Criticism of high country tenure review repetitive and illogical - Read more »

$86 million ETS bill risks Government ‘being out of touch' with farmers - Read more »

Wellington Regional Council chair gets it right - Read more »

Foot and Mouth Disease vigilance urged due to foreign outbreaks - Read more »

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

Ruapehu District Council representation woes - Federated Farmers Ruapehu recently took its case for better representation at local government level to the Local Government Commission and unfortunately did not get the result it was after. The Commission did not agree with its call to change the boundaries in Ruapehu to permit an extra councillor to be elected from both a southern rural and northern rural ward. While Federated Farmers Ruapehu has a good working relationship with Ruapehu District Council now, it is disappointing to not have the rural representation and be back to the status quo. This decision will especially affect southern Ruapehu members who are over represented by Ohakune and National Park tourist interests. This sees extra rates set for schemes that don't directly benefit the wider farming community. Federated Farmers Ruapehu will be banding together to ensure someone strong steps up at the next election to fight for those rural interests. To have your say please contact Federated Farmers Ruapehu president, Lyn Neeson, on 07 893 8547.

North Canterbury ‘Step Up' campaign - Be bold when opportunities present themselves and have some fun was North Canterbury farmer, Pam Richardson's, motto this week. Pam is one of many North Canterbury farmers who have been taking part in the ‘Step Up' campaign. The ‘Step Up' campaign is about farmers recognising other farmers' capabilities, shoulder tapping them to take part in this special leadership programme. Supported by Rural Woman and the North Canterbury Farmers Charitable Trust, the North Canterbury province has made a commitment to help farmers grow into their leadership potential by encouraging them to get involved, to start networking and by offering training opportunities. Next week the group has been invited to meet the Hon David Carter, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, and Colin King, MP for Kaikoura, a great opportunity. If you want to be part of this fantastic campaign, please contact Linda Donnelly by clicking here, or by calling 0800 327 646.

Gore District Council Draft Annual Plan - The Gore District Council (GDC) rates take is increasing by 5.01 percent in 2010/11, but the good news is that rates will be decreasing, on average, for the rural ratepayer by 0.94 percent. Unfortunately, GDC will be looking to scale back the expenditure it was proposing for rural unsealed road maintenance, partially as a result of less funding from the New Zealand Transport Authority. We appreciate that Council is using its uniform charge up to the 30 percent maximum, but have a number of suggestions for how it can reform its funding policies to further take the rates burden off the farmer's shoulders. We disagree with Council's lack of consultation over the decision to commit thousands of dollars of ratepayer money to the Gore Multi-Sport centre and we ask that Council engage more with their rural ratepayers, including a review of its approach to gravel roading maintenance to ensure ratepayer money goes as far as possible. What do you think? Regional policy advisor, David Cooper, will be drafting Federated Farmers submission, which is due on Friday, 14 May. For more information, please contact David by clicking here or by calling him on 0800 327 646.

Central Otago District Council Draft Annual Plan - Central Otago District Council (CODC) makes wide use of targeted rates but the example properties they provide in the Draft Annual Plan show that the district's farmers are still hit hard each time they pay rates. Council's decision to increase rates by 7.08 percent for 2010/11 does not help and we'll be asking Councillors it to try again. We will be asking for a review of the funding approach for their big ticket items including libraries, parks and reserves, swim centres, tourism and visitor information centres and public toilets. What do you think? Regional policy advisor, David Cooper, will be drafting Federated Farmers submission, which is due on Thursday, 13 May. For more information, please contact David by clicking here or by calling him on 0800 327 646.

Invercargill City Council Draft Annual Plan - Federated Farmers, led by Southland Local Government Spokesman Doug Fraser and National Board member David Rose, has worked hard with Invercargill's farmers to get a differential to offset the astounding rates increases of 2009. Now Invercargill City Council (ICC) members need to voice their support for the proposal through the Annual Plan consultation process. Local farmer, Spud McNamara, will be handing around submission forms for you to fill out and send in to support the proposal, so keep an eye out. We also want Council to allow owners with Rural-Lifestyle categorised properties to allow these ratepayers to apply for a re-categorisation to Rural-Farming on a case by case basis. Further to the differential change we will ask Council to fundamentally review its approach to funding activities and we will make some suggestions to that end. What do you think? Regional policy advisor, David Cooper, will be drafting Federated Farmers submission, which is due on Friday, 14 May. For more information, please contact David by clicking here or by calling him on 0800 327 646.

Record commodity prices in April - The ANZ Commodity Price index jumped 4.9 percent in April to reach a new record high, since the series began in 1986. The rise was led by a 9.9 percent surge in dairy prices in the month but the gains were broadly based, with beef prices also lifting by 4.0 percent and smaller increases were recorded by wool and sheep meat (increasing 1.2 and 0.2 percent, respectively). The New Zealand dollar strengthened in April but this was only modest relative to the lift in commodity prices. Consequently the ANZ NZD Commodity Price Index recorded a solid 3.8 percent lift, also hitting a new record high in April.

Milk auction prices ease - International milk prices eased slightly at Fonterra's May auction but still remain high. The Global Dairy Trade-trade weighted index fell 0.8 percent and the average selling price for whole milk powder (Fonterra's measure of benchmark pricing at previous auctions), was $US3,932 ($NZ5,463) a metric tonne, down 1.2 percent on a month ago. Whole milk powder prices have more than doubled since hitting a low of $US1,829 a tonne last July, although the prices have been relatively stable over the past few months. Fonterra said despite prices slipping in the latest auction, the market remained characterised by strong demand and constrained supply.  The next auction will be held on 1 June.

