Future of farming - The future of New Zealand is the future of farming, is the message president, Don Nicolson took to political parties at the launch of Federated Farmers manifesto at Wellington's railway station this week. The station is the hub of Wellington's transport network and farming is the hub of the nation's economy Mr Nicolson told the crowd. The Federation's Manifesto is its blueprint to enable farmers, businesses and the economy to reach its full potential. Mr Nicolson said the three key priorities are: to ensure the next government controls its expenditure; getting water storage on the list of infrastructure projects; and getting an exemption for farm animals from the New Zealand Emission Trading Scheme. Read more »

Water storage is Key - Federated Farmers told National Party Leader John Key that water storage is a critical part of New Zealand's infrastructure and should be "on the infrastructure list" of any new minister. This followed reports this week that if his party wins the treasury benches Mr Key would immediately appoint a Minister of Infrastructure. If we want to transform the economy New Zealand should focus on harnessing our enormous water resources so we get water in the right place at the right time. Not only will new dams help increase exports, we know from the Opuha dam experience in South Canterbury that the towns, cities, boaties, fishermen and environment also benefit. Water storage is critical to New Zealand's future. Read more »

Greens not thinking global - The Greens think climate change begins and ends with New Zealand Federated Farmers climate change spokesman Frank Brenmuhl has concluded after meeting the Greens spokesman for agriculture, Dr Russel Norman. Climate change is a global issue and needs global solutions. New Zealand farmers are the world's most efficient producers of food. The graduated reduction in New Zealand's agricultural output to meet emission targets under the Emission Trading Scheme will simply shift production to less efficient countries. What may reduce New Zealand's emissions on one hand will be worse for the world. Mr Brenmuhl calls on all politicians to think and act globally on emissions by exempting New Zealand food production from the Emission Trading Scheme. Read more »

Counter Act - Federated Farmers has reacted with dismay to the ACT party misrepresenting the Federation's position on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme. Federated Farmers is calling on all politicians to think and act globally on emissions by exempting New Zealand food production from the Emission Trading Scheme in the next Parliament. Read more »

Disappointing announcement - Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre Chairman, Bruce Wills expressed disappointment at the failure of the Silver Fern Farms Limited/PGG Wrightson proposal this week. He said it is yet another hurdle that farmers will have to overcome in their quest to reach T150 and for a viable and sustainable industry. He said at least the announcement provides suppliers with some certainty around the situation. He also hopes the disappointment will act as a stimulus to the wider industry to press forward with changes that are badly needed. Read more »

Soldiering on - After fighting for their property for the past three years a group of high country farmers known as the "Soldiers Syndicate" have won the right to a special lease. The lease covers 4,400 hectares of tussock-covered, summer-grazing country in the Ida Range near Naseby, Otago. The land, formerly a pastoral occupation licence, has been grazed by the syndicate for nearly 100 years and is economically an important part of their farming enterprises. In 2005 the decision was reversed in favour of designating the land as a conservation area which Federated Farmers High Country spokesman, Donald Aubrey described as a cruel injustice. Mr Aubrey attended court each day with the syndicate families and was delighted with the verdict and is pleased that the property rights of the farmers have been upheld.

No to diesel tax - In its submission to an independent review of the Road User Charges system, Federated Farmers has recommended against replacing RUC with a diesel tax.  Federated Farmers has urged the RUC Review to instead address problems with the cost allocation model which result in heavy vehicles and ratepayers paying too much for their use of the roads. A diesel tax has been pushed by the road transport industry and could be as high as 40-50 cents per litre. The Federation is concerned that a diesel tax would severely penalise farmers who use up to 90 percent of diesel off-road and would be forced to seek refunds for their off-road use - a costly and cumbersome exercise. The Review will be hearing submissions at the end of November and it is required to report back to the Minister of Transport by March 2009.

Ballot successful - The Minister of Agriculture, Hon Jim Anderton has notified the Herbage Seedgrowers Subsection of Federated Farmers that he has approved their application for a compulsory levy order on certified non proprietary cultivars and uncertified lines of ryegrass and clover seed under the Commodity Levies Act 1990. This is the roll-over of an existing order used to maintain NPV varieties for farmer use. The Minister will support the implementation of the NPC Levy through an Order in Council.

Election results - The Herbage Seedgrowers Subsection of Federated Farmers met in Christchurch last week. Hugh Wigley from Waimate was re-elected chairman and the vacant seats on the executive from North Canterbury/Nelson/Marlborough, South Canterbury and the North Island wards will be notified as filled on November 13.

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

Sale yard soapbox - At Feilding saleyards earlier today Gordon McKellar, Manawatu-Rangitikei provincial president, gave a last chance to local political hopefuls to swing any undecided voters. Armed with cow bells and a electric cattle prodder to impose a bit of law and order if the candidates became unruly, Gordon gave Federated Farmers members and their friends a great opportunity to hear the policies of Labour's Jill Angus Burney, National's Simon Power and ACT's Jean Thomson. United Future and Independent candidates put in their apologies.

