Farmers are global champions - New Zealand farmers are global champions at food production and in terms of economic development are at the top of the list, Prime Minister, John Key said to Federated Farmers National Council in Wellington this week. Mr Key's speech to farmer leaders left no room for doubt; farmers are at the core of the new government's plans to get our economy out of recession.  Mr Key's speech reflected the fact that he has read and absorbed Federated Farmers manifesto, released pre-election. Federated Farmers will sit down with the new ministers after Mr Key returns from APEC to discuss the review of the emissions trading scheme, reform of the Resource Management Act, protection of property rights, infrastructure and animal identification and tracing. Read more » 

Farmers VIP - The importance of farming to politicians was underscored at Federated Farmers National Council meeting in Wellington this week. Prime Minister, John Key was speaking at his first major public engagement since the General Election. The new Leader of the Opposition, Phil Goff also addressed farmer leaders as did Jeanette Fitzsimons, co-leader of the Green Party. Federated Farmers had arranged Rodney Hide from Act to speak also but he sent his apologies due to being required in parliament for the swearing in ceremony. 

Stand tall - In his first address to National Council, President Don Nicolson said political leaders know that New Zealand will not turn the economic corner without farmers. He said: "Farmers are the engine room of the economy.  65% of everything New Zealand sells to the world comes from land and sea. Stand tall. We farmers seem to be an under appreciated group of over achievers standing between recession and a deep depression. Despite years of economic experimentation the importance of farming to our economy has grown, not diminished. We now have a government that is making the right sounds. My pledge to farmers is to ensure this election results in tangible benefits for farming. Treat us with respect and dignity and economic prosperity is assured.  Don't, and the future is bleak." Read more »

New ministers welcomed - Federated Farmers welcomed confirmation the Hon David Carter MP is New Zealand's next Agriculture and Forestry Minister. Farmers are also pleased the Hon Bill English MP, will be taking on the key Infrastructure portfolio as well as being the Minister of Finance. Mr Carter will bring practical farming experience to the portfolio and to the cabinet table. Bill English's appointment as Minister of Infrastructure perfectly brings together the issues of funding and delivery. Both Ministers know how rough things have been for farming, especially for meat and fibre producers suffering their worst returns for five decades. That makes it vitally important we have the infrastructure tools, such as water storage, to ensure we can farm profitably for New Zealand. Federated Farmers will be looking to Mr Carter for initiatives that will help alleviate the compliance burden farmers are currently shouldering. Read more » 

Jim's back - Leader of the Opposition, Hon Phil Goff, speaking to Federated Farmers National Council in Wellington this week, confirmed the Hon Jim Anderton, is to become the Opposition agriculture spokesperson on behalf of both Labour and Progressive parties. President of Federated Farmers, Don Nicolson said a strong opposition is important to a robust and democratic political system. Mr Anderton, who was agriculture minister in the last government, has a good understanding of the portfolio area and is an advocate for farmers. The announcement to farmers at the Federated Farmers National Council came in response to a question asking if Mr Goff would consider taking on the portfolio. With agriculture bringing in 65 percent of export receipts or $24 billion dollars, it was suggested Mr Goff with his knowledge of trade, would also make a good minister of agriculture. Read more » 

Forecast not unexpected - While farmers will be disappointed at the revised Fonterra forecast of six dollars per kilogram of milksolids, it was not unexpected. The world economic situation is so unusual and so debilitating to trade, that Fonterra's latest announcement at least gives some certainty. The one message dairy farmers have from this announcement is to tighten belts and not look for any immediate rebound. Read more » 

Making all possible - President Don Nicolson today told Telford Rural Polytechnic graduands that without safe, reliable and wholesome food nothing would be possible. Not literature, not music, not art, not science, not engineering, nothing. He said: "Our labour and that of our forbears created the climate for communities to form and for learning to flourish. Farmers are the founders and maintainers of human civilisation. You are now about to embark on varied careers in New Zealand's most dynamic and progressive profession, agriculture, the undisputed backbone of our economy." Read more »

Rural and deserving - The Rural Communities Trust met this week for its tri-annual meeting. The list of grant applicants was not as long as usual but all applicants showed their great rural spirit. Beneficiary of the grants included: Apiti with its portable gym programme for all ages; Matapu's huge project of hall maintenance; and music resource kits for the Southern Rural Education activities programme. The Rural Communities Trust meets again in February 2009. At this meeting the successful Transpower educational scholarship applicants are chosen. The final day for applying for the Transpower educational scholarships is 31 January 2009. For more information visit: www.ruralcommunitiestrust.org.nz

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

Fired up to fight - President of Federated Farmers, Don Nicolson is calling for New Zealand farmers to rally in support of the Taupo farmers caught up in an Environment Court decision that makes farming a controlled activity in Lake Taupo area. Appealing the precedent setting decision will be expensive but it is crucial to protecting farmers' property rights in the future. Those who wish to financially support the cause should make donations to The Farmers' Fighting Fund. Cheques should be made payable to Farmers' Fighting Fund, PO Box 447, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240. Call 0800 327 646 for a bank automatic payment form.