Is the labour market recovering? - Statistics NZ's various employment data releases this week reveal low wage growth but a recovery in employment levels and a big drop in unemployment.  According to the Labour Cost Index, salary and wage rates increased 1.5 percent for the year to March, the lowest annual growth in 10 years. There was a similar story in the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES), where total hourly earnings were up 2.1 percent for the year. According to the QES, there was a small increase in the number of filled jobs compared to March last year, but the Household Labour Force Survey showed a much stronger increase in employment growth and an unexpectedly large drop in the unemployment rate from 7.1 percent in December to 6.0 percent in March.

Gypsy Day - Gypsy day is coming, so make sure you give the Federated Farmers team a call on 0800 327 646 to update your details.

Splitting silage wrap - Federated Farmers would like to know if any members have had problems with their silage wrap splitting and getting holes in it. We have had reports of this happening and one affected farmer has commented that it almost looks as if it has been burnt. The holes start off as tiny little splits, kind of what a bird would do with its claws, then progress quickly into large burn like holes. If you are having any problems please contact 0800 327 646 and let us know.

Steam train excursion - On Saturday, 29 May Mainline Steam will be operating a steam hauled excursion from Auckland to Whangarei and back. If you think this excursion may be passing areas of your land and may affect your stock, please click here to get more information.

Let the AHB know you're moving on Gypsy Day - If you're selling or moving stock on Gypsy Day 1 June, remember to update your contact details and herd location with the Animal Health Board (AHB) by calling 0800 4 TB INFO (0800 4 824 636). The AHB's friendly call centre staff can also provide you with information on disease and movement control to contain the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) within a herd. Please click here to visit the AHB's website for more information on the TBfree programme.

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.

One Event - The Federated Farmers One Event 2010 is to be held at the Ascot Park Hotel, Corner Tay Street and Racecourse Road, Invercargill from Wednesday, 23 June to Friday, 25 June 2010. Registrations are required by Monday, 10 May 2010 so please register as soon as possible. To download the registration form, please click here. For more information, please contact Events Manager, Kimberley Wadsworth, by clicking here or calling 0800 327 646.

Federated Farmers Grain & Seed Conference and AGM - The Federated Farmers Grain & Seed Conference and AGM is to be held at the Chateau on the Park, Christchurch from Tuesday, 25 to Wednesday, 26 May. The first day will be a line up of interesting speakers including Labour List MP, Damien O'Connor, Federated Farmers Chief Executive, Conor English and CEO of the Foundation for Arable Research, Nick Pyke. This will be followed by conference drinks with industry representatives and a conference dinner with Sir Brian Lochore as the dinner speaker. The second day will consist of the meetings of United Wheat Growers, Herbage Seedgrowers Subsection and the Maize Growers Committee. This will be followed by a field trip. All members and new grain growers are welcome. Please phone Carly Sluys on 0800 327646 for more information.

Sharemilkers' and Sharemilkers Employers' Section AGMs - Both the Sharemilkers' Section and Sharemilker Employers' Sections will be holding their AGMs on Wednesday, 19 May 2010 at Federated Farmers offices, Level 5, 169 London St, Hamilton. The Sharemilker Employers' AGM will be from 9.30am to 11.30am. They will then be joined by the Sharemilkers' Section to talk about shared issues from 11.30am to 1.45pm. The Sharemilkers' Section will then hold their AGM from 1.45pm to 4.00pm.  Registrations forms can be found by clicking here.

Get an understanding of resource management law - Open Polytechnic's Certificate in Environmental Management will teach you about resource management law, other resource use and conservation statutes and the principles of environmental monitoring and management. 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.

Great Westpac rates - Westpac has a limited 40 day term deposit rate of 3.70 percent pa valid until Tuesday, 4 May 2010. Please note there is a minimum deposit of $5,000. To find out more, call one of Westpac's agribusiness managers by calling 0800 177 155.

Spoil your Mum this Sunday - This week Winesonline has a great selection of stunning Italian wines at below half price, as well as a free Mothers' Day present with every order. To make your Mum's day, visit www.winesonline.co.nz.

Fancy a free Solahart panel? - Yes, when buying a GreenGlo Saver mains pressure tank you get a free Solahart panel and a free solar controller. This is an amazing offer, why wouldn't you go solar when you can go for free. For more information, please click here or call 0800 769 377.

Warm from top to toe - Smiths City has the fantastic Ridgeline Top-to-Toe packs at an exclusive Federated Farmers Member price of $89.99. The Ridgeline Top-to-Toe packs include microfleece trousers, a microfleece long sleeve shirt, a workmans tee, a micro beanie and Snug-Fit outdoor socks. Brought individually, this pack would cost you over $240, for Federated Farmers members, that's a saving of over $150.00.  Stay warm this winter by calling 0800 SMITHS or by visiting a Smiths City near you. Stock is limited, so get yours today.

Win a free home with Versatile! - Versatile are giving away one 4-bedroom, 208m² Windsor home valued at over $200,000. Enter online at www.versatile.co.nz, or at your local Versatile. Just answer one simple question and complete the entry form and you'll be in to win! Entries close midnight Sunday, 30 May 2010. Terms & conditions apply. Home only, no land included, one entry per person and entrants must be over 18. For full details visit www.versatile.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 - "And you get paid to do this? I've been spraying gorse all day and I've been thinking there must be a better way". One farmer considers trading his backpack sprayer for a computer.