February 2018
President's Pen
by Donald McIntyre
Provincial President
Federated Farmers Taranaki
If you were lucky enough to be away on holiday over the last month, you may have missed that we are a bit short on rain, and especially if you're on the coastal strip from Oakura through to Waverley, which was particularly bad.
Damien O’Connor, Minister for Primary Industries, declared a 'Medium Scale Adverse Event' (drought to you and I). With this came a release of funds to the Rural Support Trust to enable them to run Family Fun Days Out and Drought Strategy Information days, as well as continued support.
I would like to thank Mike Green, chairman of the Taranaki Rural Support Trust, for working over the Christmas holidays to put the whole package together with the help of Jessie (Waite) from our office.
As everyone came back from holiday in the New Year we were ready to start presenting, which was what was needed.
We have been well supported by many rural businesses, banks, vets, DairyNZ and many individuals, so thank you very much.
Just as a side note, Manawatu Rural Support held their first planning meeting the same day we did our first seminar. They then borrowed our presentation, so maybe we were too quick, but at the time it was needed and, I think we hit the mark about right.
People need to remember that even though we have had rain to some degree, there is still have a long way to go to be in a good spot going forward.
No one has made a lot of supplement, some have had poor mating and we still have our hottest months to come.
People need to be keeping a close watch on everything that is happening on your farm, whether its water, animal health, eczema, the bank balance, cashflow and everyone’s wellbeing (mental health)
There is supplement available at a price, or dry cow grazing, so if you want to find out more about this, please contact Jessie at the office.
Keep your head up and remember to put some time aside to do something with the family, it’s good for everyone
.
Policy Update
by Lisa Harper
Regional Policy Advisor
We’ve had a few queries from farmers whose resource consents for farm effluent discharge are coming up for renewal. They’re wondering how to future-proof their effluent systems against any changes in regulation and get the best bang for buck.
The regulation that governs farm effluent discharge –
Taranaki Regional Council’s Freshwater & Soil Plan – is under review but now won’t come out for formal submissions until 2020.
In the meantime, TRC has signalled a shift away from discharge to water (with possibly some flexibility for those in the rain shadow of the mountain, where high rainfall can make discharge to land problematic).
For roughly half our farmers, this will mean an increase in storage capacity is needed. Our advice is talk to TRC about what will be needed, and do it early – even a year or two out. They’ve published some information on requirements -
check here
Anyone with further questions please touch base with TRC’s Inspectorate Section.
On the Road
by Craig Sole
Taranaki Territory Manager
Farming is a highly complex business requiring the same legal, HR, administration capabilities and resources as any other profession.
As a member – The Federated Farmers helpline,
0800 327 646, is a great tool and resource for you.
The topics range from employment, legal, health & safety, biosecurity, infrastructure, local Govt, council regulations and animal welfare.
I recommend you use this service, it is truly invaluable and unique to Federated Farmers.
See ya on the road.
Craig
When circumstances beyond your control lead to a climatic, financial, environmental or personal crisis, the Taranaki Rural Support Trust is ready to help. Their services are free and all calls are confidential. The Trust can assist farming and rural families and their communities. Contact the Taranaki Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254
Notices
February 12
Taranaki Provincial Executive meeting
On Farm Safety
From 6.30pm
February 15
Federated Farmers Taranaki Business Partnership Launch
Auld Brewer Mazengarb and McEwen – New Plymouth
5.30pm
Taranaki Federated Farmers Sharemilkers' Section is hosting two meetings to discuss workplace compliance and other aspects, which employers and employees should be aware of prior to entering an agreement.
The seminars covers:
Contracts - Health and Safety - Drug and Alcohol - Tenancy and Insurance - To register for either event, click here or email [email protected]
Lunch will be provided | All welcome to attend
Thank you to our provincial sponsors
Taranaki Provincial Executive Committee
President:
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Donald McIntrye
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Vice President:
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Dale Cook
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Dairy:
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Janet Schultz and Mark Hooper
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Sharemilkers' Section:
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James Lawn and Matthew Herbert
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Sharemilker Farm Owners' Section:
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Brendan Attrill and Othmar Hebler
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Meat & Fibre:
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Nick Brown and Matt Newton
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Also:
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Bryce Kaiser, Jonathan Ardern, Fiona Howatson,
Niels Hansen, Scott Thompson, Julayne Thompson |
Office Manager:
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Lil Logan
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Policy Advisor:
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Lisa Harper
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Territory Manager:
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Craig Sole
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Federated Farmers Taranaki, 15 Young Street, Box 422, New Plymouth 4340
P 06 757-3423
E [email protected]