Rural leadership initiative - As part of a strategic review, and following the Federated Farmers' National Board meeting last week, the Federation will go to market for a new role. The position, General Manager Leadership and Development, will progress a new leadership and development initiative currently dubbed "Feds Uni". Federated Farmers CEO, Conor English says rural people are resourceful, intelligent and resilient. Federated Farmers sees it has an important role to pull together a leadership strategy and framework to grow and develop this fantastic resource and to build on existing initiatives. Read more »

On way to reaching T150 - Sheep farmers may be well on the way to reaching Federated Farmers' T150 goal after a new partners' programme called Backbone^TM, was announced by Silver Fern Farms this week. Meat & Fibre chairman, Bruce Wills says he is extremely encouraged by the new integrated supply chain that focuses on the three areas that the T150 campaign called for change. Bruce said he has reviewed the figures and with the new proposal, farmers are looking at $90 to $110 for a "19kg Euro lamb" for next season. Federated Farmers has only just launched the T150 programme, and some felt uncomfortable with such a ‘highly aspirational' figure but the signs are good. Bruce says although there is much more to do throughout the industry to achieve better and more sustainable returns to growers, this is certainly a start. Read more »

What will NAIT really cost? - Federated Farmers president, Don Nicolson has asked what the proposed National Animal Identification and Tracing system will cost in total. This is on top of what farmers already pay for existing systems for food safety, biosecurity, farm productivity, consumer preferences, and facilitating trade. Don says farmers will pay for all the costs of the proposed NAIT system, both on and off the farm. He says the system will impose costs on everyone in the supply chain - saleyards, transport operators, show managers, processors, and pet days. All those costs will be passed on to farmers through additional charges, or reduced prices. Read more »

Survey results in - The main comment from members responding to the Federated Farmers NAIT survey is: "Why don't we focus on improving current systems or systems that are already in place for cattle?" Respondents were 82% against supporting the NAIT proposal in its current form and 18% for it. Federated Farmers will be submitting to the NAIT governance board next week and speaking to the submission on October 22.

Tri Lamb Group meet - The annual meeting of the Tri-Lamb Group was held in Napier this week. The group, comprised lamb producer organisations from New Zealand, Australia and the United States, meets annually to discuss the American lamb market.  Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre assisted Meat & Wool New Zealand in organising the conference and Bruce Wills, the Meat & Fibre chairman, attended, as did Meat & Fibre executive members, Dugald McLean and Hamish Cave. Read more» 

Southern stoush - The Land Valuation Tribunal has completed its first week, hearing evidence from the Crown regarding South Island pastoral leases and the process used to establish how new rents are to be determined. The public gallery in Dunedin's District Court has seen a dozen farmers attend daily in support of Minaret Station, as they seek what they consider to be a fairer rental system for all lessees. Federated Farmers High Country chairman, Donald Aubrey, has been present providing daily reports to president, Don Nicolson. The week has been taken up by expert witnesses presenting for the Crown and cross examined by the lessees legal counsel, Nick Davidson QC. Lessees believe charges for "amenity" values on land held by pastoral lessees means their sheep are being asked to "pay for the view". This is considered by pastoral lessees to be an unacceptable impost on their property rights. The hearing is set to last at least another week. Some 245 high country farmers hold pastoral leases and are looking at the hearing as a test case. 

Tahr Bruce - Ashburton based author and wildlife expert, Bruce Banwell has finally achieved an important goal. For many years he has campaigned to ensure the correct spelling for Tahr is recognised in New Zealand. A view supported by Federated Farmers. Mr Banwell wrote to both Collins and Oxford dictionaries to explain that in fact their use of the word "Thar" is wrong, as it describes a different species to that intended. With support from Indian biologists he proved that "Thar" actually refers to a Serow (Capricornis Sumatraensis) and not "Tahr" found in New Zealand's South Island High Country. Federated Farmers game animal spokesman, Donald Aubrey says there is now one further challenge to meet in this name debate. After more than 100 years of residency in this country Donald believes "Himalayan Tahr" should be renamed "New Zealand Tahr".

 Bee group backs ERMA decision - Federated Farmers Bee chairman, John Hartnell acknowledged a decision by ERMA to decline an application to import the chemical, Checkmite+ to control varroa mite in beehives. John said the decision recognised the bee industry's opposition to introducing the chemical before other options were exhausted. He said it is extremely important that beekeepers use alternating treatments from different chemical families to reduce the risk of treatment resistance in the future. Read more »

Woolly way forward - While in his woolshed with a shearing gang this week Federation Meat & Fibre chairman, Bruce Wills took a phone call from the USA where chair of Wool Products International, Theresa Gattung was promoting New Zealand wool. Ms Gattung called confirming her place at the Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre council meeting on November 12 and 13. Bruce said it is hard not to be optimistic about the future of the industry with such an enthusiastic and committed woman at the helm. Ms Gattung will present to the council at 1pm on November 12. 

