Scene + Herd: Podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Breakfeed: High performance bull farming with Central Otago farmer Ben Trotter

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

 Central Otago farmer Ben Trotter gave a practical overview of profitable bull beef finishing to the 2020 Beef + Lamb NZ Progressive Ag Conference. He discussed how you could make a system like his work for your business

Breakfeed: “Right tree, right place” with Stuart Orme, Forestry Consultant

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Independent forestry consultant Stuart Orme spoke at the 2020 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Progressive Ag Conference. He discusses how multiple uses of plants/trees can add value to a farming operation and reduce overall farm emissions without a negative impact on the normal farm business.

For more information check out these resources:

https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/trees-farm.pdf 

https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/one-billion-trees  

70 years of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Economic Service and the Sheep and Beef Survey, with Rob Davison

Today we celebrate our 100th Scene + Herd podcast, and soon we will reach 100,000 unique downloads!

 

Rob Davison, who has been at B+LNZ for over 40 years talks about why the Economic Service was formed back in 1950, how they go about their job and what they provide for our red meat industry. Much of the information from the Farm Survey is available for you to use, free of charge, from our website or on request.

 

We posted our first podcast back in April 2016, and quickly learned that it is a great way for farmers to tune into interesting topics while keeping busy on-farm.  We’ve covered everything from farm Health and Safety to consumer preferences in China, but hearing from farmers and other experts in farm management is one of the main reasons for the channel. If you’re a new listener or long-term, swipe to check out the most popular interviews.

 

 

Otago Regional Council Plan Change 7 and the Omnibus (PC 1 and 8) Plan Change

Are you wondering what the recent proposed changes to Otago’s water and waste plans might mean for you? Are you thinking about making a submission?

 

Join Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Olivia Ross on this podcast to hear from Lauren Philips, B+LNZ Environmental Policy Manager for the South Island about the latest Otago Regional Council Plan Change and what this will be mean for farmers. Two plan changes to the Otago Regional Plan have been notified by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) which will affect drystock and dairy farmers in Otago – the Omnibus Plan Change (PC 1 and 8) and Plan Change 7 (Deemed Permits). (The Omnibus Plan Change has two names, with the other name being the Water Quality Plan Change).

 

Check out our webpage for more information 

Straightforward advice to be safer on farm, with Al McCone of Worksafe

Did you know that 50% of accidents on farm happen after 3pm? And that there are 3 simple steps you can take to dramatically reduce the impact of some of the most common accidents? Al McCone is Engagement Lead at Worksafe, and joins us for an update to his earlier podcast (link below). As well as some fascinating stats about when accidents occur and why, he discusses 3 key things Worksafe recommend to give farmers a ‘softer landing’ in the event of an accident: seatbelts, Crush Prevention Devices (CPDs) on quad bikes, and devices that can autonomously send a signal for help. In the longer term, Al suggests we start looking at how we work to see if there are changes we can make to reduce the probability of incidents occurring.

 

Al’s earlier podcast is here: Farming Health and Safety 

 

Details about ACC’s support for the costs of CPDs is here: Helping to buy crush protection devices for quad bikes at work 

Breakfeed: Catchment Community Groups – the good, the bad and the better

In the third podcast from our Catchment Community Group (CCG) forum Peter Mitchell (North Otago), Mark Adams (Fairlie), Josh Brown (North Canterbury), Roger Dalrymple (Rangitikei), Anna Nelson (King Country) and Rick Burke (Bay of Plenty) tell us about some of the things that can go wrong, how to get the messages out to the community and others, and answer a range of questions from listeners.

 

For more detail, check out our Catchment Community Group Programme webpage

 

More background on the farmer speakers and their groups 

Challenges & opportunities for the remainder of 2020 & beyond – Susan Kilsby, Economist

Susan Kilsby became ANZ Bank’s Agriculture Economist in late 2018. As NZ arguably faces the toughest economic situation since World War 2, Susan discusses how the primary industry can prepare our businesses to be resilient to economic downfall. She will also touch on trends seen in other sectors and future predictions for the second half of 2020.

