FEDERATED FARMERS BEES CHAIRMAN, JOHN HARTNELL

The world economic meltdown is rapidly pushing southwards and New Zealand is certainly not sheltered from the fallout. While we will see some positives as the New Zealand dollar and finance costs fall, there is already a noticeable tightening of belts, combined with a new banking focus called equity not debt, which is quite the reverse of the last few lollipop years.

The agricultural cash flow, which has fuelled our economy, particularly over the last two years, is rapidly drying up. Sure it will come again and it will lead New Zealand's economic recovery, but it is time to take stock of your own position now and button down unnecessary expenditure. 

Regrettably, the world honey market is also feeling the pressure. For the first time in many years, international buyers are seeking to walk away from contracts. It is not about price, it is all about consumer demand, the discretionary dollar and how the retailer views the market for our product moving forward. We are not alone, with similar stories being told in all export sectors from food, to fibre, to manufacturing. If you are exporting, it is certainly a time to be extremely careful. Remember that ownership of your goods should not be passed to your international client until full payment has been received.

On a national level, Federated Farmers is actively challenging many key issues. In particular, the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) are both issues that place considerable liability and cost squarely inside the farm gate, which is unacceptable and unaffordable. Our role is to advocate for our members, their families and employees, as well the greater farming community. We are the largest independent lobby group in New Zealand and we take this responsibility very seriously. Please ensure you continue to support the Federation by continuing to be a member. We need a strong team to tackle national issues. United we stand, divided we fall.

National Bee Week, 4 to 8 May 2009

This week will highlight the value and opportunities of bees and beekeeping in New Zealand, and how bees rely on human intervention to survive. Each of the topics above will be highlighted during the week, with a function in Parliament's own "Beehive" on 5 May. Bee Week is supported by the National Beekeepers Association of New Zealand, Horticulture New Zealand, Organics Aotearoa New Zealand and Plant and Food Research.

Honey prices

The export sector of our industry has started strongly with the falling exchange rate, steady demand and solid prices reflected in improved returns to producers. Against the same time last year, these returns have risen as much as 30 percent, which is a much welcomed result. The fluctuating dollar presents its own set of challenges.

In our more specialised export markets there has been fears expressed that the retail community will start to de-list the higher end retail packs. While in our opinion they have got this wrong, some rumblings have been received and caution should be taken to note this potential. Past experience would show that high end and low end product still has a market, but it is the mid-range mums' and dads' retail packs that suffer the most as recession bites and budgets tighten. Domestically, the status quo stands, prices have lifted to some degree from 2008, but nothing startling enough to get the average beekeeper excited. It is recommended that you look at all opportunities for sale of your product before committing your crop this season.

Honey production

While it is a little early to predict the crop, the one thing that is evident is the failure of the Manuka crop throughout most key production areas. If you are one of the lucky ones who have stock then shop wisely for the best price, there is a strong possibility that even an average Manuka blend line will make a good price in the later part 2009.
Across other crops, the country has been patchy, with drought being the nail in the coffin for many regions, even with a good splash before Christmas.

Varroa news

No news is good news, though we are acutely aware that Varroa does not sleep and it creeps up on the unwary. Reports from the hive would indicate that those who treated early have in fact got a good crop, but those that let their guard down have faced losses and frustration. Act now and ensure you have treatments ready for mid/late summer, plan your programme and record your actions for future reference. We expect further reports of Varroa movement as the autumn nears its end.

NZFSA Audits 2009

Notification has just been received that NZFSA Compliance and Investigation staff will be undertaking random audits in two key areas across the country commencing in March.

1. The Tutin honey standard, both pre and post 25 January 2008, means that you as a packer and/or producer will be audited to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Harvest declaration both before the introduction of the new Tutin standard and after. If you have concerns contact John Hartnell for details on (03) 349 5590 or 021 578 754.

2. The second part of the audit will cover the auditing of the effectiveness of the verification services of AsureQuality and NZFSA Verification. This means a review of the audit trail from exporter back to the producer. They will be looking for the correct paper trail right back to the Harvest Declaration.

