BY FARMERS FOR FARMERS - Beef + Lamb New Zealand
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BY FARMERS FOR FARMERS Beef + Lamb New Zealand Annual Report 2015-16
BY FARMERS. FOR FARMERS Level 4, Wellington Chambers, 154 Featherston Street, PO Box 121, Wellington 6011, NZ 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 352) www.beeflambnz.com
Contents
02
Our Board
04
Chairman’s
Report
06CEO’s
08
How we’re
Report tracking
10
Our year in
14
Working
numbers here
40
Statistical
46
Financial
highlights statements
Our Board
From left to right
ANDREW MORRISON
Farmer-elected Director,
Southern South Island
Served since: 2014
Farmers elect six of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Term expires: 2020 Directors, representing three electorates in the North
Re-elected: 2017 Island and three in the South Island. Their terms are
03 207 1856/027 664 4620
beak.lisa@gmail.com
for three years and elections are rotated. Two directors
are also appointed from the meat industry.
Andrew farms sheep and
beef properties comprising
1033 hectares in Southland
and Otago.
MARK CLARKSON
Processor-Exporter
Appointee
Served since: 2012
Term expires: 2018
03 358 2200/027 432 8896
mark.clarkson@anzcofoods.com
Mark has been managing
director of ANZCO Foods
Ltd since 2004 and is a Meat
Industry Association (MIA)
Council member.
PHIL SMITH
Farmer-elected Director,
Northern South Island
Served since: 2015
Term expires: 2018
03 3158 677/027 2227 927
balmoral@amuri.net
Phil farms a 958ha property
at Culverden, running
2000 Coopdale ewes, 600
hoggets, 100 Angus beef
cows plus replacements,
grazing dairy heifers and
carry-over cows.
JAMES PARSONS
Farmer-elected Director,
Northern North Island
Served since: 2009
Term expires: 2018
09 439 4057/021 206 3208
james.parsons@beeflambnz.com
James farms a 478
hectare hill country farm in
Tangowahine, Northland,
running a Coopworth sheep
stud, commercial ewes, bulls
and breeding cows.
2 B+LNZ 2015-16
GEORGE TATHAM
Farmer-elected Director,
Eastern North Island
Served since: 2014
Term expires: 2020
Re-elected: 2017
06 372 3609/027 244 4900
georgetatham@gmail.com
George farms a coastal
Wairarapa sheep and beef
breeding and finishing
property, running 20,000
stock units.
KIRSTEN BRYANT
Farmer-elected Director,
Western North Island
Served since: 2010
Term expires: 2019
06 342 7755/027 275 1690
oneida.hills@xtra.co.nz
Kirsten farms three sheep
and beef properties in the
Taumarunui and Wanganui
districts: 1174 hectares at
Kirikau, 410 hectares at Piriaka
and 485 hectares at Fordell.
BILL WRIGHT
Farmer-elected Director,
Central South Island
Served since: 2016
Term expires: 2019
03 614 3751/027 244 7923
w.s.wright@xtra.co.nz
Bill farms 380ha at
Cannington, South
Canterbury. They have a
mixed farming business,
with 1000 ewes, 190 bulls
and 260 R2 dairy grazers.
They also grow 30ha of
cereal and 70ha of lucerne
for finishing lambs.
SAM LEWIS
Processor-Exporter
Appointee
Served since: 2014
Term expires: 2017
07 870 2425/021 815 658
samuel.lewis@xtra.co.nz
Sam, who comes from a
farming background, is
chairman of Affco New
Zealand. He was previously a
member of the MIA Council
and has been involved with
Federated Farmers for 40
years.
B+LNZ 2015-16 3
James Parsons
CHAIRMAN
OUR TRADE
POLICY TEAM
IS FULLY
FOCUSED ON
ASSISTING THE
GOVERNMENT
TO ACHIEVE THE
BEST TRADING
ARRANGEMENTS
FOR THE RED
MEAT SECTOR.
4 B+LNZ 2015-16
Chairman’s Report
2016 was a year that we came to expect the unexpected. Brexit and the
election of President Trump were two events the pundits didn’t pick and
they both signal less certainty for us as a trading nation.
President Trump while in solve problems. Consequently
election-mode was very New Zealand is held up as
vocal in his opposition to the an example internationally
Trans-Pacific Partnership of successful deregulation.
Agreement (TPPA) which So much of our agricultural
is of course disappointing, success is because regulatory
given the agreement’s wider shackles were removed and
opportunities with trading we established a far more
nations in the Asia Pacific innovative culture. While the
region. Whether the way intent behind prescriptive
forward is with bilateral regulations is always good and
agreements remains to be it is vital that we do improve,
seen. Our trade policy team is the unintended consequences
fully focused on assisting the often undermine achieving the
Government to achieve the outcome. History has proven
best trading arrangements for this point time and again.
the red meat sector. Similarly With our review of market
with Brexit, we are aware that development having given
while New Zealand’s trade is a clear steer on where we
small in the broader European need to be involved to create
political environment, we the most value, Beef + Lamb
will need to use all the New Zealand developed a
skilful diplomacy and strong new plan with a focus on I’m pleased to report large number of farmers held
relationships that we have built developing the New Zealand that the transition of Chief the view that we should look
up over many years to ensure Red Meat story and looking Executives happened to appoint an independent
New Zealand’s defensive to market segments that offer smoothly and the organisation skills based director which
interests are looked after and the greatest growth potential. is well positioned with Sam the Constitution has provision
that we are well positioned for That’s under way now and McIvor at the helm to help for. There are some technical
the trade opportunities that we are continuing to involve us achieve another level of amendments to the Constitution
surface, including the EU/NZ farmers and industry at every improvements to the services required removing some out
FTA when negotiations start level to ensure we capture the Beef + Lamb New Zealand of date references, such as
this year. passion and richness of our delivers to farmers. goats and the organisation’s
On the domestic regulatory story along with our proud We undertook a review establishment in 2003. We’ll be
front it is concerning to see heritage as sheep and beef of the Beef + Lamb New looking for farmer support to
more prescriptive regulations producers. Zealand Constitution in 2016, approve these amendments via
creeping in to solve complex Our investments in Red Meat specifically seeking farmers’ the Annual Meeting process.
issues such as water quality Profit Partnership and Beef + views on whether to retain
and improving workplace Lamb New Zealand Genetics meat industry nominated
safety as just two examples. are targeting tools and services directors on the board. The
Since the reforms of the that are going to support overwhelming view from
mid 1980s New Zealand has farmers make better decisions farmers both at farmer
taken quite a light handed and improve their profitability. meetings and via written
regulatory approach to Read more on this later in the submissions was to retain James Parsons
achieve improvements or annual report. industry directors. However, a CHAIRMAN
B+LNZ 2015-16 5
CEO’s Report
It’s almost a full year since I took over as CEO of Beef + Lamb New Zealand. It’s great
to be back in the sector and working with sheep and beef farmers.
Our vision is for a confident to support farmers to
and profitable sheep and beef achieve good decisions on
industry and our purpose is to environmental regulations in
help farmers make informed their local catchments. This
business decisions and promote included running workshops
their collective interests. to provide guidelines for
Our key profitability making submissions to their
indicators show it’s been a local councils. 1000 farmers
challenging year for farmers, attended these workshops in
and that confidence has Southland and Waikato during
dropped. However, farmer the latter part of 2016.
knowledge of and satisfaction Our concern, on behalf
with Beef + Lamb New of farmers, has seen Beef
Zealand’s activities have + Lamb New Zealand take
increased. an unprecedented step of
Working regionally with our joining other primary sector
Farmer Council we’ve delivered organisations to take court
over 400 extension events action against the Waikato
with nearly 21000 attendees. Regional Council and its
You gave a clear direction that process for handling changes
you needed Beef + Lamb New to its operating plan. This is
Zealand to be more actively not an action Beef + Lamb
supporting your interests in New Zealand has taken lightly,
respect of health and safety and but it has done so because
environmental regulations. of a principle that has wider
This year Beef + Lamb New implications for farmers and the
Zealand ran 97 health and wider New Zealand economy. a busy farming calendar. to farmers’ nationally. The new
safety workshops which were As farmers state, the We’re embarking on the platform will be ready for use
attended by 2968 farmers. environment is the backbone development of a sector in May this year.
We had great feedback from of our farming and national R&D strategy and will see 2017 will see an update of
these workshops which helped economy. For every dollar of this aligned with improved our organisational strategy
farmers put in place the FOB sales from our industry extension methods developed ensuring that we deliver on
necessary plans for their own another dollar goes into through our Red Meat Profit the most important issues
farms. At a policy level we’ve our rural towns and our Partnership investment. This for farmers in a way that is
taken a lead in the sector joining urban cities. In 2017 we will will see increased use of digital financially sustainable for the
the Agri-Leaders Health and be elevating the issue of technology and we’re under organisation. I look forward to
Safety forum and we’re working environmental, economic and way on a significant project working with you to develop
with WorkSafe and others in social sustainability in balance to redevelop our website and this plan.
the sector including Federated as we set about improving build a new digital platform
Farmers and DairyNZ to identify environmental outcomes. with information and tools
the real safety issues on farms, As noted our “By Farmers. such as apps that are easier to
the costs and causes and For Farmers” approach has use and access through mobile
embark on providing practical seen another 77 events and devices and are less reliant on
tools and advice to increase 5,000 more attendees at our high speed connectivity. We’ve
safety on-farm. extension activities. also purchased a drone which
We’ve increased our However we cannot just go will allow us to film local field Sam McIvor
organisational capacity on adding more events to days and make them available CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
6 B+LNZ 2015-16
Sam McIvor
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
IT’S GREAT TO
BE BACK IN THE
SECTOR AND
WORKING WITH
SHEEP AND
BEEF FARMERS.
B+LNZ 2015-16 7
How we’re tracking
We have identified some key indicators to get a sense of how we are tracking as an organisation.
These performance indicators and their associated goals are a combination of on-farm
productivity and profitability, confidence in the future of the sector, and farmer satisfaction and
awareness of our activities. Collectively they provide a snapshot of sheep and beef sector health
and of how well we are achieving a core principle of being genuinely ‘By Farmers. For Farmers.’
GOAL 1
NET MEAT PRODUCTION
125
Sheep and beef farmers are maintaining
120
and improving productivity
115
STEADY
kg per ha
110
Meat production for the All Classes Sheep and Beef Farm 105
provisionally at 119 kg per hectare was almost unchanged
100
(-1%) on the previous year. Overall, for the June farming
year sheep meat production held with a small decrease 95
in net beef production from sheep and beef farms. Given 90
there was a forecast El Nino drought that encouraged
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16p
early slaughter patterns and conditions were very dry
from late summer in the North Island East Coast regions
and Marlborough-Canterbury there was continued good net meat kg per ha
performance from the sheep and beef farm sector. Source: B+LNZ Economic Service All Classes Sheep and Beef Farm (p) provisional
GOAL 2
Sheep and beef farming is profitable FARM PROFIT (EBITR)
400
20% DECREASE FOR 2015-16
350
Earnings before Interest Tax and Rent (EBITR) for the All 300
Classes Sheep and Beef Farm at $223 per ha was provisionally
$ per ha
250
down 20% for 2015-16. This decrease was largely driven
by lower gross farm revenue (-8%) while Farm Working 200
Expenses remained largely unchanged (-1%). Revenue
150
was down from lamb and sheep (-13%) from lower prices,
beef cattle revenue was down 6% from lower volumes that 100
more than offset strong beef prices. Dairy grazing revenue 50
decreased 6% and crop revenue decreased 9%. Offsetting
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16p
this, wool revenue increased 4% from higher prices that
more than offset lower production sold. Overall, the sector
fortunately experienced more export favourable exchange
EBITR $ per ha
rates than the previous year which masked some of the softer
prices within export markets. Source: B+LNZ Economic Service All Classes Sheep and Beef Farm (p) provisional
8 B+LNZ 2015-16GOAL 3 FARMER CONFIDENCE IN THE INDUSTRY
70
Farmers are confident in the future 60
of the sheep and beef sector 50
40
26% DECREASE FOR 2015-16
%
30
Farmer confidence has trended significantly lower
20
over the last six months driven by poor sheepmeat
and wool returns and climatic conditions. 10
0
Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Source: UMR Research
GOAL 4 FARMER SATISFACTION WITH B+LNZ
70
Farmers are satisfied with their 60
investment in B+LNZ 50
40
5% DECREASE FOR 2015-16
%
30
Farmer satisfaction eased back in 2016 20
recovering slightly to 53% at year end.
10
0
Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Source: UMR Research
GOAL 5 FARMER AWARENESS OF B+LNZ
80
Farmers are aware of B+LNZ 70
and its activities 60
50
4% INCREASE FOR 2015-16
40
%
Farmer awareness of B+LNZ continued to 30
increase over the 2015-16 year and finished 20
at a new high of 78%.
10
0
Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Source: UMR Research
B+LNZ 2015-16 9Our year in numbers
Extension
Heath &
Total events held Safety
workshops
2014/15 2015/16
2015/16
357 434 2,968 97
Attendees Workshops
We have delivered 77 more events in 2016 than 2015 (+22%). The increased events
have been a combination of Health & Safety workshops and additional environment B+LNZ H&S workshops were
type workshops (environment planning and stakeholder engagement workshops). developed in 2015 as a pilot workshop
Other events relating to information, tools and tactics to address production issues of and rolled out around the regions
the time (facial eczema, drought, pests) were also delivered. in 2016. The successful extension
model enabled farming businesses
to attend workshops and understand
their business obligations under
the H&S Act. These were new
workshops to help farmers deal with
increased regulatory compliance
Total attendance and demonstrated B+LNZ’s ability to
deliver on current and topical needs.
2014/15 2015/16
16,108 20,695 Environmental
workshops
We had an increase of 4587 attendees at B+LNZ events in 2016, compared with 2015.
Increased attendees were at the new events like Environment and Health & Safety,
which attracted farming businesses who do not regularly attend B+LNZ events.
LEP workshops
Important issues for farmers also saw an increase in industry professionals attending 2013/14 2015/16
36 43
events, to learn important information and messages for farmers.
Project farms Submission workshops
2016 1000 farmers
1000
2014 2015 2016 attended these
128 125 152
workshops in
Southland and
Attendees Waikato
There was an increase in the number of
B+LNZ works on 152 farms throughout New Zealand, compared with 125 in 2015. These LEP workshops held, a response to our
are farms where farmers and industry, including scientists and researchers, conduct environmental stewardship priorities.
farm trials and deliver extension events for sheep and beef farmers. These include In 2016 we also introduced submission
Innovation Farms, Monitor Farms and Profit Partnerships. writing workshops in response to
regional plan changes.
10 B+LNZ 2015-16Digital Markets
Engagement Total FTA savings for the year
through
online 2014 2015
$162m $223m
channels
Website visitors
The New Zealand red meat sector is estimated to have saved approximately NZ$223
million in tariffs in 2015 through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) on over NZ$8 billion
2014/15
worth of red meat and co-product exports. That is a 38% increase in tariff savings in
95,304
2015 compared with the previous year, and this can be attributed to tariff reduction or
elimination achieved through FTAs.
2015/16 Total tariff savings on beef exports
99,702 2014
$30m
2015
$74m
There was low annual growth in the
number of website users from 2015-16,
however traffic should increase with the Savings per kg cwe
launch of the new website in 2017.
0.6c/kg cwe 0.12c/kg cwe
Total tariff savings on sheepmeat exports
Facebook likes
2014 2015
$90m $83m
2014/15 2015/16
3237 4591
Savings per kg cwe
Twitter likes
0.20c/kg cwe 0.17c/kg cwe
2014/15 2015/16
3530 4427 Total tariff savings on red meat co-products
There was a 25% increase in both 2014 2015
$41m $66m
Facebook and Twitter audiences in 2015-
16, largely due to the posting of relevant,
timely and engaging videos and articles.
B+LNZ 2015-16 11Sheepmeat levy
Sheepmeat programme expenditure including NZMB funding for the 2016–17 year
4.6
2.4 2.3
$ Million
1.6 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.1
0.4
Extension Market Research & B+LNZ Administration Information Market Environment People &
Development Development Genetics & Analysis Access Capability
Per Head Cents Per Kilo1
Farmer levy received $0.60 3.3
NZMB Funding $0.07 0.4
$0.67 3.7
Expenditure
Extension 0.20 1.1
Market Development 0.10 0.6
Research & Development 0.07 0.4
B+LNZ Genetics 0.10 0.5
Administration 0.06 0.3
Information & Analysis 0.06 0.3
Market Access 0.05 0.3
Environment 0.05 0.3
People & Capability 0.02 0.1
$0.71 3.9
Deficit from levies ($0.03) (0.3)
1. Sheepmeat “Cents Per Kilo” based on an 18kg carcase weight.
12 B+LNZ 2015-16Beef levy
Beef programme expenditure including NZMB funding for the 2016–17 year
2.5 2.4
1.3
$ Million
0.8 1.0
0.7 0.6 0.6
0.4
Extension Market Research & B+LNZ Administration Information Market Environment People &
Development Development Genetics & Analysis Access Capability
Per Head Cents Per Kilo1
Farmer levy received $4.40 1.6
NZMB Funding $0.15 0.1
$4.55 1.6
Expenditure
Extension 1 .0 0 0.4
Market Development 0.96 0.3
Research & Development 0.28 0.1
B+LNZ Genetics 0.23 0.1
Administration 0.50 0.2
Information & Analysis 0.31 0.1
Market Access 0.24 0.1
Environment 0.40 0.1
People & Capability 0.15 0.1
$4.07 1.5
Surplus from levies $0.48 0.2
1. Beef “Cents Per Kilo” based on a 280kg carcase weight.
B+LNZ 2015-16 1314 B+LNZ 2015-16
WORKING
HERE
The 2015/16 year included developing the B+LNZ Farm
Safety Management System workshops that aim to
simplify compliance around the new health and safety
legislation. We also appointed two Environmental
Policy Managers to help our farmers communicate
more effectively with policy makers.
16 24 28 30
Learn The B+LNZ B+LNZ amps up Several major
what’s been Innovation its activity in genetics
happening out Farm environmental milestones
in the field Programme policy delivered on
hits its stride
B+LNZ 2015-16 15Alongside our farmers
We had over 20,000 farmers attend our events in 2015/16 and our Regional
Extension Managers are a vital cog working hand in hand with the B+LNZ
Farmer Council. Nearly half of staff are regionally based.
16 B+LNZ 2015-16Almost 3000 farmers attended
B+LNZ Farm Safety Management
System workshops, alongside the
usual profit partnerships and farmer-
initiated research projects.
CLOVER POTENTIAL KEY TO plantain on their cultivable country
HILL COUNTRY PRODUCTIVITY and having seen the benefits of these
forages, are now aiming to establish
The success of an original B+LNZ them on their uncultivable hill country.
Innovation Farm project into forage Each farm has a different focus:
use on uncultivable hill country has one is looking at establishment
prompted other farmers to come methods, another at management
on board and expand the focus. and a third at how the farm system
Whangara Farms, an 80,000su can be adapted to fit the requirements
enterprise near Gisborne, was home of annual clovers, in particular.
to one of the first Innovation Farm
projects. Forages were used—
specifically plantain and clover—to lift
the productivity of uncultivable hill SYMPOSIUM ON HILL
SIMPLIFYING H&S country. The results show that enough COUNTRY FARMING
COMPLIANCE extra income was generated to cover
establishment costs within just one year. New Zealand’s first Hill Country
A total of 2968 farmers Now, three North Island East Symposium for 30 years highlighted
attended the 97 B+LNZ Farm Coast farms are trialling the use of the lack of new science specific to hill
Safety Management System annual and perennial clovers to help and high country farming systems—
realise the productive potential of despite the fact that more than three-
workshops run during the year. their uncultivable hill country. quarters of this country’s lamb and beef
The workshops aimed to Also under the B+LNZ Innovation calves originate from this land class.
simplify compliance, in light Farm banner, outcomes of the clover More than 200 people attended
of the Health and Safety trials will be used to establish best- April’s B+LNZ Hill Country Symposium
at Work Act, which came practice management guidelines —the theme of which was “Setting
and these will be shared with the a profitable and resilient future for
into effect in April 2016.
wider farming community. New Zealand hill country farming”.
B+LNZ took a practical Consultant Simon Glennie says the The two-day symposium was
approach to helping its levy East Coast farmers including—Rob and organised by the New Zealand
payers get on top of the Sandra Faulkner, Pete and Suzanne Grassland Association and Trust, in
issue and teamed up with Swinburn, Richard and Becks Tosswill— conjunction with the New Zealand
Exigent Risk Management are already growing legumes and Society of Animal Production.
(formally QSI)—run by ex-
army health and safety
specialists—and the workshop
format was developed.
Extension manager Mark
Harris said most farmers
left the workshops with
90–100% of their farm safety
management plan in place.
“The system is simple,
to-the-point, and gives
farmers exactly what
they need to comply.”
B+LNZ 2015-16 17AGINNOVATION AND
FARMSMART 2016 Ewe lambs on lucerne
In May, about 230 farmers attended
AgInnovation 2016 in Palmerston North.
The day kicked off with a breakfast-time
live link to US-based guest speaker Dan
Brantingham, CEO of Burger Bach – a
New Zealand-inspired gastro pub chain
with outlets across Virginia and North
Carolina. Then it was into the popular
“Pick ‘n’ mix” presentations, where
people chose their own schedule of Professor Derrick Moot
speakers and topics.
Meanwhile, in Christchurch, the
B+LNZ Northern South Island Farmer SUB CLOVER: A VALUABLE
CAUTION URGED AROUND
Council hosted its inaugural FarmSmart
MATING HOGGETS ON LUCERNE TOOL IN DRYLAND FARM
event in August. It was a huge
success, attracting 130 farmers and
SYSTEMS
Research supported by B+LNZ suggests
agribusiness professionals, all keen to farmers should be cautious about A resurgence in interest in subterranean
hear from the day’s speakers, including mating ewe hoggets on lucerne— clover has many sheep and beef farmers
high-performing farmers, industry particularly in damp, overcast conditions. asking how they can manage – and
commentators and leaders. The work was carried out by Lincoln augment – existing plant populations
University PhD student Rachel Fields within their farm systems. This led to
and supervised by plant scientist the establishment of the Sustainable
FORAGE STRATEGY STEERING Professor Derrick Moot. Farming Fund’s Sub4Spring programme.
GROUP LAUNCHED Lucerne has occasionally been Led by Lincoln University’s Professor
associated with poor conception Derrick Moot, the programme seeks
B+LNZ is a partner in the recently rates, particularly in young sheep, but to determine the best management
launched Forage Strategy Steering Group, the reason has remained a mystery. practices for both and endemic and
a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to However, Rachel’s research revealed introduced sub clover species in different
improve the sustainability and profitability that fungal infection of the plants may environments.
of New Zealand’s forage grazing systems be the cause. She says infected lucerne Wairoa farmers Dave Read and Judy
via a five-year action plan. can produce the oestrogenic compound Bogaard are part of this programme.
Chairman Richard Green says that, coumestrol which, if levels are high The couple own Waiau Station, 1200ha
in lean times, it is particularly vital to enough, will cause conception rates to of steep hill country upon which they run
have good forages and good grazing decrease. 10,000 stock units at a 60:40 cattle to
management. “For these systems, Young sheep appear to be at greatest sheep ratio.
there may have been a history of risk from exposure to coumestrol. The For Dave and Judy, tweaking their
underinvestment in both soils and recommendation is that farmers avoid management systems to encourage
pastures. This is not sustainable, and the feeding lucerne to ewe lambs over sub clover has allowed them to make
strategy provides a collective framework mating, particularly if climatic conditions low-cost production gains on hard hill
for research and extension.” favour fungal growth. country.
18 B+LNZ 2015-16SET-STOCKED PASTURE BEEF PROGENY TEST BEGINS
PROVES ITS WORTH IN DELIVERING ANSWERS
WINTERING STUDY The first calves born within the
Set-stocked pasture proved to be most B+LNZ Genetics’ beef progeny test
beneficial for both weaned calves were weaned during the year.
and soils in a study comparing stock The test is being run across
performance and pasture damage under five large commercial properties
different cattle wintering systems. throughout New Zealand and
Funded by B+LNZ and carried out by involves about 2200 cows and
a team at Massey University, the study heifers each year. Its goal is to
compared the performance of 103 rising- determine how bulls of different
one-year-old mixed-sex beef and beef- types perform under comparable
cross calves on four different wintering commercial conditions.
systems over 55 days.
The systems were: Key results so far:
• Break-fed black oat forage crop 1. Estimated breeding values (EBVs)
• Set-stocked pasture at 3.9hd/ha for calf weaning weights deliver on
• Break-fed pasture what they predicted. If you want
• Break-fed pasture with the use of a heavier calves, choose bulls with
feed-pad when soils were wet (which heavier 200 Day Weight EBVs.
transpired to be 56% of the time).
2. AI success improved markedly
All calves were offered a hay supplement between Year 1 and 2—likely due
of 0.44-0.48kgDM/head/day. to improved cow body condition
Set-stocking proved to be the most scores, more feed handy to yards,
quieter cattle and a tighter calving
beneficial for both calves and pasture,
with growth rates of around 0.8kg/day period. NEW FEEDSMART
and less pasture damage than any of the 3. Finally, the importance of body APP LAUNCHED
other systems. condition score at mating was
The calves break-fed pasture grew at Developed by B+LNZ in
underlined. For reproductive
around 0.5kg/day while the calves on the conjunction with the RMPP,
success, a minimum score of 6
forage crop only gained 0.1-0.2kg/day. the app helps farmers estimate
at mating is recommended, but
This was similar to the weight gains of greater than 7 is optimal.
the feed requirements for
the calves on the feed-pad system. sheep and cattle at any time
of the year and for different
levels of production. It includes
simple tools for day to day
feed allocation information.
