Bruce Wills elected as Federated Farmers President -  Read more »
Dr William Rolleston elected as Federated Farmers Vice-President -  Read more »
Exports worth more than a Rugby World Cup a week -  Read more »
Farmy Army/SVA achieves great things....again -  Read more »
Dominion Post publishes correction after Federated Farmers complaint -  Read more »

Rabobank Agribusiness review - Prepared by Rabobank's specialist Food and Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) division, the New Zealand and Australia Agribusiness Review provides monthly commentary on the region's economic and agricultural conditions. As a snapshot of the food and agribusiness sectors, the review includes recent price and market trend data and analysis and covers a range of topics. Click here to read the latest copy.

Canterbury - Environment Canterbury has released the draft regional policy statement with submissions closing on the 15 August. The policy statement sets the overarching policy direction for all regional and district authorities in Canterbury. The implications of this document could be far reaching, particularly with respect to water policies in Canterbury. For further information please contact either Lionel Hume or Anna Mackenzie.

Waikato - Waikato Federated Farmers held a successful Transport Meeting on Thursday 23 June, where we had the Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection (CVIU) officers and Ministry of Transport Officials give presentations on agricultural vehicle rules and regulations for on-road use.  Then Federated Farmers national vice-president, Donald Aubrey and policy advisor Matt Scott were in attendance, as well as 85 members, non-members and contractors. We wish to thank AGrowquip, the CVIU Officers, Ministry of Transport Officials, PGG Wrightson's and Young Farmers for their assistance with putting this meeting together.  If anyone needs assistance with the overweight permit application process, please contact: Paul Chapman, transport officer (commercial), phone 07 9277823 or mobile, 021 271 8293.

Marlborough - Marlborough District Council has developed a new web-based map capable of measuring rising rivers during storms and able to display water levels in real time. The Flood Watch map, designed by the Council's information technology staff, shows the current status of Marlborough's river flows, river levels and rainfall. It's a user-friendly tool designed to operate as a flood alert for anyone who could be affected by severe weather, particularly farmers, travellers or people living in flood-prone areas.  Information is automatically uploaded from stations throughout the Marlborough district. This is typically updated hourly during significant events, with some sites being updated more often. For more details, click here.  

Aftersocks - When mother nature socked it to Canterbury on 22 February 2011 we all wanted to help. Today you can, while also keeping your feet cosy and warm this winter.  Aftersocks are a New Zealand merino blend sock, made in Canterbury. Women's and men's sizes are currently available at $20 a pair, plus postage and packaging. For more details and to order, click here.

New address? - Just a reminder if you moved during gypsy day to a new location please let Elections New Zealand know. For more details, click here. Also make sure you let our Federated Farmers team know by calling 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646).

Nick Smith on biodiversity - Last week on The Nation on TV3 Natasha Smith found out why farmers are fed up with Nick Smith over his proposed national policy statement on biodiversity. To view the programme click here

Young Farmer of the Year final - The Young Farmer of the Year evening show is being held tomorrow, Saturday 2 July, at Wairarapa College, 83 Pownall Street Masterton  from 6pm. Tickets are $50. The Young Farmer of the Year Ball is after the show at the Masterton War Memorial Stadium, Dixon Steret, Masterton. Tickets are $120 combined and are available at the National Bank in Masterton or by clicking here.

Fountain for Arable Research (FAR) - As part of FAR's winter roadshow they are holding a number of meetings. Topics will be based around the results from their latest research plus you will have the chance to have your say on the future direction of FAR. For more details, click here.

Quad Bike Farm Licence - FarmSafe has worked closely with ACC and the Department of Labour to develop a practical training course on safe quad bike riding practices. On the successful completion of the training and assessment process, you will be issued with Farm Safe's Quad Bike Farm Licence. You'll gain an understanding of industry guidelines and your responsibilities, set clear expectations about what is required for safe riding on your property and have a clear method of verifying employees' training and assessment. The training covers how to effectively identify, minimise and isolate potential bike riding hazards and make safe riding decisions.  

The Quad Bike Farm Licence is offered by FarmSafe in association with AgITO. The training and assessment process uses NZQA approved unit standards and is flexible to suit your riding experience. Experienced riders who already hold the unit standards can have them recognised as part of the process.

To launch this initiative, AgITO are offering a free approved safety helmet for everybody who signs up and completes the training - for a limited time. For more details and to receive a Quad Bike Farm Licence application pack call AgITO today on 0800 691 111 or see www.agito.ac.nz. 

Winesonline.co.nz - For half price, award winning Pinot Noirs, with complimentary Belgian chocolates and no Rural delivery fees, order online now at www.winesonline.co.nz

FMG are now on YouTube - FMG has gone modern and now has it's own YouTube channel.  Click here to view videos on how to secure your property, get advice when shopping around for insurance and see through the eyes of an insurer when viewing a lifestyle block.

Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) manual - Members only need to pay $70 + GST to purchase this up to date, informative and necessary manual. It is designed especially for the rural sector on best practice methods to reduce the risk of accidents and injury. Each manual includes five accident and five hazard registers. Other OSH products are available however the asking price of many is in excess of $800. Call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) and secure a copy of this manual, designed by farmers and legal experts to best suit the needs of those in the rural sector. Non members can also purchase this product for $170 + GST. 

Quote of the week - "For me, old presidents never die; they just fade from frontline farmer politics" - Don Nicolson in his penultimate speech as Federated Farmers president at the Federated Farmers National AGM and conference in Rotorua.