Nuffield Scholarships announced - The New Zealand Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust announced the three scholarship recipients for 2008. Alec Jack is a beef farmer from Pakaraka in the Far North. Alec has aspirations to provide leadership in New Zealand's red meat industry and in the promotion of environmentally sustainable and profitable pastoral farming systems. Gregg Pardoe of Gisborne is the operations manager for Arai Matawai Incorporation. Gregg will receive a scholarship to study indigenous peoples and how they have adapted to modern farming practises. Mandi McLeod is a dairy farm consultant from Te Awamutu. Mandi will be researching business continuance and succession planning with a particular focus on leadership, management and governance at the family farm, corporate farm and industry levels. Read more»

Celebrate the farmers - On World Food Day Federated Farmers president Don Nicolson called on all New Zealanders to celebrate the contribution farmers make to both the economy and the world's need for food. He said farmers are proud to be the ‘thin line of gumboots' literally keeping New Zealand from an economic depression.  With 61% of everything New Zealand sells to the world coming from the primary sector, the livelihood of almost every New Zealander depends on the hard work of farmers. Read more »

Mobile phone ban - Federated Farmers this week submitted on a proposed rule which would ban the use of handheld mobile phones while driving. The Federation supported the ban. Under the proposal, hands-free kits and two-way radio would be exempt.

Breaking news - See Federated Farmers in the news this week.

Subdivision requirements - Federated Farmers this week asked Selwyn District Council for clarity on its subdivision rules. North Canterbury Federated Farmers vice president, Neil Stott and senior policy advisor, Sonia Voldseth said it needed to be made abundantly clear that reserves are not "required" for subdivision, if a farmer subdivides a property and continues to farm it. 

Bursary opportunity - Applications are open for Horizons Regional Council's $12,000 Don Linklater Memorial Bursary. The bursary supports three years of undergraduate tertiary study in areas relevant to Horizons' work, including resource management, river and drainage engineering, environmental planning, land management or Maori studies, in relation to resource management. To be eligible applicants must be New Zealand citizens or residents and plan to study full-time at university in 2009. They must also be from the Horizons region, but may study anywhere in New Zealand. 

Future of genetic modification - There is increasing interest in the use of genetic modification in agricultural and horticultural practices world wide. Federated Farmers wants to know how rural New Zealanders view the use of biotechnology in New Zealand primary production systems. Take a few minutes to complete our short survey.

Diesel tax poll - Federated Farmers is running a poll on its website asking whether Road User Charges should be replaced by a diesel tax. So far, Federated Farmers has advocated against a diesel tax and for RUC to be retained. This is due to the fact that farmers use diesel on-farm and if there was a tax on it, farmers would have to apply for a refund on the tax - a significant compliance cost. However, the road transport industry continues to argue that a diesel tax would be more efficient. The Federation would like to get your views. Participate in our online poll here.

Dam safety scheme - The Department of Building and Housing has produced guidelines for the implementation of its Dam Safety Scheme. The scheme applies to large dams defined as having a capacity of over 20,000 cubic metres of water and a height of at least three metres. The guidelines have been sent to regional authorities and large dam owners. View the guidelines here.

General advice

Crops and bees - Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group does not want to hear of bee losses attributed to cropping farmers. Cropping farmers take note of some basic principles that will reduce bee deaths and maximise pollination.

• Always read and follow the instructions on the product label.
• Never apply pesticides, miticides or herbicides during daylight hours where flowering crops are present. Bee foraging and pollination activity must have ceased before any application can take place.
• Apply pesticides only when necessary as part of a pest management programme.
• Select short residual and low hazard formulations.
• Check nearby for foraging bees on flowering weeds - eliminate weeds by mowing or tillage.
• Adjust your spray programme to weather conditions - time of day, temperature and wind.
• Communicate with beekeepers; arrange suitable access points for vehicles and suitable apiary sites on your farm.
• Provide good notice to the beekeeper when you wish the hives to be removed from pollination duties.
• Communicate with your neighbouring farms - your responsibility does not stop at the farm gate.
• Consult an apiary location register.

How irrigators can reduce risks to bee pollinators:

• Bees die through chill when they encounter irrigation during their pollination activities.
• Only irrigate from dusk to dawn when bee foraging has stopped and pollination activities have ceased.

For further advice contact Federated Farmers, 0800 327 646.

TRAINING

EMPLOYMENT TRAINING

Learn more about performance management and getting the best out of your staff. Register for a seminar by calling 0800 327 646. The cost to members is $30. See below for the location of the next series.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Become a Federated Farmers of New Zealand leader by attending one of our two leadership courses in November and December. For more information visit the Federated Farmers website or call 0800 327 646 to speak with your local provincial president. Spaces are limited so be in quick.

