Tuesday, 04 February 2025 16:55

Latest beef genetics developments on show

Written by  Staff Reporters
Dr Jason Archer. Dr Jason Archer.

Next month, the Beef Breeder Forum is set to give farmers an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in the beef industry.

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) event in Christchurch on March 18 will bring together a range of experts and leaders from the sector including Simon Kenny, head of impact and communications for McDonald’s NZ, and new B+LNZ chief executive Alan Thomson.

The full day forum will also provide farmers with the first look at nProve Beef, a free, easy-to-use online beef genetics tool designed to help farmers select the best bulls for their specific breeding objectives and farm systems.

The tool has been developed through the B+LNZ-funded Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme in collaboration with the industry.  

Simon Kenny will discuss McDonald’s global commitments and direction as a major buyer of New Zealand beef.

There will also be an update on B+LNZ Genetics’ beef programme, insights into research trials on reducing methane and improving feed efficiency and current work around developing NZ-specific selection indexes. A series of breakout sessions will explore innovation in beef genetics.

At the end of the forum, the New Zealand Roundtable for Sustainable Beef will host an open meeting, outlining its sustainability work and mission to ensure New Zealand beef continues to meet consumers’ expectations.

“The forum is designed for stud breeders, industry/rural professionals and commercial farmers with a passion for genetics,” says Dr Jason Archer, Head of Genetics at B+LNZ.

“As well as the informative sessions, delegates who attended previous Beef Forums have told us they get real value from getting together with fellow breeders and industry to share ideas and network,” Archer says.

“So, to maximise those opportunities, this year there will also be a dinner following the event. It’s time off farm, a chance to socialise with others in the industry and celebrate our world class beef.”

Registrations to the event at Addington Events Centre close on Friday 14 February.

More like this

Autumn calf rearing done right can deliver benefits

Autumn calves are born in kinder conditions than what their spring cousins enjoy. But it takes a careful nutrition regime and a close eye on growth targets to capitalise on the opportunity nature, through pasture, offers this time of year.

Being a rural vet is ‘fantastic’

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Featured

Being a rural vet is ‘fantastic’

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.

Editorial: Long overdue!

OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.

National

Helping protect sheep from parasites

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets,…

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter