Call to join sheep poo facial eczema study

Tairāwhiti farmers have been urged to join the Beef + Lamb New Zealand sheep poo study.

The region’s farmers have been encouraged to join the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) sheep poo study and the clock is ticking.

The study has been described as a crucial part of the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts programme, ahead of the new season next month.

Some 200 farmers nationally have already signed up for the study, however, more farmers are needed.

“Farmers do not need to have had facial eczema (FE) on their farms to take part,” said B+LNZ sector science strategy manager Dr Suzi Keeling.

“The work will build greater knowledge of the extent of FE throughout New Zealand and the potential impact of a changing climate on the disease.

“We need 350 farmers, 22 each from 16 regions around New Zealand, to join the programme,” Keeling said.

“It’s very straightforward and just involves collecting some sheep poo samples fortnightly from October-May.”

B+LNZ covers the cost of the sampling kits and the return packaging.

“With a time-commitment of less than 45 minutes a fortnight, participating farmers will be playing a pivotal part in something that can benefit the entire sector,” Keeling said.

“Greater knowledge about the prevalence of FE spores throughout New Zealand is important for developing tools to help farmers mitigate the impacts of the disease.”

Researchers will analyse the sheep poo samples to see if they contain the fungal spores associated with FE, which indicates the risk of FE on the farm.

Farmers will receive free FE spore counts over the season, access to an online map showing results, and opportunities to network with other farmers.

“As well as farm businesses, some schools have expressed an interest in becoming involved with the study - incorporating sample collection and understanding of the results into science and agricultural studies.”

B+LNZ Farmer Research Advisory Group chair Paul Crick is taking part in the study on his Wairarapa farm.

Paul Crick, chair of B+LNZ’s Farmer Research Advisory Group, is taking part in the study on his Wairarapa farm - "All you need to do is gather sheep poo fortnightly, fill in some details, and send it back.”

“Facial eczema is a growing challenge for many farmers.

“Being part of the sheep poo study is a practical way to contribute to critical research that aims to eliminate the impact of FE in New Zealand.

“Participation is easy - B+LNZ provides everything. All you need to do is gather sheep poo fortnightly, fill in some details, and send it back.”

Farmers have to register their interest in participating in the sheep poo study on the B+LNZ website by October 4.