Financial Stability Report warns farms aren't an ATM -  Read more »
Agricultural Production Statistics show a lack of intensity -  Read more »
Fonterra's Brazilian opportunity - Read more »
Farmers express hopes for NPS on freshwater management - Read more »
Proposed landowner duck hunt tax is poorly camouflaged greed - Read more »
Water marks New Zealand as the real ‘lucky country' - Read more »

Putting the nanny into state -  Read more »

Manawatu - Transpower is presently consulting with landowners and other stakeholders on options to replace the conductors (i.e. wires) on the Bunnythorpe to Haywards A and B transmission line in the lower North Island. Landowners with towers on their land that is part of this transmission line will be affected by the conductor replacement, as Transpower will require access to the line. The extent to which landowners will be affected depends on the replacement option Transpower selects. Federated Farmers is proposing to comment in favour of the option that most increases the capacity of the line. While this option produces more disruption for landowners, due to the strengthening work required on the towers, the increased capacity should reduce the need for future upgrades. This is, however, conditional on fair treatment of the affected landowners. Farmers should get full compensation for any effect on their business and property and Transpower should endeavour to do the work at a time of the year that is convenient to the farmer. If your farm is crossed by the Bunnythorpe to Haywards transmission line we would like to hear your views. Federated Farmers has a series of Fact Sheets on the rights of landowners hosting transmission lines. For further information please contact Nigel Billings, senior policy advisor on 0800 327 646, nbillings@fedfarm.org.nz

Southland - Submissions were due last Tuesday for the Gore District Council draft Annual Plan. Federated Farmers submitted for three key things, spending restraint, better consultation and better use of rating tools. Gore's 4.24 percent rates increase was not amongst the worst, but still has a significant effect on farmer's rates, some of which are over the 10k mark. There were a few proposed new expenditure areas in the draft and we have asked the Council to look at these areas again to ensure they are funded properly and are actually necessary. We called for the Council to engage more proactively in rural ratepayer consultation, especially around the perennial issue of roading levels of service and to schedule regular community meetings to discuss emerging issues. Gore makes good use of targeted rates, including annually recovering the 30 percent maximum Uniform Charge take allowed under legislation. We supported Council for this intelligent use of rating tools but made suggestions on how this could be improved. Finally, we asked to be fully involved in the urban rating boundary review leading up to the Long Term Plan process in 2012.

With the Southland District Council draft Annual Plan we highlighted the need to reduce spending in non-core activities. The Council wants to know whether to increase rates or reduce the roading level of service. The answer is neither, just prioritise the roading spend. SDC can reduce the reliance on property values, which hammer the District's farmers, especially with Dairy ratepayers facing an 11 percent rates increase. The first step is to not reduce the Uniform Charge as proposed, but to use it to recover more of the rates. Nor should farmers be paying for tourism promotion when farmers pay to promote their own products. On the positive side, the Council has done well to lay out the areas of expenditure for Venture Southland. Previously neither Venture nor Council explained where the millions of district ratepayer dollars were actually being spent.

Gibbston Water measuring field day - Topics will include water measuring regulations and implications for water users, measuring options, open channels, races and piped water and future proofing, certification and verification.  This field day will be held at the Peregrine winery on Kawarau Gorge road in Gibbston Valley on Tuesday 24 May 1.30pm - 3.30pm. For more details email bruce.monaghan@orc.govt.nz

Federated Farmers Facebook page - If you're on Facebook make sure you ‘like' our page. That way you can post feedback and keep up to date with what is happening in the world of Federated Farmers. Currently we're running our first ever funniest farming video competition. Entries are posted on our Facebook page with the winner receiving an iPad2.

Bovine tuberculosis control programme - The Animal Health Board (AHB) is urging farmers and herd owners in the Waikato, Canterbury and Horizons regions to be visible in their local regional council public gallery to support the AHB's bovine tuberculosis (TB) control programme. Each regional council is proposing to cut its contribution to the programme, which would also significantly reduce central government and farming sector investment in the programme. Any cut to the regional council contribution would seriously compromise our ability to eradicate TB in the region.  Regional council draft annual plan 2011/12 public hearings dates are:
Horizons: Monday 23 May, Wednesday 25 May and Thursday 26 May
Environment Waikato: Monday 16 May to Wednesday 18 May   

Red Meat Sector Strategy Report released - Beef and Lamb New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association have released this document, which is designed to identify and substantiate the areas where the largest gains can be made by the sector; in-market co-ordination, efficient and aligned procurement and sector best practice.  To download a summary or obtain the full report and to submit your views on the strategy, click here.

Join the campaign for wool.  The Campaign for Wool is an international campaign led by HRH the Prince of Wales to boost the desirability and awareness of wools. Since if it's worth doing, it's worth sharing, farmers can officially join up to the campaign by visiting www.campaignforwool.co.nz, or by clicking here to join as a ‘licensed participant'. This means you'll be able to use the registered trademarks and ensure you get notified about activities both within New Zealand and around the world. 

Gypsy Day - If you are changing addresses please let us know by calling 0800 327 646. If you are employing staff, Federated Farmers have a variety of employment contracts at a discounted rate for members. For more details, click here to go to our website.

Applications open for access scholarship - Access and Rural Women New Zealand are looking for deserving applicants for their 2011 scholarship. "We will be awarding the Rural Women New Zealand and Access Scholarship to a health professional to help further his or her studies," says Rural Women New Zealand National President, Liz Evans.
"Given our rural focus, we are particularly looking for someone who has an interest in providing health or disability services in the rural sector."  Applications close on 1 July and preference will be given to applicants who are studying at post-graduate level.  Further information and application forms can be found at www.ruralwomen.org.nz or www.access.org.nz.

Bees/Grain & Seed conference - The joint Federated Farmers Bees/Grain & Seed conference will be held in Ashburton at the Hotel Ashburton on 25-27 May 2011.  The conference will feature a wide range of interesting topics and discussions. The line up of speakers includes Labour MP Damien O'Connor, Foundation for Arable Research CEO Nick Pyke and Sam McIvor, Pork Industry Board chief executive officer. For the conference and AGM registration forms, please click here. For more information please call Shona or Carly Sluys at 0800 327 646.

New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards - The national winners of these awards will be announced this weekend in Queenstown and the results will be posted on Sunday onto the NZDIA website found here http://www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz/  Twelve finalists have been announced in each of the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Manager of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year and these represent the best of nearly 500 entrants that have participated in regional competitions around New Zealand.   They also represent some of the best people working the country's dairy farms with the attitude, drive and passion to progress further in the industry.  Federated Farmers is one of the sponsors of the whole competition and also provides the Leadership Award where the national winner will be given a cash prize of $2000.  Each regional winner of the Leadership Award has also been given the opportunity to partake in one of Federated Farmers' leadership training courses.  Federated Farmers looks forward with interest to the final results and congratulates all those who have participated.

DairyNZ's Face to Face event - Free to levy-paying farmers and their staff, this event is designed to take some of the latest research and development out to the regions. You have the opportunity to discuss regional challenges and issues with some of DairyNZ's key staff and find out where your levy is invested. The dates and venues are as follows: Thursday 26 May   - DairyNZ Face-to-Face in Waikato, Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton
For a full programme click here, registration prior to the event is essential and can be done online, via DairyNZ's website.

Federated Farmers National Conference 2011 - Federated Farmers National Conference 2011 is nearly upon us! This year, the premiere agricultural conference will be held from Wednesday, 29 June to Friday, 1 July 2011 at Distinction Rotorua, 390 Fenton Street, Rotorua. This event will incorporate the AGMs for Federated Farmers' Dairy and Meat & Fibre sections, and Federated Farmers National Council. Also included is the plenary session, a combination of the industry group conference and the National Conference. The theme this year is ‘Agri-Evolution.'

Win at National Conference! - Federated Farmers would like to thank our sponsors and business partners for supporting National Conference 2011. Several spot prizes will be up for grabs over the three days. Each prize has been kindly donated by our business partners. To be eligible for any of the prizes, you must be there to accept them in person. The prizes to look forward to so far are:

•  Dulux Product Voucher to the value of $200.00
•  Two jackets from XCM Clothing
•  Transpower all weather outdoor jacket
•  Dreamwool Underquilt
•  $50 Resene voucher; and a Resene beanie, fingerless gloves, chilly-bag and solar   phone charger
•  Two gift packs of fabulous wines from Wines Online
•  Bunnings vouchers
•  Digital camera from OfficeMax
•  1 nights accommodation and breakfast for two at Ibis Hotel Wellington

Lunch with the Prime Minister and Plenary Session - Prior to the plenary session New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, will be speaking at lunch on Thursday, 30 June. We would like to thank Telecom New Zealand for proudly sponsoring the lunch. The afternoon plenary session will encompass a range of guest speakers including:

• Mike O'Donnell (Head of Operations at Trade Me)
• Sir Paul Callaghan (Kiwibank New Zealander of the year)
• Mandi McLeod (2009 Nuffield Scholar)
• David Huebner (U.S. Ambassador)
• Paul Leslie and David Walker (Telecom)
• Hon Phil Goff (Leader of the Labour Party)
• Dr Don Brash (Leader of the Act Party)
• Dr Russel Norman (Co-leader of the Green Party)

Awards Evening - Federated Farmers Awards are about celebrating the success of our Agricultural Industry and the people who help make it so. The pre-dinner drinks and awards dinner will be held on Thursday, 30 June from 6.30pm. We would like to thank Progressive Meats for sponsoring the awards dinner with the provision of superb beef and lamb.