How long a paddock of feed
will last, the size of the break
needed to meet nutritional
requirements and stocking
rates. The free app is available
at feedsmart.co.nz and once
downloaded, it works offline
anywhere, any time a device
is turned on. The app is
compatible with any computer,
tablet or smartphone.
Compatible with
Subterranean clover is offering hill country Windows Apple Android
farmers low-cost production gains Phone iPhone
B+LNZ 2015-16 19Celebrating success
B+LNZ’s work in the “people” space is a priority for farmers. Our sector
needs to attract—and to retain—quality people. We do that through a
series of activities: Scholarships for young people, the B+LNZ Sheep
Industry Awards which celebrate individuals, and by providing
upskilling opportunities for those already in our industry.
20 B+LNZ 2015-16During the 2015/16 year, B+LNZ awarded 36 scholarships. These
included 23 university degree scholarships—eight existing scholars
and 15 new young people. There were also six awards given to
Telford and Taratahi students, as well as financial support for three
Nuffield Scholars. Two full scholarships were awarded to both the
International Beef Alliance conference in October 2015 and the Tri-
Lamb Young Leaders’ Forum in August 2016.
TWO YOUNG GUNS REPRESENT NEW ZEALAND VET WINS B+LNZ SHEEP AND
BEEF CONSULTANT AWARD
Kurt Portas and Tumoana Harrison-Boyd He believes there is opportunity Well-known vet Dr Trevor Cook won the
were selected by B+LNZ to represent to extract more value by working 2016 B+LNZ Sheep and Beef Consultant
the New Zealand sheep industry at this collaboratively, making better use of of the Year Award.
year’s Tri-Lamb Young Leaders’ Forum traceability and telling the New Zealand Although based at Totally Vets Ltd in
in August hosted by New Zealand and farming story. Feilding, Trevor spends most of his time
Australia. Kurt has first-hand experience of the working as a sheep and beef production
The Tri-Lamb Young Leaders’ value of the story through Palliser Ridge’s consultant, working one-on-one with
Forum is run by the Tri-Lamb Group, a relationship with the Greytown butcher. farmers throughout the country.
collaborative initiative between lamb- As the sole providers of lamb to this Trevor is renowned for his leadership
producer organisations from the United boutique butchery, Palliser Ridge has and communication skills and innovative
States, Australia and New Zealand, where been able to tell their story of where and approaches to managing parasites and
it is represented by B+LNZ. The group how their lamb is produced. drench resistance on farm.
aims to enhance the profitability and While his focus is on Palliser Ridge, he
sustainability of the lamb market in the doesn’t discount the possibility of putting
United States for the three supplying himself forward for industry leadership
countries. roles in the future.
Meet Kurt Portas Meet Tumoana Harrison-Boyd
Kurt’s career trajectory proves the adage Tumoana is a town boy who developed a
that attitude is everything. love of farming and the outdoors through
He completed a cadetship at Smedley hunting and helping farming friends
Station, before spending two years around his home town of Gisborne.
shepherding in Southland. Then, at That hands-on farming experience
just 23, he was offered the manager’s during his teenage years proved
position on Palliser Ridge – a 1300ha, formative, and upon leaving school
12,000 stock unit property in the South Tumoana set his sights on a career in the
Wairarapa – simply because the owners sheep and beef industry.
liked his attitude. Tumoana graduated from Smedley NEW YEAR HONOUR
Six years later Kurt has a family, equity Station Training Farm and is now at RECOGNISES B+LNZ’S
in the business, and is just as enthusiastic Lincoln University. ROB DAVISON
about the farm – and the sheep and beef After completing his diploma, Tumoana
industry—as when he first started. intends spending more time in the South In the New Year’s Honours list, long-
Island gaining shepherding experience. serving B+LNZ farm data expert Rob
Ultimately he would like to return to Davison was made an Officer of the New
Gisborne where he sees managerial Zealand Order of Merit for services to the
opportunities in Māori incorporated sheep and beef industries.
sheep farms. Rob has worked in the economics side
In the long term, Tumoana sees of the industry since 1973. He describes
opportunities for sheep meat produced agriculture as being “New Zealand’s
on Māori farms to be differentiated in Silicon Valley”.
the market. “There may be other cultures “It’s where the IP and the science is. It’s
and people interested in buying lamb ‘where it happens’ at the moment.”
produced under tikanga Māori traditions.” Rob points out that the great gains
Tumoana saw the Young Leader in annual productivity that we’ve seen
programme as an opportunity to haven’t happened by chance—but
grow his networks and gain a broader through applied science and new
understanding of how lamb is produced management systems being adopted at
Kurt Portas
and marketed overseas. the farm level through to market.
B+LNZ 2015-16 21FARM BUSINESS COURSE
“MOTIVATIONAL”
B+LNZ recognises that developing
and realising the skills of rural
women impacts on the profitability
and confidence of the sheep
and beef sector. During 2015/16, Jo Horrell
B+LNZ continued its long-standing
relationship with the Agri-
Women’s Development Trust.
Southland farmer Jo Horrell was one
of the 500 women throughout New
Zealand who attended the RMPP-
funded Understanding Your Farming
Business course during the year which
is designed and delivered by the trust. Stacey Williamson
Sarah von Dadelszen and William Gibson
The course involves three
workshops over four months
and aims to engage farming
women as critical partners in their
businesses by building business
knowledge, skills and confidence.
Jo found the course invaluable
for gaining a greater understanding
of the farm business she runs
alongside her husband, Bryce.
Having had the opportunity to do
the course—with other like-minded
and positive people—Jo feels
more confident and secure about
their future as sheep farmers.
First Steps programme
The trust’s First Steps programme
is a two-day programme
designed especially for women
to understand their purpose B+LNZ Director George Tatham with Emily, Anders and Sarah Crofoot
and realise their potential.
Stacey Williamson is one of the
key women behind the Farming SHEEP INDUSTRY RECOGNISES TOP PERFORMANCE
Mums New Zealand Facebook
page, which provides a support In July, the sheep industry celebrated its on-going involvement in extension,
network and information- best and brightest at the B+LNZ Sheep innovation and research programmes.
sharing platform for women. Industry Awards in Masterton.
