Experts to speak at Beef Breeder Forum

Tairāwhiti farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in the beef industry at the Beef Breeder Forum next month.

Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in the beef industry at the Beef Breeder Forum next month.

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) event in Christchurch on March 18 will bring together a range of experts and leaders from the sector, including McDonald’s NZ head of impact and communications Simon Kenny and B+LNZ’s new chief executive Alan Thomson.

The day-long forum will also provide farmers with the first look at nProve Beef – a free and easy-to-use online beef genetics tool designed to help farmers select the best bulls for their specific breeding objectives and farm systems.

The tool has been developed through the B+LNZ-funded Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme in collaboration with the industry.

Kenny will discuss McDonald’s global commitments and direction as a major buyer of New Zealand beef.

There will also be an update on B+LNZ Genetics’ beef programme, insights into research trials on reducing methane and improving feed efficiency and work around developing NZ-specific selection indexes.

A series of breakout sessions will explore innovation in beef genetics.

At the end of the forum, the New Zealand Roundtable for Sustainable Beef will host an open meeting, outlining its sustainability work and mission to ensure New Zealand beef continues to meet consumers’ expectations.

“The forum is designed for stud breeders, industry/rural professionals and commercial farmers with a passion for genetics,” B+LNZ head of genetics Jason Archer said.

“As well as the informative sessions, delegates who attended previous beef forums have told us they get real value from getting together with fellow breeders and industry to share ideas and network.”

Registrations for the forum, being held at Addington Events Centre, close on Friday, February 14.

For more details or to register, go to beeflambnz.com/events/blnz-genetics-beef-breeder-forum