Probation period welcomed - Federated Farmers is backing the proposed 90-day probation period for new employees. The probation period will give farmers the opportunity to employ staff they may not have considered previously. Agriculture needs motivated and talented staff and this change will really help, said Frank Brenmuhl, employment spokesman for the Federation. The proposed probationary period will enable the employee, as well as the employer, to trial a working relationship. This treats the employment relationship as one between equals. Read more » 

Vindication for peninsula farmers - The Banks Peninsula Branch of Federated Farmers was awarded $35,000 this week against Environment Canterbury, in the case of the farmers and the City Council against the Regional Council. In spite of agreements reached at mediation, Environment Canterbury sought a 150 percent increase in landscape designations on the Peninsula. The Council's lack of good faith was condemned by the Environment Court, which said the council betrayed the mediation process and risked undermining public faith in the process. The Court went on to say that this betrayal amounted to blameworthy conduct. Federated Farmers is adamant this case never should have gone to court and the Council has wasted ratepayers time and money. The costs award is a vindication of Federated Farmers efforts. Read more »

Win on water charges - Farmers in Otago received an early Christmas present thanks to strong leadership from North Otago president, Robert Borst. Approximately 100 rural water users were affected by an error in Otago Regional Council's new charging system for water monitoring sites. Provincial president, Robert Borst, encouraged consent holders in the Kakanui catchment to refuse payment of the Council invoice until the formula was made public. The Council reacted swiftly by apologising and rectifying the mistake, agreeing to reimburse farmers who had paid more than their fair share. Robert praised the Council saying it took guts to admit a mistake publicly. Members appreciated the Council's apology and said it will remedy the situation. Read more »

Government on same page - Federated Farmers is encouraged by a new government that values the real builders of the economy. The Government, in Tuesday's Speech from the Throne, said that for industry to reach its potential there are things that need to change. Federated Farmers is pleased the government is prioritising the Resource Management Act reform, NZ Emissions Trading Scheme and infrastructure spending. Read more »

Correcting Kyoto errors - New Zealand must ensure its world leadership in low emission farming is reflected in the next phase of Kyoto. President, Don Nicolson, said New Zealand farmers are looking to Hon. Tim Groser to make the case for farm animal emissions to be excluded from Kyoto. Climate change is a global issue and it demands global solutions. New Zealand's farmers act globally by farming locally. That's how we are able to feed almost one percent of the world but generate only a tenth of that in emissions. This efficiency must be the starting point for negotiations. Mr Nicolson this week also welcomed the appointment of United Future leader and Minster of Revenue, the Hon. Peter Dunne, as chair of the select committee that will review the emissions trading scheme. Read more »

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

Canterbury lamb prices please but drought preparations urged ­- Federated Farmers North Canterbury president, Chris Sundstrum, was in the media Monday expressing pleasure at the prices achieved by his ‘heavy weight' lambs sold the previous week, that came close to the $100 psychological barrier, reaching $99.  He did however want that the spectre of drought that is haunting Canterbury again.  He advised members to reduce their stock numbers as early as possible to avoid carrying large stock numbers into January. 

Fronting up for mediation - The West Coast province of Federated Farmers fronted up to mediation with the Buller District Council on Monday, having a useful discussion about the identification of Significant Natural Areas. All issues up for discussion on the day were resolved. With not all parties present, not all provisions could be discussed and resolved however. The mediations will continue sometime in February when the Department of Conservation and the Buller Conservation Group will also be present. If you live in the Buller District and have concerns or questions about Significant Natural Areas, contact senior policy advisor, Sonia Voldseth, 03 357 9452, or president Basil Meyer, 03 732 3660.

Got Gravel? - The North Canterbury province of Federated Farmers presented evidence to the Hurunui District Council on Tuesday, regarding restrictions on quarrying and mining. It is unclear in the plan if farmers are able to extract gravel from their properties for use on farm. Representative for the province, Dugald McLean, told the panel that farmers use gravel for backfilling drains, flood control and road repair. These are ordinary farming activities and should not require resource consent. The panel is considering the evidence and will make its decision soon.

Hearing panel gets high praise - Wanganui president, Brian Doughty, is full of praise for the One Plan hearing panel. He says the panel got to grips with the complexity of Horizons Regional Council's One Plan very quickly. He said Federated Farmers measured response to issues has been well received. Federated Farmers is now awaiting the hearing panel to make decisions in respect of One Plan land issues.