If nothing else, expect a visit, be prepared and ensure your paperwork is up to speed with the requirements of you nominate verifier.

American Foulbrood Submission

The National Pest Management Strategy for American Foulbrood (AFB) submission period has now closed. If you would like a copy of the Federated Farmers Bees submission please contact Shona Sluys on 0800 327 646 or ssluys@fedfarm.org.nz

Standard for tutin in honey

Traditionally, beekeepers have managed the tutin risk by removing hives before the risk period, or by monitoring the tutu, vine hopper and foraging conditions in a 3km radius around the apiary during harvest. These controls have been voluntary in the domestic sector and compulsory for exports, and appeared to work well until March last year, when 22 people fell ill after eating comb honey from Whangamata. To help prevent unsafe tutin-contaminated honey from reaching consumers, NZFSA set about determining a maximum allowable level for honey that would still be safe to eat. More on this process can be read here http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/publications/food-focus/2009-02/page-15.htm#TopOfPage

Food (Tutin in Honey) Standard 2008

The standard came into force on 25 January 2009 and will be reviewed after the first season. It can be viewed on NZFSA's website.

West Coast (Gary Glasson)

The West Coast has had a slightly less than average honey season, with some cold wet weather coming in mid-December. The kamahi flowered really well but the Manuka was poor and the rata was not to be seen, apart from a small short flowering at Otira. I would say, the value of the honey crop will be well down on average. Extracting is now finished and we are now busy raising queen cells. A lot of hives were moved into the region this season from Nelson and Canterbury to escape a possible drought, so I think it will be safe to say the varroa mite is now with us. 

Mid Canterbury (John Syme)

It seems now that we have finished taking hives out for pollination, we are going to bring them back again. Sleep was certainly a luxury over this period. Seed set on the carrots this year has been very good, but as always the hives come home in poor condition and there has also been quite a loss of bees in the apiaries, possibly caused by damage from irrigators. With extracting underway, honey production will probably be below average. We have been taking a frame of brood from each hive as we work it, bringing the frames home to put in boxes in the hospital yard for varroa surveillance. The theory being that if any mites are found, we know that the beast has arrived in the area that the frames have come from and we can take the necessary action. So far so good! Do not miss the Botanica display at Science Alive (392 Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch) with special exhibits from the Monarch Butterfly New Zealand Trust and the Christchurch Hobbyist Beekeepers Club.

South Canterbury (Peter Symth)

After a perfect spring start to the season, we received a good rainfall between Christmas and New Year, so things looked good at that stage for an excellent honey crop. However, over the next two weeks in January, South Canterbury received a run of really hot days, sometimes up to 35 degrees. These high temperatures day after day dried the countryside out really quickly, causing the honey crop ground to halt soon after. Honey crops will be below average along the coast. Some areas, mainly south of Timaru, received good downpours from passing thunder showers and will produce average honey crops. The best we can hope for now is to get some good rains and maybe get a flowering of cats ear, which will fill hives with some winter stores.

Mackenzie Country (Ali and Peter Bell)

What was this season going to bring?  If it was to follow the pattern of the previous six years (good, bad, good, bad, good, bad) we were due for a good one. Thankfully, a wet December (seven inches) followed a good spring and by Christmas the Mackenzie was looking a real picture.  We were anticipating a good crop, possibly even a boomer.  The hills and river beds turned blue and some areas, recently over sown with clover, turned white as far as the eye could see.  However, westerly weather off and on during January caused unsettled days and cool temperatures.  Hives close to the main divide were crying out for some nice days.  The outcome was a very good crop, but not the boomer. It's all over now and the hills are brown.  As we collect the remainder of the honey we ponder what the next few months will be like.

Sheffield and Porters Pass (Graeme Albon)

Interestingly, this season's crop was a breeze up until Waitangi weekend. Fine weather has given way to damp unpleasant conditions with only one apiary of Manuka to go. The volume looks to be at two thirds of normal production overall. Clover hasn't done much better, with plenty of flower during the season, but not much honey after New Year's. One bright light on the horizon - no varroa has been found yet, although it is only about 2 to 3km from my sites. Treatment can stay in the shed for a bit longer.

