On the money - Federated Farmers welcomed the Reserve Bank's decision this week to cut New Zealand's Official Cash Rate (OCR) by one percent, a move the Federation actually called for a full month ago. This morning president, Don Nicolson, was on TV3's ASB Breakfast and quoted in the Dominion Post saying "New Zealand's farmers proudly look set to farm us out of recession and back to prosperity."  Don noted that while the provincial economy has kept New Zealand from an economic abyss the Federation hoped our free spending politicians will show some fiscal discipline to dampen down inflation. Read more »

Save local government - The funding crisis affecting local government has shown the need for an urgent rethink on the narrow property based funding system it relies upon. On Thursday Don Nicolson, President of Federated Farmers, was interviewed on National Radio with Mayor John Banks of Auckland and Mayor Bob Parker of Christchurch, saying "Councils are struggling to control costs and face ratepayer resistance to further rate rises."  Don called for local government efficiencies matched with central government funding reform. Read more »

What's up in Waikato? - The Federation met with Environment Waikato recently to discuss a variety of issues like water quality and ratepayer rights after the Waikato Tainui settlement and Lake Taupo landowner injustice. President, Don Nicolson, asked straight out: "What is the environmental nirvana the community seeks?"  This is a simple question and responses vary, but what is certain is that environmental aspiration needs to be matched with community cash. The community should not take property from an individual without full compensation.      

Michael Cullen a big fan of farmers? - On Wednesday at the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, Minister of Finance admitted to Wairarapa provincial president, Anders Crofoot and other local farmers, that the government had grossly undervalued the contribution of agriculture to new Zealand's economy. Dr Cullen said that had the rest of economy performed at the same level as agriculture, New Zealand's economic growth would have been one to two percent greater each year. Anders said it was nice to be recognised but the minister made no promises to implement change to policies like the emissions trading scheme (ETS), which has the potential to severally affect farming businesses in the future. 

MAF says thanks - MAF has written to thank Federated Farmers for its support and input to the drought management measures that were taken to deal with this adverse event. To all those who participated in the Federated Farmers drought feed 0800 service your help was very much appreciated.

Directors' election - DairyNZ has announced the results of its first directors' election at its AGM held in Invercargill on Wednesday. John Luxton (incumbent chairman), Jim van der Poel (incumbent director) and Michael Spaans were elected to the board. Two postal resolutions were passed. One was to increase the directors' remuneration and the second put forward by Federated Farmers Dairy chairman, Lachlan McKenzie was to give levy payers the ability to ratify appointed directors.

Agricultural photo winner - A Gladstone farmer welcoming drought-breaking rain in December was the image that won the 2008 Federated Farmers Rural Photography Award. Craig Simcox of The Dominion Post was presented his prize at the annual New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators awards dinner on Saturday night. The supreme Rongo Award, was also announced at the guild dinner. It was won by North Canterbury director, Tony Benny, for two episodes of Country Calendar, Noble Deer and Flea Bay.  Runner up was Tim Cronshaw, from The Press, for two articles, A Long Way from Remuera and Meat in the Sandwich.

Water talks meander on - Talks on appeals to the Southland Regional Water Plan rolled on this week with a focus on resolving the rules around clearance of water courses for drainage, and the classification of spring fed waterways. The most important was retaining the current permitted status of stock access to water, which seems destined for an Environment Court hearing. President, David Rose, and Dunedin based local policy team leader, Matt Harcombe, spent all day Wednesday negotiating outcomes for farmers in the region.

Farmers rate councils - Mid-Canterbury vice-president, Willy Leferink, past president, Stuart Wilson, and senior policy advisor, Kevin Geddes, presented to Ashburton District Council's Review of Revenue and Financing Policy last week. The council was told by Federated Farmers, "the correct identification of the benefit from spending should be the first principle of its revenue and financing policy". Property value general rates should be used where there is a clearly defined benefit to property. Funding council spending on people issues, should be derived from Uniform Annual Charges or fees and charges. Council agreed with the Federation that central government functions devolved to local government should be funded from taxation revenue not property rating revenue.

Farm land shortage - President of the Nelson province, Edwin Newport and senior policy advisor, Sonia Voldseth, presented hearing evidence this week to the Tasman District Council.  The proposal is to rezone large areas of rural land for urban use.  Federated Farmers said it understood the need for growth in the Richmond/Nelson area; however, it was inappropriate to rezone so much rural land at this time.  Population projections do not identify the need to change until 2026. A 10 year land bank is all that is needed to provide for urban growth.  Federated Farmers urged the council to look at other options especially land not containing Class A soils.

