Animal Welfare Bill well intentioned but needs focus - Read more »

Farmers back emergency call shake up - Read more »

Fonterra on the right track - Read more »

Chinese investment into the New Zealand dairy industry - Read more »

Farming through Northland's drought, on show this Sunday - Read more »

Farmers aim for the clouds - what broadband can offer rural New Zealand - Read more »

Federated Farmers to invite U.S. Senators to New Zealand - Read more »

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

Dairy farm effluent systems - Industry first standards and a code of practice for the design of farm dairy effluent systems have been released for consultation. The standards define the level of performance that every farm dairy effluent system must meet to avoid contaminants entering waterways. The code of practice guides designers through a thorough process for developing a farm dairy effluent system. It is important farmers know this information. To have your say, download the draft documents by clicking here. The four week consultation period ends Friday, 9 April.

Thames Coromandel ‘Blueprint' project - Thames Coromandel District Council is continuing with their Blueprint project and is looking at giving it local area emphasis. The Blueprint project is about managing growth, development and subdivision with a focus on what the Coromandel peninsular should look like by 2050. Public meetings are being held from 12 April through to 18 May in various locations, to find out more, please click here. Federated Farmers is encouraging members to go along and have a say about growth and development in your locality.

Southland councils Council - The Invercargill City Council's (ICC) public gallery was overflowing with Federated Farmers delegates on Tuesday in support for finding a solution to the farmers' steadily increasing rural rates bills. Last year, a doubling of rural rates saw some farmers pay over $2000 for parks and reserves while the average ratepayer paid just $200.  Federated Farmers Southland Local Government spokesman, Doug Fraser, supported by National Board member, David Rose, and regional policy advisor, David Cooper, addressed the ICC Finance and Policy sub committee meeting that had councillors admitting Council had got it wrong last year. The outcome of Federated Farmers proposal was hugely positive, with councillors ignoring a staff report recommending the status quo, instead passing a motion to increase the differential from 0.85 to 0.4 for 2010, effectively halving farmer's rates. The next stage will see this motion go to a full Council meeting on Tuesday, 30 March where it is expected to be adopted into the draft annual plan. It is not anticipated that their will be any problems throughout the annual plan process as eight councillors on the sub committee meeting voted unanimously and because of the support from urban ratepayers. Federated Farmers is looking forward to continuing to work with Council, where our focus will be to further refine funding policy to ensure rates are based on benefit rather than property value.

Current account deficit larger than expected - New Zealand's seasonally adjusted current account balance, recorded a larger than expected deficit of $3.1 billion for the December 2009 quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand. Higher profits to foreign investors were the main reason for the larger deficit. The current account deficit for the year ended December 2009 was $5.5 billion (2.9 percent of GDP), down from $16.0 billion (8.7 percent of GDP) a year ago, but also larger than expected. Imports of goods fell $8.5 billion over the year, while income from foreign investment in New Zealand fell $6.3 billion. A current account deficit means that New Zealand's overseas expenditure is greater than its earnings abroad.

Economy grows - Economic activity, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), grew by 0.8 percent in the December 2009 quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand.  Manufacturing activity led the way, up 5.4 percent for the quarter, a recovery from seven consecutive quarters of decline. Agricultural activity also increased, up by 1.1 percent, with an increase in milk production partly offset by a decline in livestock production. For the year to December 2009, GDP was down 1.6 percent compared to the year to December 2008, showing that there is still some way to go before New Zealand recovers ground lost during the recession.

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.

Southland NZDIA dinner - The NZDIA dinner for the Southland region will be held from 6.00pm Saturday, 27 March at the Invercargill Workingmen's Club. Tickets are $60 and are available from Stacey and Olivia Frost by calling 03 239 5155.

Expanding trade and economic linkages with Southeast Asia - This nationwide seminar will help companies learn more about doing business in Southeast Asia, including how to utilise New Zealand's free trade agreements in the region, in particular the ASEAN*- Australia - New Zealand FTA, Malaysia-NZ FTA, and the NZ-Thailand Closer Economic Partnership. If you are interested in doing business with this dynamic region, this seminar will bring you up to date with developments and the opportunities that exist for New Zealand companies. Local and international experts, including the Hon Tim Groser, will be on hand to share their knowledge and answer questions. The seminar is taking place from 8.50am to 3pm Thursday, 15 April at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Auckland. To find out more and to register, please click here.

Job applicants and medical questions - When interviewing prospective employees, an employer can not ask them during the job application process or at interview to disclose their medical/ACC history. The employer's objective should be to establish whether the applicant is able to do the job. The job applicant should be told what the job's requirements are and then asked about medical or physical conditions or disabilities that might prevent the applicant from carrying out the work adequately. However, an employer can make a job offer conditional upon passing a satisfactory medical examination which may include a drug and alcohol test.

Effluent performance management - Employers, now is the time to get the policies and systems in place to improve your effluent management performance. Improve your whole team's awareness of what effluent is and what to look out for on farm with Agriculture ITO's Dealing with Dairy Effluent one-day workshop. For more information, contact your local adviser on 0800 691 111 or click here.

Just starting out in the world of work? - Open Polytechnic's Certificate in Employment Skills teaches basic workplace skills including job searching and CV writing. 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.

Versatile and Totalspan coupons - Don't forget to use your Versatile and Totalspan coupons from the summer edition of the National Farming Review for great member only building offers. Get $3000 manufacturer's cash back on any Versatile home purchase or $1000 manufacturer's cash back on any Totalspan building purchase over $15,000. Offer available until Wednesday, 31 March. For another copy of the coupon please call 0800 327 646. Terms and conditions apply.

Winesonline - Remember, Winesonline has no rural delivery fees, free chocolates and an ever changing selection of quality wines. Check out the great selection, by clicking here.

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 - "He [Russell Norman] came on Q+A to debate the apparent serious disregard for environmental standards by 15 percent of dairy farmers with the President of Federated Farmers, himself a pleasant man. It was an informative, rational discussion". Paul Holmes.