Turning the table - It was a chaotic start Thursday morning for 38 West Coast dairy farmers when Westland Milk failed to collect their harvest. Federated Farmers dairy chairwoman, Katie Milne took her first call from a member at 5am and the phone rang hot for the next four hours. Members wanted to know what was happening and why? Katie coordinated contact with the company and helped negotiate the final outcome. It turns out a 17 hour power failure had closed the company's operations and as a result they could not collect milk from farms. Farmers who were scheduled for a late night or early morning pick up had full vats when it was time to milk. Milk that could not be stored was spilled into effluent ponds or given to neighbours for calf feeding. Westland Milk will pay the cost of non-collected milk.

Transmission line hearing concludes - The Board of Inquiry hearing Transpower's proposal for a new 400kV electricity transmission line between Whakamaru and Auckland has concluded. The hearing took place over more than 70 days between late March and late October. Federated Farmers made extensive submissions opposing the proposal. Poor consultation, inadequate consideration of alternatives, extensive landscape effects and uncompensated constraints on farming were given as reasons for the Federation's opposition. The Board has said it will now consider the evidence and submissions presented to it and will issue a draft report and draft decision "in some months". Parties involved in the process will then have the opportunity to comment on the draft report and decision before a final decision is made.

Making money from muck - Manawatu/Rangitikei and Tararua Federated Farmers and particularly Andrew Hoggard need congratulating for a field day held at Massey's No4 Dairy Farm on Thursday. Around 120 people turned up and 170 sausages were eaten. 100 local dairy farmers were in attendance with Federated Farmers Dairy chairman and environment spokesperson, Lachlan McKenzie. Lachlan said there the day showed there is money in effluent and managing it well is the key to smart farming. The Enviro Walk by DairyNZ was showcased and is a useful tool when evaluating farm systems. He said a key message from the day is that dairy farmers are making a difference but can always do better. Andrew said the success of the day shows what can be achieved with positive working relationships between Federated Farmers and the likes of Fonterra, DairyNZ and Massey. He says the stage two of the project is to do a similar event with Horizons councillors.

Charges for stock droving - Federated Farmers has presented submissions opposing a proposal by Manukau City Council to charge farmers $280 for the issue of a "driving stock on road" permit. Auckland Provincial President Phil York and senior policy advisor, Richard Gardner told the council's Environmental Hearings Committee that everybody, including farmers, had a basic right to use a road. They said the beneficiaries of the requirement to assess certain types of stock movement activity were the public, not the farmer. They also told the committee that the level of the fee would deter those farmers that might need a permit from applying. Thankfully most stock movement activities will not require a permit. After considerable debate the committee voted to reject Federated Farmers' submission and to recommend to the full council that the charge be imposed.

T2040 - Representatives from Federated Farmers and the South Canterbury Pylon Group attended a "Transmission 2040" workshop in Christchurch on Thursday. The workshop, put on by Transpower, was to present its strategy to 2040 and to receive feedback. Federated Farmers emphasised that Transpower must place property rights high on the list in any consideration of the grid's future and that fair and appropriate compensation must be paid.   Further, representatives called attention to the liability issue, saying that farmers must not face uncapped liability for power outages.   

Commodity prices slump but so does the dollar - The ANZ Commodity Price Index recorded its largest ever monthly drop, falling 7.4 percent in October to be 15 percent off its July peak. The decline was broad based, with beef prices falling a whopping 17.7percent, skins down 16.2 percent, wool down 12.6 percent and dairy down 9.9 percent. On the brighter side lamb slipped by only 0.1 percent, venison was unchanged while fruit and seafood prices rose.  Importantly, the Kiwi Dollar also fell sharply, reversing the overall drop and resulting in the NZ Dollar Index actually rising by 0.7 percent. According to ANZ, the survey highlights two key points: first, that New Zealand commodities are not immune to global developments and second, that the floating exchange rate is doing its job by acting as an important buffer.

Labour market holding up - Despite the recession, Statistics New Zealand employment data have shown that labour costs continue to rise quicker than expected (up 1.1 percent in the September quarter) and the number of people employed has yet to start falling.  However, unemployment has picked up, rising to 4.2 percent of the labour force, its highest rate in nearly five years - but lower than what most economists had predicted. Wage growth is usually the last indicator to turn down during a recession and wage pressures are likely to drop back in the coming months, with most economists are picking 2009 to see an easing in labour costs and a rise in unemployment. The Reserve Bank keeps a close eye on wage pressure and will factor this data in when it next reviews the OCR on 4 December.

Employment advice

Working on Election Day general rule - Any employee who has not had a reasonable opportunity to vote on Election Day before starting work, must be allowed to leave his or her work for the purpose of voting no later than 3pm that day. An employer cannot make deductions from the employee’s remuneration for the time taken off.

