Drought conditions will impact 2010/2011 dairy production - Read more »

Driving age to be lifted - Read more »

Federated Farmers challenges claims about Manawatu River - Read more »

Federated Farmers congratulates Beef & Lamb chairman - Read more »

Federated Farmers encouraged by U.S. talks - Read more »

Farmers call for more education for recreational ATV use - Read more »

Horizons Crafar prosecution may cost unsecured creditors - Read more »

Transpower on another collision course with farmers - Read more »

To view the full list of media releases or to view any other publications, click here.

Rate this, Waikato - Waikato District Council is setting the rates for the financial year ahead in their 2010/2011 Annual Plan. Federated Farmers will be submitting as usual on the lack of transparency as there is little information on how Council activities for the year will impact on individual ratepayers. It's too late to have your say once the bill hits your letter box, so it's vital that we are involved in the Annual Planning process early on. For more information, please contact regional policy advisor, Rhea Dasent, by clicking here.

Rotorua District Council Annual Plan - Rotorua District Council has released their draft Annual Plan for consultation and there are a number of aspects to the plan which we will be looking at in more detail over the next few weeks. These include the projected rural rates increases, establishment of a council controlled limited liability company, the air quality control bylaw, waste management plan and tourism funding. Councils do use this consultation process to seek community feedback and because all council expenditure items have an impact on the rates you pay, it's important to be involved. Hilary Walker will be drafting the Federation's submission and it needs to be lodged with Council by Friday, 7 May. We also encourage you to lodge your own submission and we are happy to provide simple advice on how to do this. For more information, please contact regional policy advisor, Hilary Walker, by calling 0800 327 646 or by clicking here.

Taupo district rates - Taupo District Council has released the draft 2010/2011 Annual Plan. The Annual Plan will look at rates for the 2010/2011 financial year and will make any changes from the 10 year horizon Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) that Council deem necessary. Federated Farmers key messages to Council will be to keep away from activities that are not core business and make sure that the rates people pay reflect their use of or benefit derived. For more information, please contact regional policy advisor, Rhea Dasent, by clicking here.

Undercover Kids - The Totalspan Undercover Kids Bus Shelter Programme is about to give away more bus shelters to schools with rural bus routes. These shelters are a godsend to rural kids, providing them with greater safety and visibility as well as much needed protection from the elements. This year there will be one round of applications with the aim of approving 100 shelters. Applications close on Friday, 30 April with successful applicants being announced in mid-June. For more information or to download an application form please click here.

Federated Farmers feed list - The Federated Farmers feed lists, which include both feed wanted and feed available, can be accessed via the 0800 DROUGHT line (0800 376 844) or by clicking here. The drought line and feed lists are available to both members and non-members of Federated Farmers.

Soil erosion workshops - The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is running a series of free workshops around the North Island about the impact of erosion on the economic and environmental sustainability of hill country. These workshops are supported by regional councils and aim to up-skill participants in erosion recognition, processes and treatment options. Each session runs from 9.00am to 5.00pm and there will be an afternoon field exercise so come prepared with wet weather gear and walking shoes/boots. Lunch is also provided. For more information on dates and venues, please contact Mary Anne Eyles on 06 844 5905.

Creating a climate for success in a dryland environment - The Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the Hawke's Bay Regional Council are running a forum on creating a climate for success in a dryland environment on Tuesday, 20 April 2010. It will be held at Silver Fern Farms' Arran Station, Fraser Road, off SH2, Takapau. The event will be chaired by Sam Robinson and speakers will include Professor Jacqueline Rowarth, David Horne and David Gray of Massey University, Alec Mackay and Grant Douglas of Agresearch, North Canterbury farmer, Lyndon Matthews and  Angus Mabin of Silver Fern Farms. The event will start at 1.00pm, with tea/coffee from 12.30pm, and will conclude with a BBQ. If you wish to attend, please RSVP before Friday, 16 April 2010 to Julie Thompson by clicking here. To find out more information, please contact Gillian Mangin by clicking here.

Wool Partners International roadshow meetings - Wool Partners International (WPI) is to hold a series of meetings throughout New Zealand in April. The meetings will cover what WPI is doing to grow demand for New Zealand strong wool and New Zealand market managers from the USA and the United Kingdom will speak about the direction of the international market. Space at each meeting is limited, so we encourage you to register your interest early by emailing info@woolpartners.com or phoning 0800 946 000. The dates and locations of the meetings can be found by clicking here.

Invest in yourself, invest in your business - Employers, find out how effective staff management adds value to your business. Learn from others what works and what doesn't, tap into industry resources and develop action plans and systems to get the most out of your staff through Agriculture ITO's Rural Staff Management workshops. Contact your local advisor on 0800 691 111 for more details.

Horticulture training - Interested in moving into the horticulture industry? Open Polytechnic has a number of starter courses which can get you started. The qualifications can lead to a variety of work options or to higher horticulture qualifications. For more information, click here or call 0508 650 200. Remember, Federated Farmers members get a 20 percent discount. Click here to download an enrolment form.

Cowshed fire claims - Most people think concrete buildings, such as milking sheds, don't burn down however, FMG knows this isn't the case and has you covered in case of such an event. Click here to read more or email marketing@fmg.co.nz for a free scenario flyer on cowshed fire claims.

Get a clean shave - Smiths City has a great deal for the man of the house this week. Get $80 off the HQ6950 men's rechargeable shaver. Usually $159.99, this week Federated Farmers members can buy one for $79.99. Visit your local Smiths City for details.

Fancy a great rate? - Westpac has a limited 40 day term deposit rate of 3.70 percent pa valid until Tuesday, 4 May 2010. Minimum deposit $5,000. To find out more, talk to an agribusiness manager by calling 0800 177 155.

Relax this weekend with the tastes of Central Otago - This week Winesonline has a great selection of award winning Central Otago Pinot Noirs at heavily reduced prices. For a great tasting drop and even better prices, look no further than www.winesonline.co.nz.

More member benefits and offers - To view special discounts exclusive to Federated Farmers members, please call 0800 327 646 or click here to log onto our members only area.

Ben & Mark, Boys of the High Country - Christine Fernyhough's true story of two boys who live on one of New Zealand's largest high-country stations, with stunning photographs by John Bougen is now available for sale on the Federated Farmers website. Federated Farmers have it for the special price of $30 for members (non-members $36.99). Ben & Mark, Boys of the High Country is destined to become a New Zealand classic and would make a beautiful gift. We have a limited number so get online, by clicking here and order yours today.

The Road to Castle Hill: A High Country Love Story - Christine Fernyhough's first High Country tale is now available on the Federated Farmers website. Warm and humorous, this inspirational book tells the story of a woman bold enough to do what many urbanites dream of: embark on an entirely new life and throw herself into a considerable challenge. Federated Farmers have it for the great price of $38.50 for members (non-members $45.50). Beautifully illustrated, The Road to Castle Hill is also a celebration of New Zealand's high-country way of life. We have a limited number so get online, by clicking here and order yours today.

Contracts, agreements and leases - These include land, stock, contractor, sales and purchase, agreement to grow, log books, access pads, Over Dimension Certificates and employment. Remember, it's a legal requirement to have an employment contract for EVERY employee so if you don't have a current employment agreement, then order one now. Contracts, agreements and leases are available in both electronic and hard copy formats for your convenience. To purchase, call 0800 FARMING or click here.

Quote of the week - "John Deere, the best a man can get". Anon.