Stacey manages the Facebook This was the fifth year the industry had Identifying emerging talent
page from a remote sheep and beef gathered to acknowledge outstanding At the B+LNZ Sheep Industry Awards,
farm in Northland and has been contributors in genetics, science and Will Gibson received the Ballance Agri-
struck by the lack of confidence commercial lamb production. Nutrients Sheep Industry Emerging
that seems pervasive amongst rural Northland sheep breeder Gordon Talent Award.
women. “I see so many women Levet was recognised for his long-term Will is the Canterbury area manager
who are struggling, disconnected work breeding towards worm resistance, for the New Zealand Merino Company.
and lacking in confidence.” while Hawke’s Bay farmers James and Along with managing the Merino
Stacey had heard about the First Jane Hunter won the Blackdale Stud Central Progeny Test, he also advises
Steps programme and enrolled Sheep Industry Supplier of the Year. several studs on their use of EID,
to see if it was something she Masterton’s Derek Daniell received information systems and the generation
could recommend to members the Farmlands Co-operative Significant of estimated breeding values.
of the Facebook group as a way Contribution to the New Zealand Sheep Will has a long involvement in
to build skills and confidence. Industry Award, in recognition of the fleece and stock judging and a keen
The answer was a resounding yes. influence his Wairere Genetics has interest in coloured Merino, running
“I think everyone should do it.” had on New Zealand’s sheep flock. his own stud flock. He also works
Stacey says the course has changed Emily Crofoot from Castlepoint Station alongside his parents, Anton and
the way she thinks, particularly in was presented with a Special Award Liz, on improving their ultra-fine
identifying and recognising her own for Services to the Sheep Industry, white Merino wool and their Suffolk
unique skills and strengths as well recognising her industry leadership and and SufTex breeding flocks.
as those of the people around her.
22 B+LNZ 2015-16DEVELOPING INDUSTRY LEADERS & BUILDING SECTOR CAPABILITY STRIKING A BALANCE
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has a programme of activity geared to attracting talented B+LNZ is a major sponsor of the
people to the sector and supporting them at all stages of their career development. Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Attracting and retaining good people is an important element of a successful sector. There are 11 regional competitions—
B+LNZ and the Red Meat Profit Partnership support the following areas: each with a supreme winner.
This year’s Northland Supreme
Award was taken home by Dennis
Trade Academy schools Otiwhiti Station Waipaoa Station and Rachelle O’Callaghan.
300 trainees 10 trainees 10 trainees
The couple also won the B+LNZ
Livestock Award and the Waterforce
per year per year per year Integrated Management Award
during the March awards evening.
The former B+LNZ monitor farmers
Agri-Women’s Development Get Ahead programme and TeenAg run Temataa Station – an intensive bull
Trust workshops programmes run through Young Farmers
beef operation that is also one of the
500 women
per year 3000 students
participating
trial farms in B+LNZ’s Beef Profit from
Pasture Project. This Northland-run
project draws on the management
strategies typically used by dairy
International Beef B+LNZ Tertiary farmers to grow and utilise more grass.
Primary ITO training Alliance Scholarships Scholarship In June, Auckland farmers Richard
700 trainees
per year 2 per
year 26 per
year
and Dianne Kidd were announced
winners of the 2016 Ballance Farm
Environment Award’s (BFEA) Gordon
Stephenson Trophy. Earlier in the year,
St Pauls Collegiate advanced Kelloggs Rural Tri Lamb Young the Kidds won the Auckland region’s
agriculture curriculum Leadership Programme Leaders Scholarship BFEA Supreme Award, B+LNZ Livestock
150 40 per 2 per
Award and Farm Stewardship Award.
students
per year year year
Farmer Council Nuffield International Young Shepherd
professional development Research Scholarships Scholarships
14 per
year 5 per
year 2 per
year
Dennis and Rachelle O’Callaghan
INVESTING IN FUTURE
FARMERS
The B+LNZ Southern South
Island region piloted a “Future
Farmers” during 2016. The
six-month programme aims to
broaden the horizons of future
farm leaders, managers and
owners.
Twenty farmers—aged
20 to 50—took part in the
programme, which covered
farm business, agri-tools,
technology, genetics and meat
appreciation. It involved three
modules, delivered by industry
partners Rabobank, AbacusBio
and Alliance Group.
The pilot was the brainchild
of Extension Manager Olivia
Ross, who plans to run another
two programmes during 2017.
B+LNZ 2015-16 23INNOVATION FARMS B+LNZ’s Innovation Farm Programme helps farmers identify tools
and practices that could drive real financial improvements. It
brings together the best scientific minds and farming visionaries
to investigate specific technology and innovations on farm. The
programme has up to eight farmers involved at any one time and
each tends to be in the programme for about three years. The
2015/16 year saw many of the original projects conclude and a
great line-up of new projects kick off.
FARMERS PROJECT STATUS
Anna and Blair Precision nutrition
2012 2016
Nelson, King Country and animal management
Sandra and Steve Effects of facial eczema
2012 2015
Parrott, Raglan on beef cattle
Richard Scholefield,
Forages on hill country 2012 2015
Gisborne
William and Karen Plantain: best practice and
2012 2015
Oliver, King Country commercial applications
Scott and Paul 2012 2014
Strip tillage of fodder beet
Linklater, Manawatu
Fodder beet fits lamb finishing system 2015 2016
Neil and Phillipa 2013 2015
Drones for mainstream farming
Gardyne, Southland
Mathew and Lynley 2013 2016
50-day weaning strategy
Wyeth, Wairarapa
Orphan lamb scheme 2013 2016
Intensive triplet lamb 2013 2016
management strategy
Steer finishing with “grain assist” 2013 2016
Annabel and Hamish 2014
Plus 3tDM/ha with legumes
Craw, Banks Peninsula
Adapting and adopting 2016
Neil Aicken, Waikato
technology within a working farm
Integrating intensive practices within a
Lisa and Dave 2016
dryland system, while minimising the
Anderson, Omarama
environmental footprint
Rob and Sandra Faulkner, Increasing legumes on 2016
Pete and Suzanne Swinburn, dryland hill country
Richard and Becks Tosswill
24 B+LNZ 2015-16Seven farmers and their projects wrapped up
during the 2015/16 year. We take a closer look
at some of these projects and their conclusions.
Completed projects
COMPLETED 2015 COMPLETED 2015
DRONES FOR MAINSTREAM FARMING EFFECTS OF FACIAL ECZEMA ON BEEF CATTLE
When the BBC’s Natural But the real value of the Three years of on-farm A couple of insights they
History Unit turns up at your drone became apparent investigations into the true cost gathered along the way: A few
farm, you know you must be in the second year of the of facial eczema in beef cattle weeks of low grass spore counts
doing something interesting. project, when it was used to and options for prevention are just as dangerous as a spike
Pip and Neil Gardyne’s monitor ewes at lambing. and treatment yielded in counts. And, some good
Innovation Farm project— Neil estimated that about useful recommendations. news, compensatory growth
investigating using a drone as half of the cast sheep flown Raglan farmers Steve and did occur for animals that
a farm management tool over by the drone managed Sandra Parrott and their didn’t experience severe and/
—ticks that box. to right themselves. Using the project team concluded that or permanent liver damage.
