increase font size
A new online resource is available for sheep and beef farmers to help them increase on-farm profitability and productivity.
Released as 30 minute learning modules, farmers can access the online farming resource on their home computer, tablet or smart phone.
The learning modules, one of the new initiatives from the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP), are found on the Knowledge Hub on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s website along with other resources and tools for farmers.
The modules offer farmers best practice methods to help them make more informed decisions. Developed by industry experts with farmers, each module provides a step by step tutorial on a farming topic. So far modules have included Body Condition Scoring, Principles of Feeding – from lambing to weaning, Feed Fundamentals, and Growing and Grazing Pasture. Topics are aligned to the season and provide relevant tips for that time of the year.
Since its launch in July, RMPP’s project manager David Jefferd has received positive feedback from farmers who have found the online information a practical tool to implement on-farm. “Farmers are really enjoying these refreshers because they’re easy to access when you have a few moments to spare – waiting for the school bus, over smoko - there are always a couple of useful tips to pick up on.”
Will Morrison, a farmer from the Rangitikei region, and Beef + Lamb Farmer Council chair, found the learning modules quick and easy to go through.
“Having the interactive videos and modules are great as its much more interesting than having to read heaps of information. They’re a great refresher and reminder of a few technical tools that are important at a certain time of the year. I will be using these with any fresh staff that come to work here as some of them haven’t done things like body condition scoring before.”
Sam McIvor, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s chief executive, agrees the initiative is a good one and encourages the farming community to use the Knowledge Hub and its online resources actively in their farm businesses.
Recent widespread autumn rain will have triggered the germination of subterranean clover seeds, and the resulting seedlings should be allowed to reach the 3–4 trifoliate leaf stage before grazing, says Beef+Lamb NZ.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
The vineyards at Pyramid Farm in Marlborough’s Avon Valley have never been run of the mill, with plantings that follow the natural contours of the land, 250 metres above sea level.
A hub farm in each of Beef + Lamb NZ’s seven regions and more focus groups are being rolled out for the red meat sector this year.
Alliance Group has secured greater access for chilled beef exports to China, following approval for two of its processing plants to supply the market.
Reuters reports that giant food company Wilmar Group has announced it had handed over 11.8 trillion rupiah (US$725 million) to Indonesia's Attorney General's Office as a "security deposit" in relation to a case in court about alleged misconduct in obtaining palm oil export permits.
DairyNZ is celebrating 60 years of the Economic Survey, reflecting on the evolution of New Zealand's dairy sector over time.
As electricity prices soar, farmers appear to be looking for alternative energy sources.
There is an appeal to New Zealanders to buy local citrus fruit.
Avocado growers are reporting a successful season, but some are struggling to keep their operations afloat following years of bad weather.
It's time to start talking up science again, especially as a career for young people. That's one of the key messages from the Prime Minister's new chief science advisor, Dr John Roche.
OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…
OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?