Money in muck - Wairarapa dairy farmers attended a dairy effluent day at Federated Farmers member, James Smallwood's, Greytown farm on Tuesday. Issues around effluent storage and disposal were covered in a presentation by Dairy NZ and issues around consents were discussed with the Greater Wellington Regional Council. There were a total of 58 people present, which included about 45 farming professionals. Fonterra was also involved in the event.

Terms of trade continue to fall - According to Statistics New Zealand, the merchandise terms of trade fell 2.3 percent in the September 2008 quarter, due to import prices rising more than export prices. However, the terms of trade remain 4.4 percent higher than one year ago and over one fifth higher than five years ago. A significant contributor to the rise in the import prices was the fertilisers, which rose by 67.0 percent in the September 2008 quarter. This rise is the largest quarterly increase for this index since the series began in the September 1982 quarter, and follows rises in the June and March quarters. Price rises were recorded for natural calcium phosphate, urea, and potassium chloride.

Commodity Price Update - A fall in the New Zealand dollar is offering some respite to decreases in commodity prices. However, declines in all commodities were still recorded according to the CBA Commodity Price Indices last week. Dairy prices fell again last week, but actually increased in Kiwi dollar terms as the fall in the dollar offset these moves. Beef prices continue to ease. Lamb prices have started to ease in recent weeks but UK lamb leg prices are still high, and well up on last year. Of welcome relief to New Zealand exporters has been the big drop in the Kiwi dollar over the past six months. Last week the NZD traded between $0.52 and $0.55 against the US.

Safety advice

Update your safety charts - The 2008/09 edition of the New Zealand Guide to Farm Safety is now available from Pro-Visual Publishing. To order your copy email: enquire@provisual.co.nz or visit: www.provisual.co.nz.

Risk management - An injury on the farm can mean you are not around when you're needed. It is important to know where the risks are and how you can manage them. ACC case studies and resources can help show you how to do this. For more information visit: www.acc.co.nz

Training

Estate planning - Learn how do you grow and protect the farm asset in the present, and plan for the ultimate transfer of the farm business and associated assets to the next generation in the future. Federated Farmers of New Zealand and Guardian Trust are hosting informative, question-and-answer style estate planning seminars that will provide you with a valuable introduction to the topic from their experienced and knowledgeable estate planning experts. The cost to members is only $40. To find out when there is one in your area or to register for a seminar in February or March call 0800 327 646 or visit Federated Farmers' website.

Special Discounts

Online special discounts - To find out more about special discounts for members call 0800 327 646 or log in the members area of Federated Farmers' website.

Rural Support Trusts - Many parts of country are going through a concerning dry period. Farmers who need support are reminded that the Rural Support Trusts continue to operate.  See who the contact is in your area here.

Lake team building trip - Members, families and farm staff from Gisborne/Wairoa and Hawkes Bay provinces are encouraged to come along to a weekend at Lake Waikaremoana on 13-15 March 2009. This inter-provincial team building weekend will be jam-packed full of adventures. Make your own booking at the lake motor camp by ringing Colin and Gladys Adams 06 837 3826 or emailing misty@lake.co.nz. If you have questions or want to be part of the bunk room facilitates ring Tania Kerr, provincial secretary, 06 834 9604 or provincial communications coordinator, Ali Undorf-Lay, 0800 327 646.

Federated Farmers Goats Conference - A reminder that registrations for the Federated Farmers/Mohair NZ Conference being held in Melbourne close on Monday 15 December. Yes just three days time. Return your forms to the Federation's Dunedin office. The conference will take place on 17-18 February with an optional four-day tour to the Australasian Goat Show in Horsham  on 19 to 22 February. Full details, including registration forms, can be found at on the goats section of Federated Farmers' website.

No Federation Christmas card this year - Federated Farmers is making a donation to the Rural Communities Trust in lieu of cards. Formed in 1982, the Trust helps people in rural communities whose lives are impacted by rural isolation. If you wish to also make a donation, please call 0800 327 646.

Christmas hours - The Federated Farmers 0800 advice-line will be closed between Friday 24 December 2008 and Monday 5 January 2009.  An emergency contact number will however be listed on the 0800 line over this period.

Remits for Meat & Wool AGM - Remits for the Meat & Wool New Zealand AGM, to be held on 11 March 2009 in Gore, are being requested.  Livestock farmers who want to propose remits are reminded that they must be submitted by Monday 12 January 2009.  In addition, remits require ten levy payer signatures and those farmers must be registered on the Meat & Wool New Zealand electoral roll. Remits will include with the voting documents to be sent to farmers in February 2009.

Quote of the week - "I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig, you get dirty; and besides, the pig likes it." George Bernard Shaw