Rural jobs

Employment - Looking for a job or trying to find someone then make your first stop a visit to Federated Farmers website.  You can both advertise for employees or see what is available. Read more about rural jobs ». Call 0800 327 646 if you have trouble logging on to the Federated Farmers website.

Special discounts

Diary advertising - Members who would like to advertise their services in the Federated Farmers' diary please call 0800 327 646 to find out the rates or find out more online.

Best shot - Give young stock the best shot this spring with Ravensdown weaning drenches. Buy two selected weaning drenches and receive 500ml Vitamin B₁₂-1000 Plain free. Click here for more information. To find out more about what is on offer from other Federated Farmers partners call 0800 327 646 or log in the members area for special discounts.

Contracts, agreements and books

Products - Members can purchase Federated Farmers contracts and agreements at a discounted rate. Phone 0800 327 646 to order or order online. Employment products: job application forms, leave forms, drug and alcohol agreements, time/wage/holiday registers. Other products and agreements: lease; contractor; sales and purchase; agreement to grow; log books; access pads; and Over Dimension Certificates.

Books - For a good read order: Ghosts in the Valley by Richard Steele and Farming and Subsidies: Debunking the Myths by Brian Chamberlin.

Meat & Fibre Council meeting nears - The Meat & Fibre Council meeting will be held in Wellington on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 November. The meeting has a T150 focus and  confirmed speakers include: Chair of Wool Partners International, Theresa Gattung; Chairman, Meat & Wool New Zealand, Mike Petersen; Chairman, ANZCO Foods, Graeme Harrison; Alan McDermott from AgResearch Ltd; Chairman, NAIT Governance Group, Ian Corney and Julia Hoare from PricewaterhouseCoopers. If you wish to attend this event, at the Mercure Hotel on The Terrace, Wellington, contact Eva Johnston, ejohnston@fedfarm.org.nz or phone 0800 327 646.

National Council - Federated Farmers is holding its annual National Council Meeting at Te Papa in Wellington on 18 and 19 November 2008. If you have not registered, and are attending this event, email: ejohnston@fedfarm.org.nz for a registration form.  Please note that registrations have closed so it is imperative that these are received immediately.  If you require further information contact, Eva Johnston on 0800 327 646. Council papers will be sent out to participating delegates early next week. 

TB where to from here? -  Waikato Federated Farmers in association with the Animal Health Board are holding seminars throughout the region. They will focus on the AHB's role with the vector programme, a disease update and strategy review. Farmers will also be advised what they need to do to meet health and safety standards on the farm. Seminars take place from: October 21 at Plaza Theatre, Kensington Street, Putaruru; October 22, Elstow Hall, 1 Tautiti Road, Elstow; October 23, Trinity Church, Cnr William & Onslow St, Huntly; October 28, Burchell Pavilion, 1 Gorst Ave, Te Awamutu; and October 29, Tiroa House, Taupiri St, Te Kuiti. Time: 7pm -8.30pm, followed by a light supper. All are welcome. Any queries please contact Gaylene Bamford, waikato@fedfarm.org.nz or 07 858 0820.

Change of meeting date - The executive meeting of Wairarapa Federated Farmers for October is on Wednesday 22 October 2008 at 7pm. Shear History Trust, 12 Dixon Street, Masterton. Guest speaker is Bob Tosswill, who will be speaking on the Wairarapa Irrigation Project at the start of the meeting. Any queries contact: Anders Crofoot, provincial president phone: 06 372 6465. 

And goats fly - Federated Farmers Goats is holding its 2009 industry group conference in Melbourne to coincide with the Australasian Goat Show in Horsham. For more information contact: Bronwyn Wilson bwilson@fedfarm.org.nz or call 0800 327 646.

Membership drive - Send a copy of the Federated Farmers Friday Flash to a non-member. If they join up as a full member, you will both receive $50. For more information call: 0800 327 646 or email: admin@fedfarm.org.nz.

Get paid for signing up members - Federated Farmers is looking for contractors to help increase its membership. Contractor roles are locally based and ideal for someone who has great farming knowledge knows local people and wants to earn extra money. For more information call 0800 327 646.

Big day - Dairy executive member, Andrew Hoggard is tying the knot this weekend. Federated Farmers wishes Andrew and Audra all the best for their wedding. Manawatu/Rangitikei president Gordon McKellar says with a sergeant for a wife, Andrew should expect to see some military style discipline and procedures injected into his life. Even his humble effluent spreader is likely to be re-classified as the: "Self-propelled, medium-terrain, automatic-firing-with-nutrient-enriched-liquid, ordnance machine". I am sure this will impress Horizons!