NZ scientists make breakthrough in Facial Eczema research
A significant breakthrough in understanding facial eczema (FE) in livestock brings New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s devastating impact on farmers, animals, and rural communities.
BEEF + LAMB New Zealand wants assurance around research outcomes and future science capability for the sheep and beef sector, says chairman James Parsons.
Parsons says Beef + Lamb (B+LNZ) understands the strategic intent behind AgResearch's confirmed proposal to restructure, but wants more information.
Parsons' comments are in response to the announcement by AgResearch initiating the next phase of its Future Footprint Proposal. This will involve four sites – Hamilton, Palmerston North, Lincoln and Invermay – with head office activities based at Lincoln.
Parsons says B+LNZ supports the concept of strong links between research and education. Establishing multidisciplinary science and business innovation hubs can assist in delivering on this objective.
"Like AgResearch and other sector stakeholders, B+LNZ appreciates that the plan is not without risk. Any restructuring proposal and relocation of staff is very unsettling and this proposal is no exception.
"B+LNZ respects it is the call of the AgResearch leadership as to how it runs its business and where it locates its staff. However, before being satisfied, B+LNZ requires more information that suitable plans and mitigations are in place so our research outcomes are not compromised and science capability is retained."
B+LNZ and AgResearch have agreed to work closely together as B+LNZ seeks more detail. B+LNZ has agreed to assist where possible to minimise disruption, ensuring that current and new B+LNZ research investments are able to be delivered as planned.
Kiwis are wasting less of their food than they were two years ago, and this has been enough to push New Zealand’s total household food waste bill lower, the 2025 Rabobank KiwiHarvest Food Waste survey has found.
OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.
DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.