Banks snub Dr Bollard over farm business overdraft interest rates - New Zealand's farm businesses have received only about half of the 150 basis points cut to the Official Cash Rate since 4 December.  A survey of business overdraft interest rates, conducted among members of Federated Farmers in early to mid January, shows that business overdraft interest rates have been cut by an average of just 78 basis points. Read more »

Farm worker wages buck negative employment news - The Federated Farmers/Rabobank Farm Employee Remuneration Report provides good news in an otherwise weak employment market. The Report has found that in the year to August 2008, farm workers earned an average income of $41,914. This is $2,000 more than the average non-farm income of $39,517. Read more »

Return of EU subsidies ‘neo-protectionism' - The reintroduction of export subsidies for dairy products by the European Union (EU) is deeply unsettling. Given New Zealand has been subsidy free since 1985, the Federation is increasingly troubled by this move as it could be the thin edge of a wider protectionist wedge. Read more »

Breaking news - See Federated Farmers in the news this week

We need your help to plan Federated Farmers FARM DAY 2009 - All Federation members are urged to support their province and make Federated Farmers FARM DAY on Sunday, 1 March a success.  Please spread the word and invite your non-farming friends. This will be a great event across the country. 26 farms will open their gates to the public and local Federation members will give guided, public walks around the farms, tell stories and explain how to look after animals and crops. We encourage all people who want to ‘discover the country' to take this great opportunity and come out on the farm for a day.  To find out more check out our website.

Nelson farmers disagree with resource management plan - The Nelson province of Federated Farmers lodged an appeal against the Tasman Resource Management Plan this week. The appeal related to several landscape issues in the province's rural zones.  A variation to the landscape chapter of the plan that uses words like ‘environmental qualities', makes it unclear how much discretion Council will have on subdivision and development proposals in the rural zone.  Federated Farmers stated in the appeal that Council should stick to terms that are already defined in the Resource Management Act, or through case law, when assessing resource consent applications on subdivision and development. In particular when ‘development' activities could include farming activities. 

Whakatane residents have their say on rates - Farmers in the Whakatane district have an opportunity to comment on rates-related issues. The Whakatane District Council has a web forum to help it draft the Long Term Council Community Plan, which sets out its activities, budgets and rates.  To have your say on Whakatane district rates please click here or to visit the District Council's website please click here. 

Overdraft Survey - Thank you to everyone who participated in Federated Farmers survey of Overdraft Interest Rates. The survey was a great success. The results indicate that only half of the 1.5 percentage point cut in interest rates has been passed on to farmers through their overdrafts. Please click here for more information. 

Consumers Price Index for December 2008 quarter - The CPI fell 0.5 percent in the December quarter, taking the annual headline rate to 3.4 percent.  As expected, a 22.4 percent drop in petrol prices was the key driver of the sharp fall.  However, electricity prices rose 2 percent in the quarter.  In addition, local and central government charges increased 1.2 percent, up 6.5 percent on a year ago - the highest rate of annual growth since 2004.  

Commodity prices - A sharp decline in the NZD over the week drove a 5.7 percent gain in the CBA NZ Commodity Price Index in NZD terms. On the beef front, US domestic cow prices have lifted significantly from last month by nearly 4 percent this week in NZD terms. The sheep index remained largely unchanged in NZD terms. The Kiwi dollar is now trading in the 52 cent range.  

Lamb and beef prices expected to keep tracking up - Meat and Wool New Zealand's Economic Service is forecasting strong increases for both lamb and beef prices for 2008-09. Lamb prices at the farm-gate are expected to be up 38 percent on last year and beef prices are forecast to increase 11 percent. Meat and Wool expects lamb prices at the farm-gate to average $80 per head in 2008-09. This compares with an average of $58 per head last year. Farm-gate beef prices are also expected to be positive in the short-term, and could firm further into 2010. Wool prices, however, are forecast to decrease. Total sheep and beef farm earnings at the farm-gate are estimated to increase by $500 million to $4.4 billion, which is positive for the economy.

90 day trial period - Employers need to understand the Employment Relations Act allows a 'probationary period'. The new amendment refers to ‘trial periods' and it is this that offers some protection for employers. The trial period does not come in to force until 1 March 2009 and it cannot be extended beyond 90 days.  Only one trial period is allowed for each employee. It must also be agreed to in writing. To be entitled to a trial period, employers must have 19 (or less) employees. During the trial period employees have the cover of the Employment Relations Act and can bring a personal grievance for discrimination or harassment.  They can also take legal action against an employer for disadvantage. Employment agreements signed off before 1 March 2009 can only have probationary periods. The 90 day trial period does not offer employers 'ultimate protection' against personal grievance as some farmers think.  If in doubt please phone 0800 327 646 for further information. 

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 please click here or to visit the Pro-visual website please click here.

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 the ACC website by clicking here.

