Ballance Agri-Nutrients tests a breakthrough solution which could save the sector millions of dollars in parasite resistance
05 February 2025 – Ballance Agri-Nutrients (Ballance) is in the final stages of testing an innovative, sector leading fertiliser technology developed to reduce parasite larvae on pasture. Conceived with scientists from AgResearch, it aims to address the growing issue of parasite resistance, a major challenge for New Zealand livestock farmers, by targeting the larvae that primarily reside on the pasture.
Resistance to oral drenches has become a critical issue for sheep and cattle farmers globally, with many facing triple drench resistance and limited treatment options. This new approach uses a specially formulated fertiliser that reduces parasite larvae on pasture, potentially giving farmers a new tool to manage resistance.
“By reducing the larval challenge that migrates from animal waste and infects young stock, this technology could provide a significant breakthrough for farmers struggling with parasite management,” says Warwick Catto, Science Strategy Manager at Ballance. “The technology has the potential to target all pasture based ruminant larval species, addressing an issue costing the sector millions of dollars.”
Developed in collaboration with AgResearch’s parasitologist Dave Leathwick and soil scientist Alec Mackay, extensive testing including early in-vitro trials show promising efficacy against both drug-resistant and susceptible parasite species. Initial tunnel house trials, which allowed precise control over environmental factors, confirmed these results. These trials tested various application techniques, formulations, and rates, demonstrating a significant reduction in recovered larvae compared to untreated areas.
“Traditional parasite control using drenches is failing on many farms, so we deliberately took a different approach by trying to target parasites on pasture. This product is a result of that work. If we can get the fine-tuning right, it will be a boon for farmers struggling with resistant worms,” says Dave Leathwick, parasitologist at AgResearch.
Small-scale animal trials provided further validation, showing a substantial reduction in parasite burden in tracer lambs grazed on treated pasture. On-farm trials conducted on two separate farms saw similar results, with a marked reduction in worm burdens after just 14 days of grazing on pasture treated with this innovative formulation.
However, the project has also revealed the complexities of real-world farm conditions, particularly in relation to pasture contamination. Trials have shown that larvae can persist in soil and faeces, gradually migrating back to herbage over time, highlighting the need for further study in this area.
“While early lab and farm trials have shown great promise, we’re continuing to refine the formulation and its application to make sure it works effectively across the wide range of conditions farmers encounter,” adds Catto. “However, this is really good news for farmers as our goal is to create a solution that not only performs in controlled settings but delivers consistent results in the field.”
Supported by funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund, the ongoing development of this initiative highlights Ballance’s commitment to providing innovative, farmer-focused solutions. Further field trials and product optimisation are now underway, with the aim of creating a product that is both practical and effective for everyday farm use.