Drones have proved life- drone, the Gardynes saved the best treatment scenario
changing for the family. The 40 ewes which equated to was to use Mycotak in the Conclusions:
way they have adapted the an annual saving of around early part of the facial eczema 1. Treatment with zinc
aerial technology for use $12,000. season, then the bolus during boluses gave protection
on their Southland farm has the high-risk period. This was from facial eczema.
captured the attention of the Conclusions: particularly smart if pasture 2. In-line dispensing systems
world’s media, agricultural 1. The huge global interest quality was poor and Mycotak did not provide protective
scientists and, most in the use of drones for was not likely to be taken serum zinc levels.
importantly, technologically agricultural applications will up by the pasture anyway. 3. The effectiveness of Mycotak
savvy young people only increase as technology What were the costs? spray was inconsistent,
considering agriculture as a improves and costs Mycotak was 55 cents per dependent on grass growth
career option. continue reducing. animal per day, while the bolus and therefore uptake.
Certainly the couple’s 2. The Gardynes have was 48 cents. The Mycotak then 4. Treatment needs to be timely.
three children have been more than 400 potential bolus approach would equate It needs to start prior to grass
instrumental in applying the applications for drones, but to 52 cents. But all methods spore counts rising and repeat
technology on-farm. It was commercialisation of these have their pros and cons. applications need to be done
their eldest son Mark, who, at applications is the gap. Steve and Sandra say at the recommended time,
the age of 11, suggested that 3. There is the opportunity the trial has confirmed that when previous treatment
drones might be the perfect to educate and engage it pays to treat for facial is still at protective levels.
solution for checking stock young people with regard eczema and they will continue
on their hill country property, to drone technology in to do so in the future.
particularly looking for cast agriculture.
ewes.
B+LNZ 2015-16 25WATCH VIDEOS ONLINE
www.youtube.com/beeflambnz
COMPLETED 2016 COMPLETED 2016
FODDER BEET FITS LAMB PRECISION NUTRITION AND
FINISHING SYSTEM ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
Scott and Paul Linklater the end of May—he was able While this project set out The couple was surprised
wanted to assess if fodder to put the paddock straight to increase profitability on how hard it was to achieve
beet was a suitable forage into a dual-purpose winter Anna and Blair Nelson’s the $200/ha target. They
crop for growing out trading wheat crop. Over a 16-month King Country farm, it had now spend a lot more on
lambs in autumn, while period, Scott expects that this an unexpectedly profound cropping—$106,000 per
fitting a cropping rotation cropping regime will maximise effect on their ewe flock’s annum compared to $48,000
that maximised per hectare per hectare returns. performance. in their old system—but
production. Due to fodder beet’s high The couple sought to generated an extra $145,000
The first year of their yield, Scott was able to run increase the profitability by in 2015/16, through increased
Innovation Farm work showed 280 lambs/ha on the crop for $200/ha and focused on lambing percentages in both
fodder beet was promising. 60 days—and this was where growing specialist forages ewes and hoggets, increased
The trial began on April 1 the real value lay. on their cultivable country. lamb carcase weights and an
and ran for 61 days. It involved The Nelsons found red clover earlier mean slaughter date.
three mobs of brought-in Conclusions: suited their system well.
store lambs. A control mob 1. Fodder beet can add While primarily used for Conclusions:
remained on grass, while profitability to lamb finishing lambs, the feed was also used 1. Growing more quality
two were on fodder beet systems. for growing out hoggets. feed and feeding stock
with different supplement 2. There were no particular As two-tooths, these sheep better were the basis of all
regimes. Once the lambs animal health issues. outperformed their mixed-age improvements.
had grazed the fodder beet, 3. Because the time lambs ewes in scanning and lambing 2. A red clover system has
they were finished on pasture were on the fodder beet percentages, as well as in great potential but it is
and processed over July and was relatively short, the weaning weights. They believe complicated and requires
August. impact of the diet not that this focus on feeding different management.
While the focus was on lamb containing enough protein in the first summer sets the 3. Focusing on ewe
production, Scott found that— can be managed by the potential for the life-time body condition score
once the crop was finished at supplement being used. performance of their ewe flock. and matching feed
requirements accordingly
has real economic benefits.
26 B+LNZ 2015-16Current projects
2014 2016 2016 2016
PLUS 3TDM/HA WITH INTEGRATING INTENSIVE ADAPTING AND ADOPTING INCREASING LEGUMES ON
LEGUMES PRACTICES WITHIN A TECHNOLOGY WITHIN A DRYLAND HILL COUNTRY
DRYLAND SYSTEM WORKING FARM
A chemical regime is Three East Coast farmers are
showing promise in allowing Lisa and Dave Anderson of Beef finisher Neil Aicken involved in this project, which
existing clover to flourish on Bog Roy Station are looking wants to use new technology builds on several previous
uncultivated hill country in at how to increase profitability on his Waikawa Farm to and on-going lines of work
Canterbury. by 20%, while maintaing help improve production, into establishing legumes in
Banks Peninsula farmers environmental outputs on performance and profit. dryland hill country settings.
Hamish and Annabel Craw their Waitaki Valley sheep and This project aims to The farmers—Rob and
want to determine the optimal beef farm. demonstrate how smarter Sandra Faulkner (Gisborne),
spray-out method and legume Bog Roy is a 2770 ha farm farming—and reduced labour Pete and Suzanne Swinburn
pasture mix to improve the with minimal environmental input—can work for farmers. (Hawke’s Bay) and Richard
quality and quantity of their outputs. However, it is in a It will concentrate on two and Becks Tosswill (Wairarapa)
hill country pastures. catchment where land use core on-farm measures— —will demonstrate the
Much of their focus has practice has significantly stock weighting and pasture importance of autumn and
been on the chemical control changed over time and assessment. Specifically: spring management, if farmers
of poorer pasture species, water quality has come 1. Automated pasture cover want to increase the amount
to allow existing clover to under scrutiny. Environment measurements to minimise of existing annual legumes
thrive. The treatments have Canterbury (ECan) has the time and uncertainty of on uncultivable dryland hill
been a light chemical top, a assigned every catchment assessment. country.
