Claims Canada Geese will be poisoned grossly irresponsible -  Read more »

Farmers happy Canada Geese finally declared a pest - Read more »

Regulatory Standards Bill welcomed with open arms -  Read more »

Farmers hitting Clean Streams Accord targets -  Read more »

Federated Farmers Farm Day a huge success so far - Read more »

Trucking around at South Canterbury Farm Day - Read more »

New ECAN chief needs to bring new thinking -  Read more »

Be wary of employment contracts touted by email - Read more »

Farmy Army mobilises for this weekend - Read more »

Federated Farmers recently made a submission to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on the effect Fonterra's Trading Among Farmers (TAF) will have on the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (the DIRA).  The Federation's submission pointed out that both the Fonterra Shareholders' Market (open to all Fonterra co-operative members and carrying voting rights) and the Fonterra Shareholders Fund (open to the public through non-voting Units) are expected to offer shares at similar prices,  as both markets will be fully accessible to farmer suppliers.  It is this shared liquidity that should be the basis for when the share issue and redemption clauses within the DIRA to fall away.  Federated Farmers put this combined total to be $500M, a figure suggested by Fonterra as being one that would support the launching of the Fund.  Federated Farmers also submitted that a "one off" compliance assessment is required to ensure that the necessary liquidity is present in the combined markets.  It is the view of the Federation that further regulatory tools will not be needed to allow TAF to proceed.  Our submission was supported by a survey of dairy farming members of Federated Farmers.  Click here for the full submission.  

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is reminding Christchurch food businesses that the city-wide boil water notice also applies to coffee machines.  MAF director of compliance Geoff Allen says "espresso machines, which are plumbed into the city water supply, only heat water to 80-85°C, which is not sufficiently hot to kill off illness-causing bugs like giardia and cryptosporidium". So these machines need to be turned off or hooked up to a supply of pre-boiled water," Geoff says.  He suggests that if you want to know whether your latte or long black is safe to drink, ask where the water came from. "If in doubt ask for a cup of instant or plunger coffee, where you can adequately boil the water beforehand."  A range of other machines which are plumbed into the city water supply are also affected by the boil water notice, including slush-ice makers, ice machines, postmix guns, self-service soft drink machines and some water coolers. For more earthquake related food safety information phone 0800 693 721 or click here to go to their website.

A huge thank you to Telecom New Zealand, Silver Sponsors of Federated Farmers,  for their generous support once again.  Telecom provided five Farmy Army co-ordinators with mobile phones and one thousand dollars worth of airtime to support this weekend's major Farmy Army clean up initiative in Christchurch. 

Council Spending and Rates Increase - Local authority spending and rates were both up in the December 2010 quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand's Quarterly Local Authority Statistics.  Spending was up 7.1 percent in December 2011 compared to the same quarter in 2010 and rates were up 9.8 percent over the same period.  Statistics New Zealand believes the increased spending in part reflects the new Auckland Council and last September's Canterbury Earthquake.  Despite higher rates, councils' total revenue has lagged behind resulting in an increase in the overall deficit for local authorities, up to $81.5 million for the quarter.  Very concerning to Federated Farmers is the increasing reliance on rates to fund local government. Rates now make up 63.6 percent of total revenue compared to only 56.8 percent in December 2007. 

Interest Returning to Rural Property Market - There were 204 farm sales in the three months ended February 2011, according to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand's latest Monthly Rural Property Statistics.  This is about the same as the 205 in the three months to February 2010.  The trend of low farm sales is continuing but the Institute observed that there is more buyer interest, albeit cautious and dependent on securing of finance.   It was also reported that the median selling price is up sharply to $1,400,000 for the three months ended February 2011 compared $1,045,000 for the same time last year.  However, the Institute warned that low sales numbers means the median sales prices are very volatile and should be read with caution.

Dairy Prices Fall - This week's globalDairyTrade (gDT) auction resulted in an 8 percent averaged weighted fall to US$4,443 across all contracts, the first decline in seven auctions and hard on the heels of record prices at the last sale two weeks ago.  The fall reflects instability in world markets following Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami and the political unrest in the Middle East.  Despite this week's fall, prices overall remain very high, up 17.5 percent for the year.  The gDT trading events are held fortnightly.

Farmy Army - The Farmy Army have reunited for three days to help Cantabrians in the earthquake clean up. For photos, stories and comments click here to got to our Farmy Army Facebook page or go to our website http://www.fedfarm.org.nz

Steam passenger train running on the 19 March - Members are advised that a steam locomotive hauled passenger train will be departing as follows:
On Saturday, 19 March leaving Paekakariki at 8.30am, travelling via Palmerston North and  arriving in Wanganui at 2pm. It then departs for Paekakariki  at 5pm, arriving at 10.30pm. If you farm along any of these routes, you may wish to move your stock.

