Friday Flash
May 18, 2018
From the Board ... Andrew Hoggard
As well as all the usual national issues that I deal with, like speaking to the Feds submission to the Tax Working Group in Wellington today, this week I also went back to grass roots and helped present the Feds submission to my local district council. They had decided to change the rating differential around and this was going to potentially result in rates rises of 30-50% over the next three years for rural residents. It was important to point out to them that on top of all the other challenges and potential taxes government wants to throw at farmers, this could well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
It was fantastic to see the local community coming together and opposing this move, and in particularly all those farmers who packed out the Council Chambers during our submission presentation to show their support for our stance. That really sends a powerful message. Thanks to all of you who turned up. Our Feds regional policy advisers do a mountain of work on behalf of rural people; it’s often not the work that gets the headline news but so often it’s the stuff that can have a huge impact on us.
But it’s not just Feds reps or staff doing this work, in the case of our local submission it was all farmers getting involved and ringing other farmers, informing them, passing on those good stories and impacts onto our policy adviser. My point is that without Feds being a focal point for all this, would we be able to get the same impact? Feds membership is more than just paying a sub, it’s about getting involved, many hands make light work. Once again though, big thanks to our policy adviser Coralee Matena for all the work she did for this plan, for my patch.
Little fare for primary sector in the Budget
There were no surprises in the coalition government’s first Budget, with health, education and housing getting the big helpings of extra money.
Primary industries got side dishes – MPI will get an additional $38 million in new operating funding over four years. This includes $15 million for the Sustainable Farming Fund, $9 million for strengthening biosecurity, and $5 million for enhancing OVERSEER.
There was $85 million for the 2017/18 year for the response to Mycoplasma bovis. However, there were no amounts provided for the coming 2018/19 year let alone for future years. This will depend on decisions that remain to be made.
Two big-ticket items under the previous government have suffered from significant ‘re-prioritisations’. The Primary Growth Partnership is being cut by $80.6 million over four years and the Crown Irrigation Funding is being cut by $68.1 million over four years.
Improving NAIT begins today
Work will start immediately to improve New Zealand’s animal tracing system, Agriculture and Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor says. He’s also told officials to take a tougher stance on compliance.
Of 38 recommendations in the NAIT review, 23 can be implemented promptly by OSPRI, he said, including:
- The NAIT number will be assigned to a particular location – not a person
- The NAIT interface will be improved to make it easier to enter information and a mobile app will be developed for use in the field
- The performance of accredited agencies will be better managed, particularly those providing information to NAIT on behalf of farmers.
Gypsy Day and your requirements under NAIT
Gypsy Day is coming up. As people get ready to move, OSPRI is reminding them of their obligations to their community and to use the NAIT system.
Here is a link to
all the information you need to make this Gypsy Day as smooth sailing as possible.
And some more advice for when you’re sending cows off for grazing,
here.
Finally, here’s an
article from Stuff on how cleaning trucks and implementing quarantine paddocks can pay dividends on reducing disease spread risk.
Farm Debt Mediation back on the agenda
This week a NZ First members’ bill on Farm Debt Mediation was quickly introduced, passed its first reading, and referred to the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee . The Bill, which can be
viewed here, seeks to introduce compulsory debt mediation as a mandatory step before the appointment of a receiver in respect of agricultural debt.
According to our six-monthly Banking Surveys the vast majority of farmers are satisfied with their banks but some are not and some feel they have experienced undue pressure. Federated Farmers supports voluntary mediation but to date we have not supported making it compulsory. But given concerns about the impact of Mycoplasma bovis and other factors that may in the future put some farmers under financial pressure (e.g., having to farm to stricter environmental limits) we think it timely for Parliament to consider whether mandatory debt mediation has a place. Before making a submission we will carefully consider our position and as part of this we would be interested to hear the views of farmers. Contact
[email protected].
Deadline looms for Federated Farmers Awards nominations
If you know of someone who has made an outstanding contribution to Federated Farmers, is a fantastic advocate, or great at sharing the farming message with the wider community, then nominate them now for one of eight Federated Farmers awards.