Animal Health Management with Trevor Cook

Trevor Cook from Totally Vets Manawatu is well-known by farmers around the country for his work in farm consultancy, extension and research. 
In this call, Trevor will share his knowledge and insights for fine tuning your animal health plan following the dry autumn and heading into lambing and calving.

Breakfeed: Good advice for Catchment Community Groups

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

In the second podcast from our Catchment Community Group (CCG) forum, we get advice, tips and tricks for setting up and operating a Catchment Community Group. Hear from Peter Mitchell (North Otago), Mark Adams (Fairlie), Josh Brown (North Canterbury), Roger Dalrymple (Rangitikei), Anna Nelson (King Country) and Rick Burke (Bay of Plenty)

 For more detail, check out our Catchment Community Group Programme webpage

More background on the farmer speakers and their groups 

Breakfeed: Why be part of a Catchment Community Group?

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

In this first podcast from our Catchment Community Group (CCG) forum, we talk with a group of farmers about their groups, why they were formed and what they are doing. Hear how CCGs are about so much more than just water from Peter Mitchell (North Otago), Mark Adams (Fairlie), Josh Brown (North Canterbury), Roger Dalrymple (Rangitikei), Anna Nelson (King Country) and Rick Burke (Bay of Plenty)

 For more detail, check out our Catchment Community Group Programme webpage

More background on the farmer speakers and their groups 

Breakfeed: Orphan Lamb Rearing, with Kerry Harmer

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

 

Kerry Harmer and her husband Paul farm Castleridge Station in the Ashburton Gorge and were concerned about the economic loss associated with lamb wastage, as well as the animal welfare implications. 

Determined to address the issue, the couple have set up a lamb-rearing system – which includes automatic feeders – that minimises lamb losses and generates a profit of $50/head (including labour costs). Kerry was a popular presenter on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Ladies’ Virtual Muster and joins Regional Associate Briar Huggett to discuss the Harmers’ journey and tips and tricks she has for other lamb rearers.

 

NZAgBiz Feed guide for calves, lambs and other animals 

Artificial lamb rearing - Managing abomasal bloat 

Video: Orphan lamb rearing 

Early- to late-pregnancy nutritional management of ewes, with Professor Paul Kenyon, Massey University

The second podcast in the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Taranaki Farming for Profit Lifting Sheep Productivity series features Professor Paul Kenyon, Head of the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences at Massey University.  Paul has led a considerable amount of sheep research focused on improving on-farm productivity and profitability and is a key contributor to many of B+LNZ’s resource booklets and factsheets.

In this podcast, Paul discusses taking care of ewes through pregnancy, making sure their feed needs are met for health, welfare and productivity.

 

For more information, check out our resource book “A Guide to Feed Planning for Sheep Farmers” 

You can also watch the video of Paul’s presentation with his slides.

Hannah Miller, A Lady Butcher

At the age of 10, Hannah knew she wanted to work with food, and a few years on she is doing exactly that. Little did she know that moving to London and beginning her butchery apprenticeship would lead to a life focused on sustainability and zero-waste eating. Ten years and six continents later she is known as the lady of “A Lady Butcher”. Her passion is creating purposeful meats from New Zealand products and to create truly local charcuterie. Hear her inspiring journey as she joins Beef + Lamb NZ Southern South Island Extension Manager Olivia Ross to discuss how starting a business was for her along with how to get the most out of NZ meat products.

 

Check out Hannah’s webpage 'A Lady Butcher’  along with the Meat Business Women - the professional networking group for women working in the meat industry

Use of ewe pregnancy diagnosis (scanning) information, with Professor Paul Kenyon, Massey University

The first of this Beef + Lamb New Zealand Taranaki Farming for Profit Lifting Sheep Productivity series features Professor Paul Kenyon, Head of the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences at Massey University.  Paul has led a considerable amount of sheep research focused on improving on-farm productivity and profitability and is a key contributor to many of B+LNZ’s resource booklets and factsheets.

In this podcast, Paul shares many of his insights and key performance indicators for a high-performance sheep system.

