The Beef Progeny Test was a 5-year project run by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Genetics, comparing bulls under commercial farming conditions. B+LNZ Genetics has been analysing the dataset collected from those farms to identify valuable insights for stud breeders and commercial farmers. In this podcast, Jason Archer, Livestock Genetics Specialist at B+LNZ Genetics, delves into some of the insights on measuring and predicting finishing performance in beef cattle.

Discussion explores the important role of 'subcutaneous fat', which is measured through rib fat depth, and 'intramuscular fat' also known as marbling, as well as the relationship between these traits. Jason also discusses different tools used to improve carcass traits – such as estimated breeding values (EBVs) and ultrasound scanning – and how effective they are at predicting marbling and rib fat depth within a carcass.

Useful links:

• Read more (and see the graphs referred to in this podcast) on the B+LNZ Genetics Beef Progeny Test Results page: https://www.blnzgenetics.com/beef-progeny-test-results
• Watch a video of Jason discussing these traits at a recent Beef Progeny Test field day: https://youtu.be/B9yhj1k6o9s?si=SI9pCx9cSusjG9_A&t=4703
• B+LNZ’s Informing New Zealand Beef website:  www.blnzgenetics.com/informing-nz-beef 

Shepherdess is a more than a women’s magazine. It captures everyday life and extraordinary stories and is documenting the things that matter to communities across provincial Aotearoa. From the women, for the land. We are joined by Kristy McGregor, Publisher and Editor-In-Chief, who dives into all of the corners of the venture that started back in 2019.

This podcast was recorded in February 2024.

Farmers can reap many benefits by participating in New Zealand’s national Open Farm Day, set for Sunday, 10 March 2024. We talk with Open Farms founder Daniel Eb about the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from farmer hosts and why a significant number of hosts return each year to be part of the initiative.

Daniel dives into the many benefits for farmers – direct and indirect – and how it is much more manageable than farmers might anticipate.

B+LNZ encourages you to consider hosting an event. Research shows that firsthand experiences are unmatched when it comes to creating better understanding with urban folk.

If you’re considering hosting an Open Farms Day, visit the official website here.

Recorded on a Beef + Lamb New Zealand webinar. Dr. Ty Beal is a well-recognised expert on global food systems, and the impact of dietary patterns on human health and the environment. Through an evidence-based approach, Dr. Beal presents a balanced view for the role of animal sourced foods (with a focus on red meat) in sustainable global diets.

View the presentation with Dr. Beal’s slides on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTb288eHv6c

In the sixth Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Parasite Chronicles’ podcast, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Carlos Segura about how and why he is reducing drench inputs in his farm system. Carlos manages sheep and beef on Manunui Station, in Taumarunui and was part of a B+LNZ Research funded study, carried out by Massey University, to understand how and why farmers are already farming with less drench.

The Covid pandemic has been a catalyst for change, dramatically transforming consumer behavior, markets and workplaces across the globe. Michael McQueen provides a deep insight into these tectonic shifts, and how red meat sector leaders need to position themselves for success in this emerging new normal.

Recorded at the Red Meat Sector Conference August 2023.

As New Zealand continues to emerge and engage post-Covid trade it is increasingly clear that many of the old trade and market certainties no longer hold, and new risks and opportunities are emerging on the world stage. Join MFAT Deputy Secretary Vangelis Vitalis as he shares his insights into how New Zealand can steer a leading trade strategy in increasingly turbulent waters.

Vangelis was New Zealand’s Chief Negotiator who led the conclusion of negotiations for the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and before that the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. He was also a member of the negotiating teams for the New Zealand-China FTA and the P4 Agreement.

Recorded at the Red Meat Sector Conference August 2023.

In the fifth of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's 'Parasite Chronicles' podcasts, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Ginny Dodunski, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Wormwise Programme Manager about parasites and drench resistance but also the importance of feeding your animals well for animal health in general.

Commercial farms play a key role in Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme because they contribute to the accuracy of breeding values of stud bulls. The INZB programme aims to onboard at least 10 farmers each year as part of the Next Generation Commercial Herds initiative. Those selected adopt a recording schedule and can also carry out genotyping of their cow herd and calves and sires. The farmers can benchmark their herd against others involved in the programme, and it also allows for more accurate heifer selection.

In this episode, Richard Scholefield and Patrick Crawshaw, who are involved in the programme, share their first-hand experiences and the benefits they’ve witnessed through participation.

For more information about the INZB programme visit the B+LNZ Genetics website: https://www.blnzgenetics.com/informing-nz-beef

Safer Farms chair Lindy Nelson joins us to discuss the Farm Without Harm strategy, the "Half Arsed Stops Here” campaign and how farmers can get involved in this innovative programme.

For more information, check out the Safer Farms website https://www.saferfarms.co.nz/ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Farm Safety Management System resources https://beeflambnz.com/search?query=Farm+Safety

Experienced Bankers Dan Billing and Matt Hood join us to share their insights for effective financial communication and relationships.

Recorded on the fifth Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Sow, Grow, Thrive’ webinar, 2 October 2023