The awards will be presented at an awards dinner at National Conference (
link here) in Wellington on the June 27 at the capital’s Westpac Stadium.
Nomination forms are available
Nominations close on May 25 at 5pm
GDT and producer prices show gain
The big news this week on the economic front was the Budget (see above) but we also saw a welcome rise in the Global Dairy Trade auction.
Overall, prices rose 1.9% compared to previous auction a fortnight ago. The past three months have seen the GDT broadly stable even though it has increased in just two of the last seven auctions. The GDT price index is up 13.9% compared to the end of December 2017 but is down 2.2% on the same time last year.
Statistics NZ’s Business Price Indexes show producer output prices (the prices producers get for their goods and services) rising 0.2% for the March 2018 quarter and 3.5% for the year.
In his weekly analysis,
here, Nick Clark also takes a look at farm expenses inflation and the latest soil moisture data.
M. Bovis public meetings in the Waikato - POSTPONED
Less than an hour after pushing the button on an email campaign to tell members about meetings on 22 May in Cambridge and Matamata on M. bovis, we heard from MPI to advise us they had a scheduling clash. (Grrrrr!)
So please be advised, there meetings are postponed. We will send an update when there is further news on these meetings.
StockX Announces New Directors
Federated Farmers strategic partner StockX has appointed former CEO of trans-Tasman manufacturing business Candida Stationery Frank Janssen to its board, as the new board chair. The online livestock marketplace also appointed agri-businesswoman Mavis Mullins as a new director. Mr Janssen takes over the chair from founder director Andrew Russell. The StockX platform has 4000 registered farmers and sixteen meat processors using the platform to buy and sell store stock, cull and prime stock. “As StockX continues to evolve its marketplace offering to include online auctions and a collaboration with livestock agency businesses nationally the appointment of Frank and Mavis is timely,” managing director Jason Roebuck says.
Getting researchers, farmers on the same page
Engaging teaching methods for farmers produces greater uptake of new knowledge
Massey University has found getting researchers and farmers together creates stronger relationships between the two groups and better learning outcomes.
South Island Contribution Visa
Don’t forget the deadline for applications to the South Island Contribution Work Visa is 23 May. This work visa is for people, such as those who have been working on dairy farms, who hold an Essential Skills Work Visa and have been employed in the South Island for five years or more. This visa provides a pathway to residence if you remain employed in the same industry and region.
Livestock helping humans adapt
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has put out an infographic on how livestock diversity helps deal with climate change.
The infographic also shows how the diversity of livestock breeds are threatened, with 17% at risk of extinction, 58% with an unknown risk status, and nearly 100 livestock breeds have vanished completely between 2000 and 2014.
Wonky looking fruit gets second chance at being productive
The Spinoff looks into the work of a Hawke’s Bay company giving ugly fruit a second chance by turning it into juice.
AROUND THE PROVINCES
What's Next with Southland's Water and Land Plan?
How does the new version of the plan affect you? What is Federated Farmers appealing? How can you get involved going forward?
Feds is hosting two meetings on the topic - Tuesday 22 May, 7-pm, Otautau Sports Complex, 20 Hume St and Wednesday 23 May, 7-9pm, James Cumming Wing, Gore, cnr Bowler Ave and Ardwick St. More info - Bernadette Hunt, 027 542 9275.
Bay of Plenty Workshop on Farm Environment Plans
This workshop will help you understand your farm's natural resources and develop a plan to remain productive while putting actions in place to manage any potential risks to the environment. Using Beef + Lamb Environment Planning Toolkit, you’ll get specialist assistance to assess environmental impacts to help you future proof your business and meet requirements of Waikato Regional Council Healthy Rivers Plan.
Wednesday 30 May, 10am-3pm, Awakeri. RSVPs to Rachel Jukes,
[email protected] More Information -
[email protected]
Thinking about making money from Farm Stays?
North Waikato farmer and owner of the ‘Te Papa Eco Cottage’, Stu Muir, is the guest speaker at a Waitomo branch meeting on Wednesday May 30. The meeting starts at 6.30pm in Railway Building 3, Rora Street, Te Kuiti. Stu will provide advice based on his own experience about what works and what doesn’t. Information relating to potential Waitomo District Council rules and regulations will also be provided.