For more information, check out our resource book “Make every mating count” 

On-Farm Experiences Build Support for Farmers, with Dr James Turner of AgResearch

In early 2020, the first Open Farms day was held, with 45 farms welcoming non-farming visitors. The “Our Land and Water National Science Challenge” surveyed those visitors to find out their thoughts about the opportunity and on farming in general. We’re joined by Senior Social Scientist at AgResearch Dr. James Turner to discuss the survey findings, what it means or could mean for farming in New Zealand, and also to talk about the work of the National Science Challenges.

 B+LNZ article on the survey

 Open Farms website

 Our Land an Water National Science Challenge

Breakfeed: Resilience in farming, with Andy Fox, sheep and beef farmer

(Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand)

 

Fourth-generation North Canterbury farmer Andy Fox has personally experienced and beaten the “down side” of stress and knows the difference the support of others can make when times are tough. Over the last 30 years, Andy has created 40 top lessons from his farming experiences. In this presentation for the B+LNZ Southland Farming for Profit ‘Strategic Pathways to Success’ seminar  he discusses some of his key tips and how you can apply them in your business.

Breakfeed: Feed shortage strategies with Deane Carson, Agri-business consultant

(Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand)

 

Every week is changing when it comes to combating feed shortages and planning for future is as crucial as ever to ensure that feed levels come spring are adequate. In this presentation for the B+LNZ Southland Farming for Profit ‘Strategic Pathways to Success’ seminar, Deane takes us through some strategies to consider as we head into the winter and coping with excess stock numbers.

Breakfeed: Meat the Need – farmers feeding New Zealanders

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

‘Meat the Need’ is a charitable programme to supply high quality red meat to families in need in New Zealand. We’re joined by the people behind the charity, Siobhan O’Malley and Wayne Langford, to discuss how it works and where the idea came from, why more farmers should take part and what they can do to support it.

For more information, check out the article on B+LNZ’s website and visit the programme’s website. You can also follow Meat the Need on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Breakfeed: More and better lambs, just by checking ewes’ udders, with Anne Ridler, Massey University

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Lambs born to ewes with udder defects are 3 times more likely to die, and those that survive will be about 2kg lighter at weaning on average. Anne Ridler is Associate Professor of Sheep and Beef Cattle Health and Production at Massey University, and on this podcast she discusses how a simple udder check can significantly improve productivity of a flock. We discuss the research, when to check udders and what to look for.

For more detail, check out the video and factsheet:

Video 

Factsheet 

Bouncing forward from a crisis, with Doug Avery

Storyteller, author, company director and ‘once a farmer’ – Doug Avery is well known for the transformation of his farming business and, just as significantly, his personal transformation. He joins us to talk about his advice for farm families in this time of crisis, including how to see the silver lining and how to share the load. For more detail, check out his article on the Beef + Lamb New Zealand website, and his website where you can find a copy of his book.

Doug’s article

Doug’s Resilient Farmer website 

Rural Support Trust 

Drought Drop in: Managing finances through a drought, COVID-19 and beyond

On this Drought Drop in Briar Huggett discusses financial planning and decision making through a drought, COVID-19 and in to the future with Dan Billing, ANZ Senior Relationship Manager and Sean Stafford, ANZ Regional Manager (Wairarapa/Tararua).

For resources on getting through a drought follow this link to the Beef + Lamb drought resources. 

Autumn animal health with Ginny Dodunski. Part 2: Cattle

Ginny Dodunski is a Senior Vet with Totally Vets, Taumaranui. In her 1st podcast she discussed issues for sheep flocks in autumn and early winter. This week in Part 2 she shares her advice on looking after cattle in autumn and winter, whether calves, drystock or pregnant cows and heifers. Internal parasites are a hot topic again, Cooperia and Liver Fluke in particular. As well as the possibility of trace element deficiency, Ginny stresses the value of monitoring and testing to find the cause. As always, many animal health challenges start with nutrition and Ginny reinforces the need for Body Condition Scoring for cows too. Plus much more!
Links:
Ginny’s article  
The Wormwise resource book
The Wormwise learning module
Beef Cow Body Condition Scoring 
Totally Vets’ Poisonous Plants & Toxic Compounds webpage 

 

Update on research into Catch Crops, which may reduce N leaching after winter crops

We’re joined by Plant and Food Research’s Brendon Malcom and Shane Maley, for an update on their research into catch crops – annual crops sown after winter forage crops that may reduce N leaching. They discuss the key success factors such as early sowing, using the right equipment, getting a good plant population (and how to do that), and, ironically, where a dressing of N fertiliser can also help. Plus, they update us on their research, including work done in Southland, and much more.