Grass leaders - At the annual conference for the New Zealand Grassland Association held in Blenheim, Millers Flat farmer and Federation member, Pat Garden, was elected president. Pat who has been vice president for the past two years replaces John Caradus. Federated Farmers Wairarapa president, Anders Crofoot, was elected vice-president. The New Zealand Grassland Association provides a valuable forum for farmers, researchers, consultants, educators and commercial people to gain the latest information on: recent findings in pastoral research and technology; best practice in pastoral farming; farming trends and opportunities; and agricultural issues and developments.

Outstanding in the field - Neville Wallace represented Taranaki Federated Farmers at a course run by Outstanding in the Field, a Meat & Wool New Zealand funded initiative. This ‘experience' day gave 144 Year 10 students a taste of a rural experience. The modules gave practical examples of agribusiness, dairying, shearing, science, sheep and beef, farm safety and the rural environmental management. Neville recommends this programme for schools and educators in this field. 

Proposed plan - Members of the Taranaki Federated Farmers executive presented a case yesterday to the Stratford District Council on their Proposed Stratford District Plan. Peter Adamski, Charles Bayly, Graham Fergus and Derek Gibson want to ensure the plan remains flexible enough to allow members to continue to operate their rural businesses.  The Taranaki delegation opposed the proposed 200m separation distance between dwellings and cowsheds and woolsheds, which the council believes will address the reverse sensitivity issue.  Landowners must not be restricted by council rules and rural residents must understand they are living in a working rural environment. 

Tertiary education in the Wairarapa - Consultation with community on the role of tertiary education in the Wairarapa region is underway. Provincial president, Anders Crofoot with local executive members, Mike Taylor and Karen Fitzgerald, attended the first industry education forum this week to assess the needs of the region and to match courses with the needs of local business. Anders said there had been labour shortages in agriculture in the region before the current market was not as tight. He said wages for agricultural workers had doubled over past 10 years.

One Plan controversy - There has been so much controversy over the feared One Plan that numerous pre-hearing meetings are being conducted to try and address all the problems.  On Wednesday, Wanganui President, Brian Doughty and Tararua President, Andrew Day, joined with DOC, Fish & Game, Forest & Bird, Horizon's Regional Council and numerous companies to discuss the living heritage section of the One Plan.  Federated Farmers is concerned because this section restricts development of land to protect areas of bush, wetlands, rivers and lakes. The One Plan is a combined Regional Policy Statement and numerous regional plans which will dictate the use of our members' land. 

John Key in Taranaki - Taranaki Federated Farmers Executive members, Jim Duff, Peter Adamski, Graeme Hight and Bryan Hocken, were on hand to witness the unveiling of the National Party's law and order policy on Wednesday.  John Key and his entourage met with over 200 members of the public at the Faull Brothers' super-shed in Tikorangi.  Amidst discussing the National party's election promises, Mr Key said that the Resource Management Act would be reviewed within 100 days and changes would be made within six months.

Competitive by nature - when our provincial communications co-ordinator Ali Undorf - Lay arrived back at work on Monday after five months away on her Nuffield scholarship, she announced she was giving away 20 badges celebrating the English and Welsh National Farmers Union 100 year birthday. Provincial presidents scrambled to compete and all but one was sent out in her first two days back. If you want the remaining badge, or some Austrian chocolates, email her on aundorflay@fedfarm.org.nz. First in first served.

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's primary production systems. Tell us your thoughts

Increasing the driving age - Currently, a Bill before the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee would increase the age at which a learner license could be obtained from 15 to 16. Federated Farmers has opposed an increase as it disadvantages rural young people with little or no alternative means of transport. We have also argued that it is lack of driving experience and not age that increases the risk of accident.  The Federation supports other measures, such as an increase in the length of time a learner license must be held, from 6 to 12 months.

Do you support increasing the age at which a learner license can be obtained from 15 to 16? Take our poll here as your views on this will help the Federation as we develop a submission in response to the bill.

General advice

Stop Tutu - Federated Farmers Bees is asking farmers and local territorial authorities not to plant or propagate tutu. Last Easter there was an outbreak of human poisonings caused by toxic honey produced in the Whitianga area. The toxin was tutin that is produced by Tutu (Coriaria arborea). Further outbreaks of toxic honey will seriously affect the reputation of the safety of New Zealand honey as a safe food. The flow on effect could also impact upon other significant food exports. 

Drought assistance measures to end - The Government‘s special drought assistance measures will end on 31 December 2008.  New applications for Rural Assistance Payments will not be accepted after the end of this year, although these payments will continue through to the end of March 2009 for those already in the scheme. Other standard welfare measures, such as Working for Families tax credits, special needs grants, and Inland Revenue's tax measures will continue to be open, with late deposits into the Income Equalisation Scheme for the 2008 income year, allowed up to 30 April 2009.