Please contact Chris or Hilary for further details: Chris Irons, 07 876 7473,
[email protected] Hilary Walker, 07 878 3090,
[email protected].
Arable Conference heads to Timaru
Registrations are open for the Federated Farmers Arable Industry Group Conference 2018, happening in Timaru, 6 June. Major topics are fire as a land management tool in the future, GIA and biosecurity responses, seed standards and certification. Registrations received after Wednesday May 30 incur a $20 late fee.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Golden Bay AGM
Friday May 18, from 6pm. Old School Cafe, Bar and Restaurant. 1115 Collingwood-Puponga Main Rd, Collingwood, Pakawau 7073. RSVP to Tyler on 027 912 4421.
West Coast AGM
Monday 21, from 1pm. Thomas Edward Room, Kingsgate Hotel, 32 Mawhera Quay, Greymouth.
Guest speakers include Federated Farmers Dairy chair Chris Lewis.
Members and partners are warmly invited to attend both the Cocktail Hour and Dinner. RSVP for catering purposes by Thursday I7 May 2018 to Bob Milne. Ph 03 738 0038 or A27 ,144 99L6, email
[email protected],
or
Wairarapa AGM
Wednesday May 23, from 10 am, Solway Park Copthorn Hotel, Masterton.
Bay of Plenty AGM
The BOP Conference/AGM is on Wednesday May 23, starting with morning tea at 10am at Edgecumbe Memorial Hall.
The guest speakers are Louise Giltrap, who featured on Country Calendar and writes for NZ Farmer, talking on ‘Life’ and Federated Farmers board member Chris Lewis, on ‘The Apprenticeship Scheme and Employment Contracts’.
Inquiries to Kim at the Tauranga office on (07)578-5039 or email
[email protected].
Wanganui AGM
Friday May 25, 4pm, Brick House Restaurant, 72 St Hill St, Whanganui. Speaker Ian McKelvie.
NOTICES
Honouring Maori farming excellence
About 650 people are expected to attend this year's major event celebrating the success of M?ori agribusiness on May 25 at Christchurch's Air Force Museum.
The aim of the award is to promote excellence in M?ori farming and to showcase the growth and development of M?ori agribuisness and the increasingly important role it plays in the overall economy of the nation.
Also to be announced during the event will be the Ahuwhenua Young M?ori Farmer, an award to recognise talented young M?ori in agriculture.
Hill Country Farmers of the Year Field Day
Tuesday, May 22 at Mokairau Station. Peter and Christine Reeves, 3005 Whangara Rd. Starts at 9am with morning tea and Federated Farmers AGM. Field day starts at 9.30am. Please bring a packed lunch. Refreshments provided at the end of the day. Please note: helmets must be worn on all bikes and side-by-sides. Also seat belts are to be worn when fitted on vehicles.
Animal welfare talk
A hui is to be held next month in Auckland to discuss the priorities of the country’s animal welfare groups.
Associate Minister of Agriculture the Hon Meka Whaitiri says she wants everything out on the table for discussion.
“This year I have already moved to strengthen the protections for our animals with a raft of new regulations that covered everything from banning fireworks at rodeos to tightening the controls on how stock are transported to slaughter plants. These regulations have already been welcomed by many."
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
As land becomes dust farmers adapt to their new landscape
With dry seasons becoming their new normal, farmers in Australia are changing to match their circumstances. Read more from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
here.
Meat just comes wrapped in plastic doesn’t it?
To help teach customers where their food comes from, Meat and Livestock Australia has started using “virtual reality”.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports consumers are taken through the journey of field to plate including processing at an abattoir.
Community programmes manager Fiona Young said the method was an effective way to address misconceptions about the industry.
Tourism worse for the climate than previously thought
New Scientist looks into how tourism is generating more greenhouse gases than expected and a line can be drawn to the wealthy among us contributing to it...
“The team’s new estimates are higher because, as well as direct emissions from air transit, they also included indirect emissions. These include emissions from food production for tourists eating lavishly while on holiday, hotel upkeep and maintenance, and souvenirs.”