Their previous podcast is here: https://beeflambnz.podbean.com/e/catch-crops-a-way-to-reduce-n-leaching-after-winter-crops-with-dr-brendon-malcolm-plant-food-research/

Breakfeed: A growing interest in beef and sheepmeat in China, in the wake of COVID-19

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

We’re joined by Hugh Good, B+LNZ’s Global Market Intelligence & Research Manager, to discuss the initial impact of COVID-19 on the behaviour of consumers in China, and what it means for our beef and sheepmeat. Some fascinating findings about what is happening as China comes out of the pandemic, including demand for red meat, changes in buying and eating patterns, and a boost for beef in comparison to pork. What does this mean for NZ exports, and will the impacts be long term? Plus, the value of social media as a source of market intelligence.

[EDIT: originally it was reported that wet market lockdown would be nationwide, this was amended later to only the closure of wet markets selling wild animals - others remained open. The podcast has been edited to reflect this.]

For more information, read our article here https://beeflambnz.com/news-views/growing-interest-beef-and-sheepmeat-china The full report is available at that link (PDF 2MB)

 

Autumn animal health with Ginny Dodunski. Part 1: Sheep

Ginny is a Senior Vet with Totally Vets, Taumaranui, well known in sheep and beef circles throughout the North Island for her animal health work, her research and her involvement in B+LNZ extension activity. She joins us to talk about some key issues for sheep farmers in any autumn, but in particular when feed is tight. We talk about internal parasites in lambs, what it takes to get a good lamb from a good hogget that becomes a good 2-tooth, and the value of Body Condition Scoring for ewe flocks.

Links:

Ginny’s article
The Wormwise resource book  
The Wormwise learning module  
Ewe body condition scoring module 

Breakfeed: Lee Matheson’s priorities for farm systems this autumn

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

As we head into winter in a ‘normal’ year, it’s the time to set up for next spring and summer. This is especially important when feed supply is affected by weather events such as drought, and in 2020 is compounded by restrictions on processing and sale yards. Lee Matheson is an agribusiness consultant and Managing Director of Perrin Ag. He joins us to discuss his priorities for farm businesses at this time of year, including sticking to plans, making objective decisions on the most profitable use of feed in front of us (rather than feed already eaten), setting a ‘drop dead’ date (and what that means), the opportunity to re-examine goals and objectives, and much more.

Tom Fraser: Back to Basics

In our second chat with Tom, following on from his ‘Tactics for Tough Times’ advice, we talk about longer term farm management. Tom’s advice is simple – stick to the basics. But what does he mean by that, and what are the basics? We talk about understanding animal requirements, managing complex sheep and beef systems successfully, feed planning, assessing pastures and feed, and much more.

 

To find the feed planning resources Tom refers to, visit  https://beeflambnz.com/news-views/feed-budgeting

Breakfeed: Selling livestock when the saleyards are closed, with Rob Macnab of TotalAg

Breakfeeds are shorter podcasts from Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Online selling of livestock had slowly been growing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the nationwide lockdown removed the opportunity of the traditional saleyards. While they can’t replace the social contact, Rob Macnab, farmer and Agribusiness Consultant with TotalAg joins us to discuss some of the options out there to sell stock online, and discusses their finer points. Plus, he reminds us that we still need that social contact and sharing of ideas with others in farming, and has some suggestions on how to do that.

 For more detail, check out Rob’s article for B+LNZ: https://beeflambnz.com/news-views/how-sell-stock-uncertain-world

Tom Fraser: Tactics for Tight Times

Few people are as well-known and as well respected in the Farm Systems Science space as Tom Fraser of Fraser Pastoral (formerly AgResearch and DSIR). A very popular speaker at Beef + Lamb New Zealand events, Tom joins us to discuss options for managing times when feed supply is tight on farm be it through drought, flood or lack of processing capacity.