Working on Election Day essential work or service - Any employee who is required to work after 3pm for the purpose of carrying on any essential work or service must be allowed to leave work for the purpose of voting. An employer cannot make deductions from the employee’s remuneration in respect of the time taken off, provided it does not exceed two hours.

For further employment advice call 0800 327 646.

Sponsors advice

Tax refunds - Let your wage and salary earners know they can find out if they are eligible for a tax refund from IRD at www.taxrefunds.co.nz.  The site provides a free, no obligation assessment of whether taxpayers are owed any of the estimated $700 million in unclaimed tax refunds that have accrued since 2003. For further information or advice call Federated Farmers, 0800 327 646.

Contracts and agreements

Purchase online - Members can now purchase electronic online Federated Farmers contracts and agreements. Order here »

Employment Training

Employment seminar cover issues such as: tackling poor performance or misconduct issues correctly; holiday and leave entitlements; and dealing with an employee who is unfit to work. The cost to members is $30. Find out when there is one in your area or register for a seminar by calling 0800 327 646.

Leadership training

Learn and lead - Federated Farmers is holding leadership courses in November and December.  For more information visit Federated Farmers website, speak with your local provincial president, or call 0800 327 646. Spaces are limited.

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

Ravensdown - 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.  Read more »

Telecom - ‘Total Home' plan removes toll boundaries for landline calling anywhere in New Zealand. ‘Total Home' includes an unlimited number of national calls up to two hours each, 10 gigabytes of broadband, cheap mobile rates and special low rates for international landline calls, for a flat monthly price of $109.  Read more »

To find out more about these offers or any other special discounts for members call 0800 327 646.

Clothing

Label up - Be proud to be a member of Federated Farmers of New Zealand. Now available are T150 branded caps and singlets and Federated Farmers bucket hats. Order online or call 0800 327 646.

On the road again - After more than five months travelling the world with a Nuffield scholarship, laptop and Canon camera Federated Farmers staff member, Ali Undorf-Lay, is back on the road and working in Taranaki next week. Taranaki is making the most of Ali's visit and has invited her to tell all. This informal get-together is on Wednesday 12 November at 7.30pm at the Hawera Club, High Street. It will be a feast of photos, entertaining stories and sausage rolls. This is a Taranaki Federated Farmers social initiative, please ring Neville Wallace, 06 278 6005 if you have any questions and to help with catering.

NAIT update  - The National Animal Identification and Traceability governance board have arranged meetings around the country to update farmers on NAIT. An overview of NAIT will be given, with prototype demonstrations. On-farm implications will be discussed including current providers, tagging and NAIT costs. The meetings also provide an opportunity for farmers to ask questions. Find out when meetings are in your area »

Think F word - Come along dressed frolicking, fabulous, funny, funky or anything starting with F to the North Canterbury Federated Farmers Christmas Party.  Everybody has a chance to be a film star, a fairy, a fireman or a frog. Beginning at 6.30pm with a welcome drink, in its usual tradition this night will be a good mix of laughter, good food and a few F games. RSVP to Linda Donnelly, 03 357 9450 by 14 November, $30 a person. Children are welcome. Father Christmas is booked and there will be special treats for all who have been good.

Dairy awards launched - The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are calling for entries for the 2009 competition. There are three competitions: the Sharemilker of the Year, Farm Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year. The competition encourages best practice, the sharing of excellence and also identifies and promotes the dairy industry's future leaders.  Federated Farmers is one of the sponsors of the awards. Entries close in early January. Entry forms are available from the awards' website: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

Taranaki launch and lunch - Thursday 13 November at 10.30am at R and K Joblin, Lower Stuart Rd, Elthan, Fonterra 41205. Colin Holmes will be speaking on a profitable feed system as will Mike Bramley from Dairy NZ and last year's entrants Ciaran and Sarah Tully. Includes free barbecue lunch at 12.30pm. Contact is Frances Cooper 06 765 8025, 027 240 3881.

Free beer on the West Coast -  Wednesday 19 November, 7.15pm at the Monteiths Brewery, Greymouth. Includes Brewery tour, food, spot prizes, sponsor reps. RSVP to Sally Gallant, 03 732 3101, or mattandsal@farmside.co.nz by 17 November.

Manawatu/Rangatiki/Horowhenua launch - Wednesday 12 November at Rongotea Tavern, 7.00pm. Contact, Wendy Allen, jdallen@xtra.co.nz.

Hawke's Bay/Wairarapa launch evenings - Wednesday 19 November, 6.30pm, Steak and Ale House, Waipukurau or Thursday 20 November, 6.30pm, Tui HQ, Mangatainoka. RSVP for either night to Ben and Nicky Allomes 06 376 5799.

Bay of Plenty launch - Friday 14 November, Pongakawa Hall. Contact, Richard and Louise Hamilton, 07 533 3239, 021 973 295                                                        

Quote of the week - "Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner." James Bovard