Beef + Lamb NZ Limited AGM -   This meeting will be held on 31 March in Canterbury. The venue is the New Zealand Young Farmers Tent, Site 365, Lincoln Field Days in Lincoln. The event will commence with registration at 3.30pm and the AGM will be held from 4.30pm till  6.00pm followed by refreshments.  If you wish to attend, or for more information, contact rebecca.bartlett@beeflambnz.com

Ashburton irrigators - Irrigation New Zealand and Federated Farmers are calling all irrigators to a meeting to discuss the future of the water resource in the Ashburton district. The Ashburton irrigators and district have a proud history of working together to solve issues that they have faced in the past. Federated Farmers are proposing that they build on this history and look ahead for the next challenges. The water resource used is vital to  businesses and the wider community, generosity, prosperity and enjoyment through its recreational and environmental values. With ever increasing pressures on the water quantity and quality the time is now to take a proactive stance on the management of our water. With challenges there are also opportunities and that is the focus of the meeting. The meeting will outline what is happening in similar areas and explore future management possibilities and look at how this can be achieved. A mandate is wanted to further pursue options. The meeting is an open forum for discussion with feedback and ideas welcome.  The meeting will be held at the  Ashburton hotel on 24 March at  1:30. Learn about your future and get involved. For further information phone  Mike Morrow  on 0275 798 664 or Willy Leferink on 021 796 037.

Outstanding Landscapes Meeting - The Horowhenua District Council is reviewing the proposed Outstanding Landscapes, Plan Change 22.  This workshop is scheduled for Monday 28 March  at 7:00pm at the Council Chambers, Levin.  Affected parties are planning a cowshed meeting to establish common achievable objectives at Bill Huzziff 's cowshed on Tuesday 22 March at10:30am. For more details phone 063638701 or 0273383218 or 021707924.

Secrets of carbon farming - learn what carbon credits are all about. The Waikato Branch of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association has arranged for a workshop to be held to take a practical example of a dairy farm, with 34 hectares of forestry to illustrate how carbon credits are calculated, what the farm liability is and how you go about claiming the credits. The workshop will be held on 23 March, 9.30am at Te Kawa Crossroads Hall.  To register email John Simmons at j.ksimmons@paradise.net.nz

AGMARDT group grants for agribusiness innovation projects - Funding will be awarded for the development or commercialisation of an idea, or to get a project to a stage where it will attract further funding. Grants of up to $120,000 are available. Eligible groups include farmers/growers, farm consultants, vets and research or technology providers. Grants of up to $20,000 are also available for pre-trial or demonstration purposes. Project enquiries for the next funding round must be submitted by 31 March 2011.  For more details click here.

Taieri Farmers need to make their voices heard - Otago Regional Council has undertaken a rates modelling exercise for the purposes for rating the Taieri flood protection and east and west Taieri drainage schemes. Farmers are concerned the indirect benefit of the scheme to the Mosgiel township has not being considered as part of the review, nor the wider community benefits of a flood free Taieri. One farmer is staring down the barrel of an extra $14,000 in rates. Otago Regional Council is continuing its consultation with the community. Make sure you have your say during the Annual Plan process, as once the next rates bill arrives it will be too late. For more information contact David Cooper on 03 4777 361 or email dcooper@fedfarm.org.nz

Employment Information - It has come to our attention that some of you might be relying on documents which, due to their age, are not appropriate to use. One particular example is the document 'How to Dismiss Staff' which sets out procedures to follow when dismissing staff. This document is several years old and likely to be out of date. We recommend that before starting any procedures referred to in any documents you may have, please call our customer service team on 0800 327 646, (0800 FARMING). We can check the procedures are still current and will protect your interests.

Rabobank Agribusiness Review - No matter what you do inside the farm gate, Rabobank's rural banking finance managers are uniquely qualified to help at every stage along the way to achieve your goals. Rabobank has a wide range of financial products, services and expert knowledge to offer you. If you can't find the information you need, their experienced staff can guide you to the best person to speak with. Have a read of the latest Rabobank Agribusiness review by clicking here.

Farm Day 2011 - This Sunday, 20 March Bay of Plenty and South Canterbury provinces are hosting what will be an exciting day out - Farm Day.  This is the perfect opportunity for friends, families or individuals to get amongst the action and be entertained by all things farming.  Among the activities and attractions on offer are sheep shearing and stock dog demonstrations, four wheel drive farm tours, displays of specialist farm machinery and what it is used for.  This could also be a great opportunity to reconnect with your urbanite friends and family and let them know about what a great time they will have at their local Farm Day. For more information click here.