 

To find the B+LNZ resources Tom refers to, check out our website.
Feed planning
Body condition scoring
Extreme Dry Management

Lanercost and OverseerFM: making informed business decisions on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Future Farm

B+LNZ’s 1st Future Farm is Lanercost, a 1310ha property in the hills near Cheviot. One of the key tools the Future Farm uses to help its planning is OverseerFM.

On this podcast we talk with Kirsti Lovie, Future Farms Insight Manager at B+LNZ and Alastair Taylor, Business Development Manager for Overseer Ltd, about how the model has grown from its early use to do soil fertility recommendations, and how Lanercost now use it to assess stocking decisions.

We discuss how they use it to provide information that can be used for programmes such as NZ Farm Assurance Programme and Taste Pure Nature, and how it is used in conjunction with other farm software such as Farmax and FarmIQ to make proactive farming decisions, while at the same time addressing regulatory requirements. We also discuss new uses of the tool, such as assessing and planning carbon sequestration.

For more information on the Future Farm, visit https://www.futurefarm.co.nz
For more on OverseerFM go to https://www.overseer.org.nz/
And visit B+LNZ’s YouTube channel for some background videos on OverseerFM https://www.youtube.com/user/beeflambnz/playlists

 

Draft National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity Consultation

Corina Jordan (B+LNZ's Environment Policy Lead) explains the Government’s new proposed National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity and its implications for sheep and beef farmers. Consultations close on 14 March.

Please check out the B+LNZ website for information about attending a workshop and making a submission at https://beeflambnz.com/npsbiodiversity2020  

Download the presentation slideshow at https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/national-policy-statement-indigenous-biodiversity-presentation

Important Mycoplasma bovis update for farmers: National Beef Survey

Beef + Lamb New Zealand is working alongside DairyNZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as part of the Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme. As at 29 January, 120 beef properties have tested positive for M. bovis. While we are confident M. bovis is not widespread in the beef industry, MPI is carrying out a National Beef Survey to ensure this is indeed the case. Testing is being carried out on a sample of farms when they undergo TB testing. To discuss the survey, we’re joined on this podcast by MPI’s Alex Crosbie (Beef & Drystock Programme Manager), Amy Burroughs (Milk Surveillance Programme Manager) and Mark Neill (Principle Advisor, Epidemiology). For more information: https://beeflambnz.com/news-views/mbovis-beef-herd-survey

Sheep and beef farmers encouraged to open gates for Open Farms Day

We talk with Daniel Eb of Dirt Road Comms, the founder of Open Farms, about the need to bridge the urban-rural divide. This podcast was recorded ahead of the first Open Farm day in New Zealand on Sunday 1 March 2020 which proved extremely successful. The next Open Farms Day is on 21 February 2021. Like Open Farms, B+LNZ believes that providing New Zealanders with the opportunity to have a genuine on-farm experience is hugely important for our industry and country. Daniel discusses why this is important and valuable for farmers as well as visitors. We encourage farmers to register to host an Open Farms event on Sunday 21 February here: https://www.openfarms.co.nz/

2019 Ahuwhenua Trophy winners: Eugene and Pania King, Kiriroa Station, Gisborne

Eugene and Pania King farm Kiriroa Station, Gisborne, and are the 2019 winners of the Ahuwhenua Trophy. For 12 years they farmed in a whānau partnership, who all had one goal in common, to one day all own their own farms. The whānau knew that with hard work, commitment, and determination their goal would be reached – this is the story of that journey, the lessons learned along the way, and their business and whanau. For more information on the Kings and the Ahuwhenua Trophy: click here.

