March 19, 2019
Dr Jason Archer (Abacus Bio) and Max Tweedie (B+LNZ Genetics) chat with the Beef Progeny Test Farm Managers, to discuss what they have found and observed so far, including their thoughts on the value of high genetic worth bulls. The B+LNZ Genetics Beef Progeny Test was launched in 2014 and is generating valuable commercial insights for farmers. The Beef Progeny Test compares bulls under New Zealand commercial farming conditions. The test now involves over 3000 beef and dairy cow matings each year, on five large properties across New Zealand. A mix of both internationally-sourced and New Zealand semen is used. Steers and cull heifers are assessed on their carcase traits, while replacement heifers are tracked for their ongoing maternal characteristics. For more information: https://www.blnzgenetics.com/progeny-tests/beef-progeny-tests
March 4, 2019
On this ‘Scene + Herd’ podcast we’re joined by Jeff Morton, who in previous careers worked on soil science for both AgResearch and Ballance. We discuss the keys to making the most from your fertiliser and lime budget, what farmers should focus on and what they shouldn’t stress over. To find copies of the essential resources on fertiliser, lime, forage cropping and trace elements that Jeff mentions, visit the Fertiliser Association website: http://www.fertiliser.org.nz/Site/resources/booklets.aspx
March 1, 2019
The New Zealand Grassland Association conference is NZ’s premiere pastoral farming science conference. In 2019 it’s in Napier, from Tuesday 5 till Thursday 7 November. Local Organising Committee chair Jeff Morton joins us to discuss the conference programme. A chance to hear the latest grassland research, and discuss it with researchers, industry people and other farmers. Keep an eye on the NZGA website for more detail https://www.grassland.org.nz/
‘Break-Feeds’ are short podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand to let you know about interesting things happening.
December 23, 2018
B+LNZ Environmental Policy Manager Corina Jordan outlines the environmental opportunities facing the sector and the work the team is doing to help farmers navigate regional and national policy changes.
September 3, 2018
Tips and tricks on where you can influence your Regional Council decision makers most. Get involved in three key areas: Pre-plan feedback, writing a submission & presenting at the hearing. Hear from Colin Hurst, a farmer who has successfully been through this process and Andrew Fenemor, a hearing commissioner who explains effective methods for being heard. For more information on this matter read this comprehensive fact sheet from B+LNZ’s Environment Team: https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/how-make-council-plans-work-you
July 26, 2018
Sowing a short-term crop after a winter fodder crop may reduce N leaching by 40-50%. On this Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Scene + Herd’ podcast, Brendon Malcolm of Plant & Food Research discusses how it works, the issues to consider and how to get the best results. Plus, there is a bonus discussion on some of the basics of N leaching. For more information on the research, visit DairyNZ’s Forages for Reduced Nitrogen Leaching webpage https://www.dairynz.co.nz/about-us/research/forages-for-reduced-nitrate-leaching/
This podcast is a sequel to the episode on good management practice for winter grazing.
July 11, 2018
What will hill country farming in New Zealand look like in 2040? How will farmers respond to demands placed upon them by consumers, environmental and animal welfare regulations and the general public?
Guy Salmon, Environmentalist and Executive Director of Ecologic; Robyn Dynes, AgResearch Science Impact Leader, Farm Systems and Environment; Chris Chamberlain, Banks Peninsula farmer; and Rich McDowell, principal scientist for AgResearch’s Invermay Environment Group discuss what they see as the challenges and opportunities for this country’s hill country farming systems. Panel Discussion facilitated by Richard Green, agribusiness thought-leader and professional Director.