SPONSORS ADVICE
New mobile network - By June 2009, Telecom will launch its new mobile network. It will provide customers with the best nationwide coverage, with 3G services, including fast mobile broadband, available in 97 percent of New Zealand.  For more information visit the Telecom website by clicking here.

For further information call 0800 327 646

LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Help yourself become a Federated Farmers of New Zealand leader by attending one of our two leadership courses.  For more information please click here or call 0800 327 646 to speak with your local provincial president. Spaces are limited so be in quick.

EMPLOYMENT TRAINING
Learn more about retaining your best staff and be updated on the legislative changes that have occurred in the last six months. To find out when the next seminar will close please click here or call 0800 327 646. 

RURAL JOBS
Looking for a job or trying to find someone? Then make the first stop a visit to Federated Farmers website.  To advertise for employees or see what is available please click here.  

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
Fertiliser - See Ravensdown for New Zealand's leading fertiliser prices - you can have confidence we're looking after you with the best prices. Please click here for our price list. 

More special discounts - To find out more about special discounts for members call 0800 327 646 or please click here.

Employment contracts and agreements - These include job application forms, leave forms, drug and alcohol agreements as well as time/wage/holiday registers.  Visit the Federated Farmers website to purchase.

Contracts, agreements and leases - These include land, stock, contractor; sales and purchase, agreement to grow, log books, access pads and Over Dimension Certificates.  Visit the Federated Farmers website to purchase.

E-contracts, e-agreements, e-leases - Members can now purchase online, electronic Federated Farmers contracts and agreements. Visit the Federated Farmers website to purchase.

Books - For a good reading list or for business related books visit the Federated Farmers website to make a purchase or to browse.

E-books - E-Books are books that are accessible online for your convenience. Federated Farmers offers the opportunity to buy these online. There are a range of informative booklets for employers and employees alike so visit the Federated Farmers website to make a purchase or to browse.

Clothing - Be proud to be a member of Federated Farmers by wearing the name proudly.  Visit the Federated Farmers website to purchase 

Membership drive - Send a copy of the Federated Farmers Friday Flash to a non-member and if they join up as a full member, you will both receive $50.

Get paid for signing up members in 2009 - Federated Farmers is now looking for contractors to help increase 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 contact us 0800 327 646 or click here to email Federated Farmers.

Deforestation warning - The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry have placed notices in many newspapers informing landowners of their obligation under the current Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to report any deforestation that has occurred on their land during the 2008 calendar year.  This obligation applies to those landowners who have cleared forestry before 1 January 1990 and are now putting the land to a different use.  Some exemptions apply to this requirement, such as whether the forested block is less than 50ha in size and the scale of the clearance was less than 2ha of the forest area.  To find out if this obligation applies to you and to achieve compliance with the obligation please click here. Harsh penalties will apply to those who do not comply. 

ETS review - A reminder to all farmers that the National Government has put the ETS on hold while it conducts a full review of the scheme. A select committee has been established to conduct this review. 

Country Channel dairy special - The Country Channel's award-winning journalist Philippa Stevenson will present a half-hour ‘Bullpen Special' on Fonterra's announcement of its 2008/09 farmer payout and its three-year business plan on Wednesday, 29 January 2009. The programme, to be broadcast on Monday Feb 2, will include question and answer sessions with Fonterra's top-brass and analysis from some of the country's top agricultural journalists. Anyone with a stake in the dairy industry should not miss this screening. 

Looking for love - Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and any farmers in need of some romantic assistance can ring Federated Farmers on 0800 327 646 for our ‘I want to marry a farmer' stickers. We'll post these out to you with our good wishes. 

Health and safety course - New Zealand's premier national health and safety event is back for 2009. The Safeguard National Health and Safety Conference will take place at the SKYCITY Convention Centre, Auckland from 6-7 May 2009. Leading national and international experts will give you the tools to build your health and safety team and execute a winning health and safety game plan. For more information please click here. 

Endosulfan - ERMA New Zealand has issued a reminder that as of 16 January 2009 it is no longer legal to import, manufacture, or use the insecticide endosulfan and products containing endosulfan in New Zealand. All stock of the chemical must be safely disposed of within 12 months. Regional Councils currently operating a collection and disposal scheme for hazardous agricultural chemical waste include Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago. Otherwise, people are advised to contact a commercial hazardous waste operator to handle and dispose of the toxic waste. For more information on the disposal of endosulfan please click here. 

Rural Support Trusts - Many parts of the country are going through a dry period. Farmers who need support are reminded that the Rural Support Trust continues to operate.  To make contact with someone from Rural Support Trust in your area please click here. 

Lake team building trip - Members, families and farm staff from Gisborne-Wairoa and Hawke's Bay are encouraged to come along for 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 on 06 837 3826 or to book by email please click here. If you have questions or want to be part of the bunk room facilitates please ring Tania Kerr, provincial secretary, 06 834 9604 or provincial communications coordinator, Ali Undorf-Lay, 0800 327 646.

Quote of the week - "Where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can." US President Barack Obama.