Committee meeting to discuss the flow and management of the Lindis River - This will be held at the Tarras Community Hall at 7pm on Tuesday, 22 March. Topics will include the integrated catchment management of water, groundwater and how minimum flows might affect your water take, potential economic effects, issues and aims of the wider community and interest groups. Come along and get involved, tea and coffee will be provided. For more details, call Nikki Penno 0800 474 082 or email nikki.penno@orc.govt.nz.

Effluent Expo - Not sure if your effluent system is right for your farm? Are you unsure about compliance or are thinking about future proofing your system? Then this is the place to be. The Effluent Expo will be held on Tuesday, 29 March 2011 from 9am - 5pm at the Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton. Organised by DairyNZ and Enviroment Waikato this free effluent storage expo is  your one-stop-shop for effluent management solutions. 

The Eastern Field Day - Themed "Water - the New Oil', this field day is aimed at the Agriculture, Viticulture and Horticulture markets. Exhibitors range from equipment suppliers to advisory services to conservation and regulation specialists. Converging on the Hawke's Bay Show grounds, the Eastern Field Day will be housed in the exhibition hall, grandstand and outdoor exhibition, with demonstration areas for displays and a dedicated seminar room in the grandstand. The event will be held on Friday 8 April, between 8.30am and 5pm with tickets for just $10. For further information please contact Hillary Riches Hawke's Bay A&P Society Event manager on 06 878 3123 or email events@showgroundshb.co.nz

Time to give back - St John Gisborne Area is asking the rural community for a hand in raising the $2,000,000 it needs to rebuild its facility in Gisborne. With the help of Federated Farmers members, the goal could shift a lot closer. St John Gisborne Area is a registered charity and all business donations are tax deductible and personal donations over $5 attract a rebate of 33 percent.  You can help by sending a cheque or dropping off cast to Coates Associates Ltd, corner Cobden St and Childers Rd, PO Box 625,  Gisborne, or deposit St John Gisborne Area, ASB bank Account no. 12-3170-0137855-00, enter donor name in reference field.

Invercargill Go Organic part-time morning course - This course is ideal for plant growers, permaculture planners, lifestyle-block owners and keen gardeners.  On successful completion particpants will receive a Telford Certificate in Organic Horticulture. The course costs just $125 per person and places are limited.  For more details call Wendy at Agriculture New Zealand on 0800 475 455.

Shining Under the Spotlight (level two) Leadership Course 6 - 7 April 2011 - Build on your leadership skills to influence and inspire others! Registrations are now open for Federated Farmers Shining Under the Spotlight leadership course in April. This is a level two course which offers a challenging and positive environment to practice your presentation skills and strategic thinking. The course will be run in Wellington on 6 - 7 April 2011. For more information, please download the programme flyer by clicking here, or register by clicking here. Alternatively, call Emily Florance, Events Assistant, on 0800 327 646 or email events@fedfarm.org.nz. Places are limited so register now to ensure a place.

Check employee references - Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty reminds all farm employers to check the references of potential employees, following some incidents that have been reported to the provincial president, John Scrimgeour.  While tempting to take potential employees at face value, what people say and how they act when employed can be completely different.  Employers, as a matter of course, should check all references and if possible, that should include the immediate past employer.  For most farm employers (employing 20 or fewer staff), risk with new employees should have been reduced so long as your employment contracts have a 90 days clause; allowing you to dismiss an employee without risk of a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal for upwards of 90 days.  From 1 April 2011, this is being extended to all employers irrespective of size but must be in your employment contract.  To get employment law advice, including contracts and information, call 0800 327 646

Courses in feeding and pastures - Maximising the health and quality of your pastures and stock is vital to a well-run farm. AgITO's National Certificate in Agriculture, Animal Feeding and Pastures (Level 3) addresses these areas. Topics covered include pasture species, weeds and the impact an agricultural system will have on soil. You will also learn about different methods of grazing, how to balance the supply and demand of feed and assist with livestock grazing management. To enrol or find out more, contact your local AgITO training adviser today on 0800 691 111 or click here to visit their website.

Employment contracts and advice -  Federated Farmers work in conjunction with farming industry groups and an international legal organisation to ensure that all  the contracts and agreements we sell are current and appropriate for the rural sector.   These are available to members for $50 plus GST for a pack of two contracts.  If members would like additional assistance, extra information and support please phone 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) Don't forget, the first 15 minutes of this advice is absolutely free to our members. Ensure  you purchase employment contracts from a reliable source and one that offers follow up support if and when you need it. 

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.

Quote of the week - "I didn't know Auckland had a farmer!", John Campbell summarising what the Farmy Army have been up to, on Firstline, TV3, Friday morning.