Jetting to the rescue - Former Ruapehu president Richard Steele, his son Dan and a farm worker, were the unidentified jet boaters who rescued a capsized tourist on the Whanganui River this week. A 20-year-old German backpacker, was kayaking down the river when her boat became trapped between rocks and she was unable to get free. Her friend paddled for about two-and-a-half hours to get help. She was taken to Wanganui Hospital with hypothermia and severe bruising. Read more ». This is by no means Richard's first river rescue, he has written about other adventures in his book, ‘Ghosts in the Valley'. Order the book for a good summer read on the Federated Farmers website now »

Slow progress - Horizons Regional Council's proposed ‘One Plan' hearings will continue in the first week of December. Biodiversity is first, followed by the re-convened Land hearing. Both are at the council's office in Palmerston North. Farmer experience and expertise continues to be a valuable source of practical information to challenge unworkable provisions.  Although One Plan progress is slow, be assured progress is being made. With local farmers continued input and experience, Federated Farmers will continue to promote the necessary changes. Get behind your executive and staff and support them at the December hearings. Federated Farmers wants to hear how your farming business will be impacted by proposed provisions. If you would like to assist Federated Farmers with its submission contact your local president or policy advisors, Julie Ireland or Nicola Ekdahl on 0800 327 646. 

Hard road ahead - Horizons Regional Council has changed the way that the Proposed One Plan hearings will be structured in 2009. Rather than hearing individual topics, as they did this year, they have grouped the remaining topics to be heard together. The first hearing is scheduled in mid-March. It will cover Administration and Finance, Air, Hazards, Infrastructure Energy and Waste, Natural Character and Management of Production Soils. The next and most contentious hearing is scheduled in mid-June and will cover Water Quality, Water Location, Groundwater and Beds of Rivers and Lakes. Federated Farmers has much work ahead to prepare for the hearings, which will require legal as well as expert technical advice if farmers are to stop Horizons from capping farm production in the region.  

Dam well recognised - The Opuha Dam Water Management Project is recognised on Environment Canterbury's website homepage. The Opuha project was the supreme winner of this year's Canterbury Resource Management Awards. The project, which has been in operation for ten years, has enabled significant areas of South Canterbury land to be irrigated and put into production and created opportunity for power generation. Judges said the project contributes to the sustainable management of resources by taking water and using it in a way that enables people and communities to provide for their social and economic wellbeing. It is a good example of how individuals or private groups can successfully undertake large projects. Read more » 

Getting our geese in a line - If you have Canada geese on your farm and live in the Wairarapa or border the province let Federated Farmers know. The Federation is lobbying behind the scenes but if commitments are not secured soon action will be needed. Help Federated Farmers get its ‘geese into line'. Throw your camera in the truck and take photographs of any perfect paddocks you think are in danger of being mucked up. Retake the photo if you are unfortunate enough to have a goose invasion. Email: Shona Sluys, ssluys@fedfarm.org.nz with goose numbers, locations and photographs. 

Extreme makeover, office edition - Taranaki Federated Farmers office occupants are set for a disruptive few weeks as the building undergoes an extensive makeover. The New Plymouth building was an excellent investment for the province as it is a prime location in the central business district.  However, it has changed very little over the years and the interior still resembles its original layout as a house. The province has decided it is time for the building to become more profitable and for its inside space to be utilised to its maximum potential. The new areas within the building have already been tenanted by an organisation wanting to take advantage of the prime location and fashionable interior.

Burning in ash - Mid-Canterbury Federated Farmers lodged further submissions to Canterbury Regional Council's Natural Resources Regional Plan today. Variation 13 in the plan creates two clean air zones around Ashburton. It also imposes more rules for outdoor burning of agricultural products during the winter season. Federated Farmers made a submission to the variation in September of this year. The Federation emphasised that while it is important to maintain air quality from May to September, some outdoor burning should be provided for as a permitted activity, especially in the case of materials that cannot be stored and must be disposed of.

Commodity price update - New Zealand's commodity prices fell in US$ terms last week, but this was offset by rises in the exchange rate. Since Fonterra's last announcement of $6.60 in September, international dairy commodity prices have fallen by 15% in US$ terms. While the NZ$ has fallen considerably over the same time period, is has not fallen enough to offset the drop-off in the international prices. Beef prices have again fallen over the past week. They are now sitting around US 125 c/lb, which now lower than the five year average. Lamb prices remain strong. The NZD traded between 0.54 and 0.61 against the USD last week - a wide range compared to the preceding week.

Sponsors advice

Straying stock - Landowners may claim damages for stock trespass only if their land was adequately fenced or if the trespass was not due to a lack of fencing. If stock stray on to your land you can impound them, meaning you can ring your local pound asking for them to be uplifted or, if you know the owner you can contact the owner requesting the stock to be uplifted. You must not keep the stock for longer than 48 hours. Stock includes: horse, cattle, deer, ass, mule, sheep, pig or goat.  For further information call 0800 327 646. 