heavy chemical top and grass within its region to nutrient 2. Walk-over weighing scales, The project aims to increase
eradication. These involved allocation zones and is used in conjunction with EID, annual legume content from
using different rates of both regulating nitrate leaching to make weighing easier and 5% to 30% during lactation,
glysophate and Valiant in accordingly. The allowable the opportunity to record with subsequent increases in
November. nutrient discharge from Bog more often. both lamb weaning weights
Craws calculated that, Roy has been capped at 3. and ewe liveweight at
based on the extra quality and 5kgN/ha/yr. weaning. Where possible, the
quantity of drymatter produced This project aims to project team also hopes to see
with a one-spray Valiant demonstrate that farming can increased ewe stocking rates.
treatment, they can expect a be profitable in a sensitive
payback within 16 months. environment by adopting
The couple have completed smarter and/or alternative
year two and are now scaling practices.
up the trial area. They will
also adjust the rate of Valiant, Have an idea for an Innovation Farm project?
to minimise costs while
Get in touch with your B+LNZ Extension Manager
maximising production gains.
or email enquiries@beeflambnz.com
B+LNZ 2015-16 27Empowering farmers
Sheep and beef farmers have a long tradition of working sympathetically with
the land. In line with new environmental regulations they are documenting that
relationship and identifying where there is room for further improvement.
AMPING UP ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACTIVITY
Farmers across the country—in that speaks with a lot more volume to language that will resonate with policy
Southland and Waikato, in particular the decision makers than us saying it on makers, increasing the likelihood of
—will have noticed B+LNZ step up its their behalf. farmers affecting change.
activity in the environmental policy space “Our approach is about giving them the The second half of the workshop
during the past year. skills to articulate their points in a way that involves farmers drafting their
Two new positions were established— has weight with the decision makers.” submissions, with the B+LNZ
Environmental Policy Managers in the To that end, three submission environment team on hand to help.
North and South Islands. Julia Beijeman workshops were piloted in Southland
started in the Christchurch office in June while the Southland Land and Water Plan Is it working?
2016, while Corina Jordon settled into the was being consulted over July and August Farmer feedback has been
Feilding office two months later. 2016. More than 300 farmers attended. overwhelmingly positive, with people
Amping up capacity in this area was More recently, Waikato farmers were saying they actually enjoyed the
in direct response to farmer feedback. involved in nine workshops, formulating workshop and the energy in the room.
Levy payers saw a gap in terms of B+LNZ their submissions to the Healthy Rivers More importantly, the workshops have
proactively representing farmers at a Plan Change document. That resulted in translated into action. The Southland
policy level. conversations with more than 700 farmers. Regional Council received about 900
The two-hour workshop format kicks submissions. Of those, more than half
Submission workshops off an overview of the key policy issues, were from sheep and beef farmers.
The approach B+LNZ is taking is simple. before farmers are asked what they “like, Julia says the submissions she has
Farmers are being empowered to submit wish and wonder” about the proposed seen were spot on—simple, with clear
on policy, themselves. policy. The information is then discussed messages to the policy makers and
Julia: “If a farmer stands up and as a group and farmers are given tips excellent alternatives suggested.
articulates why a policy is not good, on how to communicate their ideas in
28 B+LNZ 2015-16There was a 20% increase in the number of farmers
attending B+LNZ farm and environment planning
workshops between the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons
—853 farmers, compared with 713. Significantly, farmers
have began moving on to the level 2 workshops.
USE OF OVERSEER
In 2016, B+LNZ funded a review of
Overseer’s use and relevance for the
sheep and beef sector—and some of
the findings are already in place. B+LNZ
is working with others to build industry
capability in the nutrient modelling
area. Efforts include developing nutrient
budgets for the B+LNZ Sheep and Beef
Farm Survey properties, producing
a guide to streamline information
collection and input into Overseer, and
recommending research that will improve
the model’s accuracy.
MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA
The “From the Mountains to the Sea”
environment project kicked off in early 2016.
Backed by the B+LNZ Southern
South Island Farmer Council, it involved
three farms across Southland. The
project aimed to show the value of farm
environment planning and explore the
Julia Beijeman Corina Jordon challenges and opportunities associated
After completing a Bachelor of Forestry Corina came to B+LNZ after nine years with three very different farms in three
Science, Julia worked in biosecurity with Fish and Game, where she provided very different catchments.
with the Canterbury Regional Council. planning and freshwater ecology expertise; A field day was held at each farm and
She was then a policy analyst with the she later became the organisation’s regionally specific environmental topics
Ministry for Primary Industries. Julia National Environmental Manager. Corina were discussed, such as winter grazing,
moved to Ho Chi Minh City, where has extensive experience working across hill country cultivation, artificial drainage
she trained and worked as an English government organisations and was heavily and stock exclusion form waterways.
teacher, before going on to Western involved in the Land Water Forum. Through the field days, the three
Australia, where she was Environment Over the years, Corina had worked project farmers were able to share their
Policy Manager for the advocacy alongside B+LNZ senior management experiences with the wider community.
body, the Western Australian Local and directors and liked their values and Their key message was that every farm
Government Association. “In all cases, approaches to environmental policy. has its own challenges and opportunities,
it was about building relationships, She has a Bachelor of Science, Honours and working through a B+LNZ Farm
communicating clearly, and delivering in natural resource management and a Environment Plan is a great way to identify
on what you said you would do.” Master’s in environmental management. and prioritise key on-farm actions.
Julia describes her B+LNZ role as Corina is enjoying engaging with
being “the translator and tour guide for farmers. “I see real strength in building ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE
farmers”. “I translate policy language into farmer capacity and capability around the
plain English, so farmers do not have to sustainable management of land and water B+LNZ hosted its second Environment
read through thousands of pages. Then resources to enable them to advocate on Conference in Wellington in December 2015.
they can respond back to council in an behalf of themselves and the sector.” The two days involved 60 farmers and
informed way.” She believes that solutions lie with were designed to equip them with the skills
And tour guide? Julia takes farmers communities, and will be dependent on and knowledge to negotiate sustainable
on the submission process journey and strong leadership from individuals, land and water management regulations in
helps them form their ideas. “If I do my including farmers. their regions. Session topics included how
job properly, I’ll hopefully do myself out “The biggest challenge of the job is ensuring to communicate the sector’s environmental
of employment. Farmers will be doing it success. Farmers have a voice and they are story effectively and the role of farm plans.
themselves.” using it, but ultimately we need to see The next conference is scheduled for
farmers’ values reflected back in the policy.” February 2017.
B+LNZ 2015-16 29You can also read
