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Golden Bay and Nelson - This week submissions were presented to the Tasman District council on the proposed cultural heritage sites and beds of rivers and lakes chapters. Our submissions were focused on certainty for landowners about the process of discovering cultural heritage sites and clarity around the provisions for gravel extraction and stock crossings in the beds of rivers and lakes. The stock crossing rules in particular did not clearly enable a landowner to know if they were complying with the conditions. Council will make decisions on both plan changes in the next couple of months.

Hawkes Bay - As Farmers know, animals can be a huge support and comfort to children, families and the elderly at times of great stress but they do cost money to feed.  Cans for Canterbury is collecting pet food for pets and their owners in and around Christchurch who need help.  Members in Hawkes Bay can help support this campaign by purchasing all types of pet food from Hastings, Napier or Waipukurau Farmlands stores.  A pallet will be set aside for this purpose in each store and Conroy Removals Limited will collect up to three times a week and deliver to Paw Justice in Christchurch at no cost. This campaign has been endorsed by local Mayors Lawrence Yule, Barbara Arnott and Peter Butler. 

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

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.

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

New Zealand Dairy industry awards - Results are starting to be announced, to view them please click here.

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.

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. 

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

PGG Wrightson National Seminar Series - Leading Thinking in Agriculture - This initiative is designed to provide farmers with information on key areas such as market trends and sustainability. Presentations will be made by industry professionals and PGG Wrightson staff and Mark Inglis will MC and deliver the key-note address.  There is no cost to attend and all are welcome, but places are limited. The six sheep/beef seminar dates are spread from 30 March to 27 May and the five dairy seminars are on between 29 March and 19 May.  More information can be found at the PRR Wrightson website by clicking here.

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

Introductory Land Skills full time course - Available now in the Manawatu, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki. This free agriculture and horticulture training is for 16 - 17 year olds and has a strong practical component with classroom tutorials, perfect for those wanting to leave school, but still eager to further their education. By the end of the course, participants will have developed the skills and knowledge to either move into further studies or into a career in agriculture or horticulture. For more details or for an enrolment pack contact Agriculture New Zealand on 0800 475 455 or visit their website www.agnz.co.nz. 

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.

Half price wine - Wines Online  are pleased to offer Federated Farmers members a cancelled Belgian export order of wine from a well respected, leading Marlborough winery.  These wines are under half price. To view this cancelled export order and all their other great wines, simply go to www.winesonline.co.nz

20 percent off all Dulux paint and accessories - Dulux Paints have joined the Federated Farmers family of business partners and are offering a special deal to all financial members.  Simply visit any Guthrie Bowron or Dulux Trade Centre and present your Federated Farmers card to receive 20 percent off all Dulux paints and accessories.  To find out where your nearest store is please call 0800 800 424.

Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy - The Federated Farmers Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy has been designed with the aim of creating drug and alcohol free workplaces in the rural sector. This is to address  workplace safety and the safety of employees being adversely affected by people who have unacceptable levels of drugs and or alcohol in their system.  Each policy includes valuable information on how to handle such situations and who is available to assist with testing.  Protect your business and all personnel that work with you by purchasing two copies of the Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy for $50 + GST for members and $150 + GST for non members.  Call our customer services team on 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) to order.

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 - "Having just been to Europe I can tell you orange is in for this coming season", Chief Executive Don Nicholson discussing fashion with Jamie Mackay on the Farming Show on Radio Sport/Newstalk ZB. Click here to listen to the full interview.