Earthquake OCR cut welcomed by Federated Farmers - Read more »

‘Super' primary industries Ministry supercharges agriculture - Read more »

Federated Farmers Farm Day 2011 this Sunday near you - Read more »

Help the eastern suburbs by delivering hot meals prepared by the Federated Farmers team - Read more »

Northland Farm Day is all about fun in the sun - Read more »

Canterbury earthquake Saturday update - Read more »

Federated Farmers North Canterbury Farm Day cancelled - Read more »

Many dairy farmers will be interested in the progress of various matters to do with the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA). In November, Federated Farmers submitted on the Dairy Industry Restructuring (New Sunset Provisions) Amendment Bill.  The Primary Produce Select Committee has now come back with the following recommendations:

• That the milk collected within the boundary of the West Coast be included in the calculation of the South Island market share,
• The threshold for when a new review must be made into the state of competition of the dairy industry has been reset. The new triggers will be tripped when independent processors collect twenty percent or more of milk solids in either island,
• If the threshold has not been reached by 2015, a review must take place
• A review is set for 2015 unless the triggers are hit first,
• Any relevant government department may be asked to carry out the review,
• The report must be completed within one year of request,

These recommendations will be presented to Parliament for consideration.

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

Federated Farmers hits Environment Waikato with Regional Policy Statement submission - Covered off in the submission was the importance of economic and social well being when managing resources and the environment.  Federated Farmers submitted that the RPS fails to take into account the costs that could be imposed on landowners as a result of its environmental policies. As price-takers, farmers and growers cannot pass on rising compliance costs to consumers. Rising farming costs (including council costs) are the key driver behind farmers needing to continually raise farm productivity in order to maintain viable businesses, and increased productivity is what the Council is worried about.  Read the full submission by clicking here.  

Auckland - Preparations for Auckland's Farm Day at Bill and Lynnette Cashmore's 1200 ha sheep and beef property are nearly complete. Feel free to volunteer if you have the time. Last Friday we joined forces with other rural industries to give the new Auckland Council a rural tour of Franklin which included dairy, equine, glasshouses, viticulture and market gardening operations.  We are currently trying to galvanise farmers to submit on the Waikato District Council's stock-on-roads by-law which, by Franklin's standards, is absolutely draconian.  A meeting will be held in Aka Aka Hall on Tuesday, 22 March at 10am to offer guidance.

West Coast - People might be unaware that they probably need a consent for irrigation if their take is over 50000 litres, or greater than 2 litres per second. We may all think water is plentiful here, but with more irrigation going in it would make sense to talk to the regional council about permitted and consented activities. There are also Ministry for the Environment requirements which over arch regional plans and require certain things to apply nationwide. For example the monitoring of takes. 

Gisborne - Lachlan Mckenzie had a meeting with dairy farmers and the executives in the Gisborne Wairoa  area. They discussed the dairy industry restructuring act, NAIT and the land and water forum.  Along with Federated Farmers executives and members Lachlan also attended the land and water forum and bio diversity meetings at the council.

South Canterbury- Federated Farmers, through the Mackenzie branch, have been discussing with the Government and other parties the desirability of a Mackenzie Forum which would be a collaborative process to achieve a better understanding of the various points of view and develop recommendations for the future.   North Otago benefited from our hard work with Transpower making a quick settlement for line upgrades through their area. We have also been active in local regulation particularly around water, transport, pest management and biodiversity issues.

Farmy Army - For photos, stories and comments we now have a Facebook page dedicated to the Farmy Army. Click here to be taken directly there, then click ‘Like' to view the page or go to our website http://www.fedfarm.org.nz

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.

Rattle your dags for Christchurch - Wool prices have been better than expected for the 2011 season so we are asking growers to clean out their wool sheds and help clean up Christchurch!  Please rattle up any spare dags or oddments and take them to your local transport company for delivery to Elders Primary Wool's ‘Donate Dags' scheme. Mark donated wool clearly on your wool specification form and place in a separate fadge. All proceeds will go to the Federated Farmers Earthquake Relief Fund. Donations will be acknowledged on your Account of Sale. For more details, please contact your local Elders Primary Wool Representative.