There are three award categories: Agribusiness Person of the Year; Agri Personality of the Year; and Cream of the Crop, which recognises various national agricultural award winners. We would like to thank Ravensdown for proudly sponsoring Cream of the Crop. The following iconic New Zealanders will be judging Agribusiness Person of the Year 2011:

• Peter Buckley (Waikato Regional Council Chairman)
• Kevin Winters (Mayor of Rotorua)
• Noeline Taurua (Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Coach)
• Sir Colin Meads (Legendary All Black)
• Jamie Fitzgerald (First New Zealander to reach the South Pole unsupported, on foot)

A limited number of seats are available at each event over the three days, so early registration is recommended. Please visit www.fedfarm.org.nz/events to download a registration form. Registrations close on Friday, 13 May 2011.

Farm Dairy Effluent: System design and management -  A short course on the design and management of systems for land application of Farm Dairy Effluent (FDE) is now available through the Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre (FLRC) at Massey University. This is a three day short course for industry practitioners, rural professionals, regulatory and governance personnel and scientists engaged in providing advice relating to the design, management and auditing of farm dairy effluent systems.  For further information, to register your interest and to request an enrolment form, please click here.  Places on the courses are limited.

Expand your staff's knowledge of cattle breeding in the run up to calving - Learn the fundamentals of breeding and producing healthy livestock with AgITO's National Certificate in Agriculture (Cattle Breeding) (Dairy Cattle Farming) (Level 3).  Topics covered include; mating, calving and rearing calves and young stock. You'll learn to understand the selection processes for breeding cattle, understand cattle reproduction and the best ways to achieve top conception rates, identify cows on heat and understand the process of calving and associated health issues.  To enrol or find out more, contact your local AgITO training adviser today on 0800 691 111 or visit www.agito.ac.nz.

New Bronze Sponsor  - Morley Security & Investigation Group - Federated Farmers are delighted to welcome Morley Security & Investigation Group (MSIG) to our family of Bronze Sponsors.  MSIG add a valuable employment checking service to our member benefits, complimenting the employment agreements and legal advice service already available to members. MSIG is an independent, licensed security consulting and private investigating company established in 1987 and currently provides services to over 175 businesses in New Zealand.  MSIG can greatly assist members when recruiting new employees by completing a range of security checks such as criminal and traffic records, traffic convictions/infringements and credit checks.   These checks are crucial to ensure that you are employing honest staff who will need to drive expensive farm equipment or manage day to day expenditure or funds. In addition to pre-employment checks MSIG also carry out workplace dishonesty investigations. The standard one-off Request for Service fee has been discounted by 25 percent for Federated Farmers members, down to just $150 + GST. The cost of each check thereafter is plus - criminal conviction record $25.00, Demerit Points/Licence Suspension record $35.00, immigration work/status $25.00 and credit history $35.00 (all + GST.) Call MSIG on 04 471 1663 or email msig@paradise.net.nz to arrange pre employment checks - a little invested now could save a great deal later on!

Welcome Devan Plastics - proud to be a Bronze Sponsor to Federated Farmers! DevanPlastics have been involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of a range of rotationally moulded plastic products, focusing primarily on the agricultural and rural lifestyle market sectors. Devan's core products are its water tanks ranging from 750 up to 30,000l, these are being used for agricultural and commercial purposes, including  the storage of molasses and chemicals.  Also available are waste water systems, septic tanks and spray tanks. Call 0800 500 026 to find out about exclusive Federated Farmers pricing specials. Devan, built tank tough.

Versatile is Warming Your Heart! Sign up for any of Versatile's 40 great homes and get a free installed heat pump. Hurry - only 30 to give away!  If you haven't already checked out Versatile's fantastic home plans do it today. Plus, visit our website to enter to win one of 30 rugby balls signed by Richie McCaw.  Terms and Conditions apply. Call 0800 VERSATILE or visit www.versatile.co.nz for further details.

Versatile's May mark down - They've got outrageous deals on garage kitsets. Single garage kitsets are priced from $4599 and double garage kitsets from $5699. Visit their website to enter to win one of thirty rugby balls signed by Richie McCaw.  Terms and conditions apply. Hurry, for this is for May only! To find out what other great deals are available, call 0800 VERSATILE or visit www.versatile.co.nz.

Wines online -Save up to $132.00 per dozen on this week's special wines. To view these and many other fantastic award winning wines at unbelievably low prices, look no further than winesonline.co.nz.

Need a contract or agreement? - Federated Farmers have it covered. Federated Farmers legal team and members have developed a vast range of contracts and agreements that are produced for the rural sector. These contracts and agreements cover most issues that can often prove detrimental to farmers namely; employment contracts for permanent, fixed term and casual employees, Variable order share milking agreements, NZ herd owning agreements, grazing leases, deed of lease for rural land, workplace drug and alcohol policies and much more. These products are available to members from just $50 + GST. 

Rural Jobs - Looking for staff or seeking a new position within the farming sector?  Visit www.ruraljobs.co.nz to view a range of positions available. Call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) to discuss your contractual needs. 

Quote of the week: "I was asked on New Years day what word would sum up 2011. I said "excitement" - Conor English Federated Farmers chief executive, as quoted in the National Farming Review.