Sponsors advice

Crop increases - The value of your crop has increased this season, so it makes sense to talk to the people with over 100 years of rural insurance experience about protecting it.  Read more »

Around 4,000 new serious injury claims for noise-induced hearing loss are made to ACC annually, which means 11 new claims for everyday of the year. For more information on how you can prevent noise-induced hearing loss visit ACC's website.

Employment Training

Learn more about performance management and getting the best out of your staff. See below for the location of the first week of this series:                                                                                                                       

The cost to members is only $30 so to find out when there is one in your area or to register for a seminar in October or November call 0800 327 646.

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 call 0800 327 646 or 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

To find out more about special discounts for members call 0800 327 646 or log in the members area for special discounts.

Contracts, agreements and books

Employment contracts and agreements - Federated Farmers has  job application forms, leave forms, drug and alcohol agreements, time/wage/holiday registers. Read more »

Contracts, agreements and leases - Federated Famers has land, stock, contractor; sales and purchase; agreement to grow; log books; access pads; and Over Dimension Certificates. Read more» 

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

Members can purchase Federated Farmers contracts and agreements at a discounted rate. Phone 0800 327 646 to make your order.

Get media savvy - If you live in the lower North Island and sweat at the thought of a microphone or fume about articles in the newspaper and wish to express yourself credibly, this media training workshop is just the remedy.  Attend our Federated Farmers provincial media training workshop being held 11th November in Palmerston North (post-election) and get some practical skills for going public. No previous talent is required just good humour and a bit of courage. Please ring: Ali Undorf-Lay, the course facilitator on 0800 327 646.

CRT cooperative cards information - CRT can only be used as a payment method for membership subscriptions. If members have provided their CRT card details for subscription payment, this does not mean other products will automatically be charged to the CRT card as well.  Many members paying their subscription via CRT have assumed that when they receive an invoice for contracts, it will be charged to their CRT card, but this is not the case. For more information contact 0800 327 646.

Maori sheep and beef sector awards open - Entries are open for the Maori Sheep and Beef Sector Award. Entries close on January 30, 2009.  The competition looks to successful approaches to governance, financing, management, innovation, environmental management and the recognition of nga tikanga Maori. The winner of the competition will receive up to $40,000 in cash, services and farm products. Regional winners will each receive $15,000 in cash, services and farm products.  Regional judging starts on March 2 and will run until March 20 2009. Field days will be held at the three regional winners' farms April 23, April 30, and May 7. The supreme award winner and recipient of the Ahuwhenua Trophy, will be announced June 12 in Gisborne.  Entry is free and forms online.

Flock House reunion picnic - All ex-students, staff, associates, friends and supporters of Flock House are cordially invited to attend the McKelvie Homestead Centennial Celebrations Birthday Picnic on Saturday 6 December 2008.  People can register their interest by emailing flockhouse@gmail.com or post to Box 106, Bulls, Rangitikei 4894. For further information, contact Marcus Hawkins 06 322 1918

Herbage Seedgrowers Subsection elections - According to the rules of the Herbage Seedgrowers subsection the following members retire by rotation on 30 November 2008: Hugh Wigley (South Canterbury); David Birkett (North Canterbury Marlborough/Nelson); and Hugh Ritchie (North Island).  Retiring members are eligible for re-election provided they are a grower in the ward involved.  Nominees must also be a financial member of Federated Farmers of New Zealand and be nominated in writing by at least two other growers residing in that ward.  Finally, the nominee must accepted their nomination in writing. Read more»

TB where to from here? - Waikato Federated Farmers, in association with the Animal Health Board, are holding seminars on the AHB's role with the vector programme, a disease update and strategy review.  Farmers will also be advised on meeting 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: 7.00pm - 8.30pm, followed by a light supper. All are welcome. Any queries please contact: Gaylene Bamford, or 07 858 0820.

Goats do 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.

Practical effluent management - DairyNZ, Environment Waikato, Federated Farmers and Fonterra are teaming up to offer detailed practical effluent management advice at a series of field days around the Waikato region.  Boosting farm profits, improving nutrient efficiency and creating a sustainable dairying operation are the focuses of upcoming effluent management field days for farmers in the Waikato and Hauraki Coromandel provinces. Each field day will start at 10.30 and finish at 12.30pm, to be followed by a BBQ lunch:

The well fed cow - The Dairy Womens Network in Manawatu is running a series of workshops on the nutritional requirements of dairy cattle during November. If members are interested in finding out more, please contact Linda McGinty on either mcginty@airstream.net.nz or by phone on 06 328 9099.

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.

"Subprime doesn't cause me to lose sleep but the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme keeps me awake at night."

Tony Arthur, National Managing Partner Agribusiness BNZ, in a speech to the Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators.