Massey University trials superior beef genetics in dairy farms with Beef+Lamb NZ
Massey University has begun trialling the use of superior beef genetics in its two dairy farms as part of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's dairy beef progeny test.
Red meat farmers have narrowly approved a 4% rise in the total pool for Beef + Lamb NZ director fees.
After rejecting a proposal for a pay rise last year, 50.6% of B+LNZ levy paying farmers backed the pay rise today at the organisation’s annual meeting in Rotorua.
This year, the Director Independent Remuneration Committee (DIRC) recommended a 6% rise in the total pool for director fees - from $401,500 to $424,000. This would have raised the chair's fees by 18% to $90,000, a 3% rise in director fee to $39,250 and no change to the discretionary spend pool. However, the B+LNZ board asked farmers to approve a 4% rise to the total pool - to $417,500. This represents a fee increase for the chair to $83,320 and for each director to $39,250.
The second resolution on the appointment of the auditor was supported, with 96.83% in favour.
The voter turnout represented 7.43% of registered sheep, beef and dairy farmers. While this is low, it is not unprecedented and it roughly aligns other industry groups’ processes, says B+LNZ.
Around 70 people attended the annual meeting, held as part of the Out the Gate farmer event in Rotorua. The Out the Gate event has attracted about 300 participants.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
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.