BREXIT update, with Esther Guy-Meakin, B+LNZ

The story of Brexit continues to evolve, and with it the implications for NZ’s beef and sheepmeat industry. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Manager – International Trade is Esther Guy-Meakin and she joins us for an update on the news the Brexit deal has been delayed to January 2020 while the United Kingdom holds a general election, and what it all means for the UK, the EU and the rest of the world, in particular NZ farming. For the latest Brexit news from B+LNZ, check out our website.To keep up with our trade team’s work, you can visit their webpage and follow Esther on Twitter: @eguymeakin

Shaping the future of New Zealand’s red meat sector: positioned to successfully respond to the trends and challenges

Beef + Lamb New Zealand have released a new report to strengthen New Zealand’s red meat sector by understanding the potential disruption that could occur in future as a consequence of long term consumer trends and technological change. The report also suggests how we can minimise or mitigate that disruption. We’re joined by Hugh Good, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Global Market Intelligence and Research Manager to talk about the report, why it was commissioned and what it recommends. Some fascinating insights and ideas, including the opportunities for enhancing health benefits from NZ’s red meat, whether NZ has a ‘food culture’ we can export rather than just ingredients, and even whether the products we market have to be grown in NZ. You can find the report and a summary of it on our website https://beeflambnz.com/news-views/shaping-future-red-meat-sector-report as well as Hugh’s contact details if you have questions or feedback.

Thinking outside the box: Jack Cocks & Joanne Stevenson on Resilience in the farming business.

Jack Cocks lives and farms on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and Joanne Stevenson is a Principal Consultant at Resilient Organisations while farming in North Canterbury. In 2013 Jack experienced an unforeseen and life-changing medical event, which gave him and his family some marked insight to preparing a business to deal with change, both large and small. They discuss what resilience is, and what farm businesses and farming families can do to prepare for the future even though they can’t change it.

Thinking outside the box: Mike Petersen on the positives to NZ trade in the face of international disasters

Mike Petersen has a lot of hats – company director, farmer-elected Director and Chair of SheepCo, Meat and Wool New Zealand and Beef + Lamb New Zealand amongst others. First and foremost however he is a farmer, and as NZ’s Special Agriculture Trade Envoy it was his role as a farmer to speak with other nations’ farmers and representatives about the opportunities in trade. With just a few months left in the role, he joins us to discuss what he’s seen in his time, ‘Black Swan’ events like African Swine Fever in China, and why NZ’s relatively small agricultural economy has such a big leadership role to play. Make sure to follow him on Twitter, he’s always got an interesting take on events @tepunamike

 

Thinking outside the box: Julia Jones on alternative proteins and the opportunities for NZ farmers

Julia Jones is Head of Analytics at NZX and a former KPMG farm enterprise specialist. We caught up with her at Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Southern South Island winter seminar, and talked about change, threats and opportunities for NZ agriculture. Is change really more significant for farming now than ever before, or does it just feel that way?  What can (and should) we do about it? Plus, if she won Lotto, would she buy a farm, and if so, what sort? Check out B+LNZ’s information on alternative protein: https://beeflambnz.com/news-views/alternative-proteins-research-published And follow Julia’s views of the world on Twitter @juliajones110

Prof Stephen Goldson: New Zealand Grassland Association Levy Oration 2017

The Levy Oration is one of NZGA’s highest honours, and commemorates the lifetime efforts of agricultural science pioneer, Sir E. Bruce Levy, in developing and communicating grassland science at the old Plant Research Bureau, later DSIR's Grasslands Division, and currently part of AgResearch in Palmerston North. It allows an invited speaker time to speak on the topic of their choosing. Prof Stephen Goldson has worked for 30 years on long-term projects focused mainly on the biological suppression of New Zealand’s worst exotic pasture pest species. This is an area he continues to contribute to.

BreakFeed: Talking Bull 3 – Stockwater, fertiliser, fencing and other important details

This week we wrap up our mini-series on farming bulls for beef. This podcast covers a range of topics, as Richard Plunket of North Otago and Bob Thomson of AgFirst share some top tips, tricks and tools for farming bulls well, making money, looking after the aninals and the farmers, and taking care of the farm environment. For more information on farming bull beef, and beef production in general, check out our Guide to New Zealand Cattle Farming (6.6mb): https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/guide-new-zealand-cattle-farming

BreakFeed: Talking Bull 2 – Living with bulls

North Otago bull beef farmer Richard Plunket and AgFirst consultant Bob Thomson talk day to day management of bulls for beef production. Topics covered include: systems; break size and shape; shifting frequency; mob size; matching stocking rate, demand and pasture supply; rotation length; all-grass wintering or crops, and more.