Special Discounts

Growing range - Ravensdown's agrichemical range continues to grow to help you grow. Now available are: herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, adjuvants, plant growth regulators, slug bait and accessories for pastoral and arable farming. Visit: www.ravensdown.co.nz for more from Ravensdown. Find out more about special discounts by logging on to the Federated Farmers website or call 0800 327 646. 

Contracts and agreements

Contracts and agreements - Members can purchase Federated Farmers contracts and agreements online. Read more »

Books - order now », e-books - order now », branded clothing - order now » 

Turning muck into money - Wairarapa dairy farmers are encouraged to attend a practical dairy effluent field day. The event is at James Smallwood's farm in Greytown on Tuesday, 9 December at 10.30am. There was great feedback from a similar meeting held at Massey's No 4 Dairy Farm last month and farmers who attended left encouraged and enthusiastic. This field day is run jointly by Federated Farmers, Fonterra, DairyNZ and the Greater Wellington Regional Council. For more information ring 0800 327 646. 

Whitebait trip - Members, families and farm staff of Hauraki-Coromandel province are warmly invited to attend an all day trip to Charles and Jan Mitchell's whitebait farm in Raglan. The cost is $50 a person and covers transport, a tour, lunch and drinks. This is shaping up to be a great day out with plenty of fishy stories. Lunch is at Whale Bay, Raglan. RSVP to Bev or John Sanford, 07 869 0080 or email jsanford@xtra.co.nz by the 28 November.

Rodney on top - Enjoy a spectacular view while meeting up with your Federation friends at Rodney District's Christmas party. Venue is Walkworth restaurant, Top of the Dome. The date is 28 November. RSVP by 24 November. Guest speaker is Lockwood Smith. Meal is $30. RSVP to James Colville 09 423 9234 or Dean Blythen 09 425 8258.

Franklin garden party - Franklin District's Christmas function is again at the beautiful St Margaret's Gardens, Karaka on November 30. Cost is $30 for the night, all are welcome. Please ring Doug Gellert 09 294 8647, Garth Ross 09 238 7703 or Jean Hamilton 09 292 7813 to RSVP by November 23. 

Wanganui Christmas dinner - Christmas dinner is being celebrated in Wanganui province on the 29 November at the Avoca Hotel. $27 a ticket. RSVP to Brian Doughty 06 342 1846. 

Milking and sharing in Taranaki - Taranaki Sharemilkers section is holding a barbecue-get-together. Both members and non-members are welcome. The date is Friday 5 December at 6.30pm at the Demonstration Farm East Road Stratford. Bring a mate and join us for food and drinks. There are spotprizes and guest speakers. RSVP by Wednesday 26 November 2008 to Frances Cooper,  06 765 8025, email: cooperfarms@farmside.co.nz or Shelley Porteous,  06 757 3423, email: taranaki@fedfarm.org.nz. 

North Otago in, out or stand alone - Sharing ideas and cheer is the aim of the final meeting of the year for North Otago province on the 28 November at the North Otago Club in Omarau, starting at 4pm. The big item on the agenda is developing a position on regional council boundaries; should the area be in/out/or stand alone? RSVP to Bronwyn Wilson, 0800 327 646 by November 26. 

Auckland/Hauraki Dairy Awards lunch - Venue is Gavin and Helen Laurich's Farm, 199 Hopai East Rd, Ngatea, S/N 75113. On Wednesday November 26, at 10.30am. Guest speakers include: John Roche, principal scientist animal research, Doug Steel, senior economist Westpac and Mandi McLeod Nuffield Scholorship recipient. Also included in the day is a fun cow competition and a free barbecue lunch. For more details contact the convenors Dan and Sarah Murdock on 07 8881542 or email: danmurdock@ihug.co.nz.

FAME scholarship - Applications are open for the Food and Agribusiness Market Experience Programme (FAME). FAME is a full-immersion course that includes a wide range of topics covering all aspects of the supply chain. While the course is New Zealand-based, it includes international travel to Asia, North America and Europe studying supply chain innovation and best practice. The FAME programme is run by a joint venture of Otago, Lincoln and Massey universities and commences in April 2009. An AGMARDT scholarship valued at $25,000 is up for grabs as well as two support grants of $12,500. For more information contact Stephen Macaulay on 04 499 6173. Applications close 30 November 2008.

Flocking to Flock House - Since announcing the McKelvie Homestead Centenary Celebration and Flock House Oral History Project three weeks ago, there has been an overwhelming response from former staff and students of the famed agricultural college. The event takes place on 6 December, 11.00am - 4.30pm at Flock House, 13kms from Bulls. More than 300 people have now registered for the function, many donating or lending documents, photographs and other memorabilia. For further information or to register for the event, contact, Marcus Hawkins, 06 322 1918, email: flockhouse@gmail.com.

Forward the Flash - Send a copy of the Friday Flash to a non-member. If they join up as a full member of Federated Farmers, you will both receive $50. Call 0800 327 646 to join.

Quote of the week - "You must ensure the grass grows in the country otherwise it will grow in the streets of your cities." Wright Stephenson & Co Founders