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

Farmer meeting in the Waituna Catchment - This is being held on Monday, 14^th March at 7pm, at the Gorge Road Country Club. Speaking at the meeting will be representatives from Federated Farmers, DairyNZ and Environment Southland. Federated Farmers wants to ensure that any action taken in the catchment is science informed and recognises the critical role of the landowner. The purposes of the meeting are to inform you of the recent workshop convened by Environment Southland, provide an overview of the background science, and discuss the process from here. To achieve good, sensible and practical outcomes, we know that farmers need to be part of the process. Turn up and have your say, for more details please contact David Cooper at dcooper@fedfarm.org.nz

Employment Information - It has come to our attention that some of you might be relying on documents which, due to their age, are not appropriate to use. One particular example is the document 'How to Dismiss Staff' which sets out procedures to follow when dismissing staff. This document is several years old and likely to be out of date. We recommend that before starting any procedures referred to in any documents you may have, please call our customer service team on 0800 327 646, (0800 FARMING). We can check the procedures are still current and will protect your interests.

Check employee references - Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty reminds all farm employers to check the references of potential employees, following some incidents that have been reported to the provincial president, John Scrimgeour.  While tempting to take potential employees at face value, what people say and how they act when employed can be completely different.  Employers, as a matter of course, should check all references and if possible, that should include the immediate past employer.  For most farm employers (employing 20 or fewer staff), risk with new employees should have been reduced so long as your employment contracts have a 90 days clause; allowing you to dismiss an employee without risk of a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal for upwards of 90 days.  From 1 April 2011, this is being extended to all employers irrespective of size but must be in your employment contract.  To get employment law advice, including contracts and information, call 0800 327 646

Farm Day 2011 - This Sunday farms in ten provinces are taking part in what will be an exciting day out - Farm Day.  This is the perfect opportunity for friends, families or individuals to get amongst the action and be entertained by all things farming.  Among the activities and attractions on offer at various farms around the country are sheep shearing and stock dog demonstrations, four wheel drive farm tours, displays of specialist farm machinery and what it is used for.  This could also be a great opportunity to reconnect with your urbanite friends and family and let them know about what a great time they will have at their local Farm Day. For more information click here.

Capturing opportunities on hill country farms - On Thursday, 17 March you are invited to Mangarata Farm in Masterton to hear Honorary David Carter, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, speak on various topics. Along with others, he will discuss current policies for stock, the future of sheep and beef farming, the market outlook for meat and the emissions trading scheme for forestry and poplars/willows. Afterwards you will have the chance to join a farm walk to see first hand the best practice for management of poplars and willows plus income options for a forestry block. For more details email julie.thompson@maf.govt.nz, registrations close on 10 March.

Committee meeting to discuss the flow and management of the Lindis River - This will be held at the Tarras Community Hall at 7pm on Tuesday, 22 March. Topics will include the integrated catchment management of water, groundwater and how minimum flows might affect your water take, potential economic effects, issues and aims of the wider community and interest groups. Come along and get involved, tea and coffee will be provided. For more details, call Nikki Penno 0800 474 082 or email nikki.penno@orc.govt.nz.

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

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 cash 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. 

Invercargill Go Organic part-time morning course - This course is ideal for plant growers, permaculture planners, lifestyle-block owners and keen gardeners.  On successful completion particpants will receive a Telford Certificate in Organic Horticulture. The course costs just $125 per person and places are limited.  For more details call Wendy at Agriculture New Zealand on 0800 475 455.

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 so register now to ensure a place.

Rural staff management - Need updating on the latest human resource practices?  Staff performance can make a real difference to your farm's productivity and profit. To inspire your employees and maximise the performance of your team, you need strong processes for hiring, training and managing. AgITO's rural  staff management programme is a series of one-day workshops covering employer responsibilities, legal obligations, recruitment and selection of employees and the skills and strategy to motivate your staff and develop a high-performing team. To enrol or find out more, contact your local AgITO training adviser today on 0800 691 111 or visit their new website at www.agito.ac.nz.

Contracts and agreements - Call our customer services team on 0800 327 646 to discuss the Federated Farmers range of contracts and agreements. Our team will advise which ones are best suited to your needs. 

Mystery wines - This week www.winesonline.co.nz  are offering two mystery wines from New Zealand's first carbon zero vineyard. They can't tell you the vineyard but the wine has their label and will arrive in its case. These multi-award winning wines are only $9.95, recommended retail is $24.99. Quantities are limited so be in quick for these great wines more. Log on today, www.winesonline.co.nz

Free legal advice - Members can call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) with any legal concerns. Our expert team will provide you with fifteen minutes of free legal advice on employment, health and safety, property and general law. 

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 - "Love you guys for all your hard and dedicated work. Thank you is not enough".  - One of the many posts on our Farmy Army Facebook page.