 

 

BreakFeed: Talking Bull 1 – Why you should (or shouldn’t) farm bulls.

Richard and Andrea Plunket farm 440ha near Oamaru, and run about 300 Friesian bulls as part of their system. Richard was part of the RMPP pilot farm project with Alliance Group, exploring information transfer for farmers, and he had the chance to visit some top performing bull beef farms. In this podcast, he shares some of what he learned, and we discuss bull beef farming with renowned agricultural consultant Bob Thomson, of AgFirst. Topics covered include considering the whole farm system, why bulls are an underutilised option, management systems, and the key points for success.

Reflections: Concluding panel discussion at the 2019 Red Meat Sector Conference

Fran O’Sullivan (NZ Herald) talks with John Loughlin (Meat Industry Association), Lindy Nelson (Agri-Women’s Development Trust) and Andrew Morrison (Chair, Beef + Lamb New Zealand) at the conclusion of the 2019 Red Meat Sector Conference. The panel discuss the outlook for red meat and red meat farming. Topics include markets, policies and trends, nutrition, promotion, and the role of each of us in the industry. Check out B+LNZ’s YouTube channel for more presentations from the conference: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9ZU9GuQ1pFbtaMuNtb5DpS_JtZn7m-4q

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Trade Policy programme

We’re joined by B+LNZ’s Esther Guy-Meakin, Manager – International Trade and Swetta Magan, Trade Policy Advisor to discuss the work their team does on behalf of beef and sheepmeat levypayers, and why trade policy isn’t about winning but rather about strong agreements. We discuss why levies are used to support this work, what has been achieved so far, what the team are currently working on for farmers and what they see as issues for the future. Topics include: CPTPP, tariffs, FTAs, Brexit, quotas, co-operation and collaboration by NZ Inc, deals and no-deals and why calm, stable and predictable trade is good for everyone.

Check out more at https://beeflambnz.com/your-levies-at-work and follow Esther on Twitter: @eguymeakin

Break Feed: Farmer to commentator, with Rowena Duncum

Rowena is proud to be the producer of The Country, the longest running rural radio show in New Zealand. Along with pushing the buttons to take the show to air at midday each weekday, she also contributes to the show’s direction, hunts down people for interviews and tries to keep the show’s host Jamie Mackay in line – as NZ’s champion cow-pat thrower and the 2nd best gumboot thrower in the world, she’s more than qualified. Rowena shares tips a woman with a passion for a similar career or similar might benefit from, and talks about how farming can use social media better. Follow her on Twitter, her handle is: @rowie_nz

Herb and clover pastures for higher liveweight gain, with Professor Paul Kenyon of Massey University

High-quality, legume based forages offer sheep and cattle farmers the opportunity to achieve higher liveweight gains from young stock. Based on red and white clover, with plantain and sometimes chicory, they may be especially useful when it can be difficult to maintain high quality and high legume content in grass swards. We’re joined by Paul Kenyon from Massey University to talk about the pros and cons of these specialist forages, when and how to incorporate them into a farm system, and how to get the best out of them.

Successful early weaning of lambs, with Professor Paul Kenyon, Massey University

Early weaning of lambs, onto high quality and legume dominant forage, can be a valuable management tool that can advantage both ewes and lambs. We are joined on this podcast by Professor Paul Kenyon of Massey University to discuss when it can be beneficial for sheep farms and how to do it right. For more information, check out our factsheet that Paul wrote: https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/early-weaning or other material on early weaning: https://beeflambnz.com/search?term=early+weaning

Gaining resilience in the result of tragedy: Louise Robson

Louise is a small block owner in Central Southland. Emigrating from the family crop farm in the UK 19 years ago to follow her passion for livestock, she has worked on both dairy and sheep farms before focusing on animal nutrition for the last 5 years. Several events in Louise’s life have led her to focus on resilience and passing that message on to help others. We discuss recommendations she has from others and the key lessons she has learned.

B+LNZ’s Zero Carbon Bill submission explained

B+LNZ’s Chief Insight Officer Jeremy Baker explains the reasoning and science-based approach behind our submission on the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill currently being considered by Parliament.