme. For more information: https://beeflambnz.com/your-levies-at-work/informing-new-zealand-beef-programme

The Dawkins Family: Marlborough Sheep & Beef Farmers of the Year 2021

Chris, Julia and Richard Dawkins run Pyramid Farm in Marlborough. It’s a diverse business targeting high productivity and profit in a challenging environment. On this podcast, recorded as a webinar for the Award’s field-day, they discuss how they have adapted, tailored and diversified their business. Plus discuss how they wean 60 kg of lamb per ewe when the area average is 40kg.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities- Industry panel

Recorded at a Beef + Lamb New Zealand webinar, Robyn Dynes (AgResearch), Andrew Morrison (B+LNZ Chair), Emma Crutchley, Mark Cox  and Nigel Woodhead speak about how farmers can be open to opportunities in the sector and things that farmers can do to remain resilient in a complex and ever-changing world.

 

 

Planning for Disruption, with Rob Macnab

Join Mark Harris, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Lead Extension Manager and Rob Macnab, TotalAg as they discuss how you can respond to disruption behind the farm gate. Topics include: how you can build resilience; options to handle disruption; key tips to making good decisions; continuing to survive and thrive despite outside impacts; plus experiences from farmers and other rural professionals.    

Ill thrift and autumn trace element management. Part 2: Mary Bowron on trace elements and minerals

This Beef + Lamb New Zealand webinar explains the many possible causes of autumn ill thrift, what we should look out for if our flock isn’t doing as well as we think they should.  Mary Bowron discusses trace elements and minerals through the Autumn period, what to look for, actions to take through this period.

Ill thrift and autumn trace element management. Part 1: Charlotte Westwood on plant physiology

This Beef + Lamb New Zealand webinar explains the many possible causes of autumn ill thrift, what we should look out for if our flock isn’t doing as well as we think they should. Charlotte Westwood speaks about understanding plant physiology in Autumn and how to get the most out of the pastures at this time for optimum growth and performance

Let’s find a better solution to the ETS: key questions about the agriculture emissions pricing options.

Following on from the ag-emissions pricing roadshows, DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel and Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Andrew Morrison discuss the background to the He Waka Eka Noa proposals, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Note consultation has now closed.

For more information, visit: https://beeflambnz.com/emissions-pricing-consultation

Brexit Redux: Two Years’ On

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 but that didn’t mean Brexit was done. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s International Trade Team, based in London and Wellington, discusses what has happened, what hasn’t, and what it means for New Zealand’s beef and sheepmeat exports.

Protecting your Patch – the key biosecurity actions for your farm Updated Jan 2022

On this Scene + Herd podcast we’re joined by Will Halliday, Senior Advisor for Biosecurity and Animal Welfare at Beef + Lamb New Zealand. We discuss the 7 key intervention points for each farm and its people to prevent or reduce risk from weeds, pests and diseases.

 

For more information, check out B+LNZ’s Drystock Biosecurity Guidelines and have a look at our online Biosecurity module

 

To get started on your Biosecurity Plan, try the Biosecurity 'Warrant of Fitness'

 

REMEMBER: If you have any concerns about a weed, a pest or a disease on your farm, call MPI on 0800 809966.

Climate science, policy and NZ farming

Applying climate science to the Emissions Trading Scheme, He Waka Eke Noa and emissions targets.

Dave Frame and Adrian Macey are world leaders in the science of climate change and its application in policy. This discussion focuses on moving the conversation from emissions to warming and NZ agriculture’s ongoing contribution to warming. It covers how He Waka Eke Noa demonstrates the sector’s commitment to taking action, and the relative roles of targets, metrics and pricing. Find out more about issues such as why knowing your numbers is important, the GWP* metric and what going into the ETS would mean for agriculture.

Finding our talents and growing our wellbeing with Doug Avery

Finding our talents and growing our wellbeing are key strategies to handling the challenges of life. On a Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farming for Profit webinar, Doug Avery shared this practical look at how you find great ability to grow your life and your business.  Doug also gave tips on helping others who are doing it tough.

The Great Stocking Rate Debate

Recorded live at a Beef + Lamb New Zealand Marlborough Farming for Profit Field day, this debate is a light hearted and amusing discussion on whether to measure farm production on a per head or per hectare performance. Starring Ian Knowles, Jo Grigg, Fraser Avery, and Dr Anne Ridler, facilitated by Greg Sheppard

Breakfeed: Equity Growth Pathways for Farm Ownership, with Will Meads, Senior Relationship Manager ANZ

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

After the B+LNZ Central Canterbury Farming for Profit “Connected to you - moving up the ladder” seminar we caught up with guest speaker Will Meads, Senior Relationship Manager ANZ. Will discusses how to get into an equity growth pathway to achieve farm ownership.   

Breakfeed: Sarah Barr, Coach Approach Rural

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

After the B+LNZ Central Canterbury Farming for Profit “Connected to you - moving up the ladder” seminar we caught up with guest speaker Sarah Barr, Coach Approach Rural, to talk through ways to highlight future pathways for growth and upskilling along each stage of a farming career. Her key topics include communication, mentoring and where to start with staff and people management.  

Breakfeed: Boyd MacDonald, General Manager of Lonestar Farms

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

After the B+LNZ Central Canterbury Farming for Profit “Connected to you - moving up the ladder” seminar we caught up with guest speaker Boyd MacDonald, GM Lonestar Farms to talk through his career pathway,  advice around how to make the most of your career opportunities in order to climb the ladder and how Lonestar Farms approaches supporting farm staff in training and career progression.   

Breakfeed: Jamie Fitzgerald, modern day adventurer

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

After the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Central Canterbury Farming for Profit “Connected to you - moving up the ladder” seminar we caught up with guest speaker Jamie Fitzgerald to talk through tackling the big challenges. Jamie is a modern-day adventurer who has walked unaided to the South Pole, holds the world record for rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, fronts television documentaries First Crossings & Intrepid NZ and is CEO of consultancy business, Inspiring Performance.  

Making Change: Farm business gains through Beef + Lamb New Zealand Action Groups

This panel discussion recorded live at B+LNZ’s FarmSmart Conference 2021 was facilitated by Denise Bewsell with four farmers from different Action Groups who discussed the changes they have made to their businesses as a result of being part of the programme.

To find out more about B+LNZ Action Groups, visit https://beeflambnz.com/action-groups

Breakfeed: A practical and realistic approach to Farm Succession Planning, with Richard Parkes

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Richard Parkes is a partner at Cavell-Leitch and a leading legal expert in Agribusiness matters. Richard also has a particular interest in assisting farming families with farm succession plans and asset protection structures. He spoke to the 2021 FarmSmart conference about where farm succession usually goes wrong, and the keys to getting it right

Breakfeed: Be a product of your choices rather than your challenges, with Dave Clouston

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Dave Clouston was born and bred in the Mackenzie Country, farmed in a family partnership, went through succession, development and a turn as a Monitor Farmer, before a serious farm accident changed it all. Dave talks about facing change and adversity, and how he has learned that people are more often a product of their choices rather than the challenges they have faced.