Your News

We would like to include news from provinces around the country. So if you would like your area mentioned, and you want to volunteer to write a brief blurb about beekeeping news in your part of the country, please contact Shona Sluys at ssluys@fedfarm.org.nz or 0800 327 646.

Tutin warning

A dry season creates ideal conditions for the bee to gather Tutin honeydew. So be extremely vigilant, we can not have a repeat of this autumn's mistake. Our export future would be placed under severe penalty and we must be able to export our crop to maintain a balanced market programme.

Scolypopa survey

Top of the south beekeepers please be aware of Scolypopa in your area. We urge these beekeepers to take extra precautions to keep tutin out or your honey. Click to see map >>

Abandoned hives

Federated Farmers Bees wants to know if you have neglected or abandoned hives on your property. Managing bee disease is vital for the ongoing sustainability of beekeeping and pollination services. The American Foul Brood Pest Management Strategy requires that all beehives are registered and apiary details are recorded on the national database. Please assist by calling 0800 327 646 or emailing details of any neglected or abandoned hives to canterbury@fedfarm.org.nz or fax to 03 357 9451.

BOTANICA: The Buzz on Bees Butterflies Bugs and Botanics

Science Alive (in Christchurch) is holding an exhibition on Botanica as part of the 20^th Anniversary celebrations for the Festival of Flowers. The exhibition is running from Friday, 6 February to Monday, 4 May 2009. The exhibition will showcase the science about flowers and plants and how important plant pollination by bees, bugs, moths, butterflies and birds is to our survival. For more information please follow the link www.sciencealive.co.nz

Conference Change of Date

Federated Farmers Bees conference will be held in Hokitika at the Beachfront Hotel on 16 and 17 June 2009.  Not 10 and 11 June 2009 as was previously stated. Registration papers will be sent out soon and we look forward to seeing you all there.

Canterbury Beekeepers Meeting

These meetings are held the last Tuesday of every month (February to November) at the Hornby Workingmen's Club in Christchurch. The next meeting will be held on 26 May at 7 pm. If you would like further details please contact Ross McCusker on (03) 314 4186, or Trevor Corbett on (03) 314 6836 or John Hartnell on 021 578 754.

Conference 2010

It has been suggested that the 2010 conference be combined with the National Beekeepers Association. Nothing is set in stone yet, but we are asking for your feedback on whether you want this to go ahead or not. Please contact John Hartnell 021 578754 or Shona Sluys ssluys@fedfarm.org.nz with your comments.

Hill Labs Tutin tests

A Tutin test request form from Hills Lab can be accessed here. The cost of testing is $125 plus GST per sample. For Canterbury beekeepers, samples can be delivered to 101 Waterloo Road, Christchurch and from there the samples will be couriered to Hamilton on behalf of client.

Harvest Declarations

From 25 January 2009 the requirement for a harvest declaration has been removed from the Human Consumption Specifications. This has been replaced by requirements for statements for products intended for export. For these new requirements please click on the following link http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/animalproducts/subject/bee-products/index.htm#P85_7780

Your Notices

If you would like your meeting notices or any notices in general to be included in the BIG Picture please contact Shona Sluys at ssluys@fedfarm.org.nz or 0800 327 646.

Associate membership offer

Federated Farmers Associate membership is an attractive employee benefit, which can be included as part of a remuneration package, used as a bonus for targets achieved, or simply to say thank you to a valuable staff member. Associate members of Federated Farmers receive all the products and services of full members, including their own personalised membership card, which entitles them to discounts and special offers such as members' rates on Southern Cross health insurance. For more information please call 0800 327 646.

Farm Data Security Agreement

Federated Farmers have a new Farm Data Security Agreement. The agreement outlines confidentiality and security arrangements for farmers who supply farm data (such as land information, herds, finances) to third parties to provide services. To purchase an agreement please 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 to see what is available please click here.

Ford deal

Ford has a special offer for Federated Farmers' members with substantial discounts on a range of vehicles. The offer is valid until the end of April. For more details please click here. Or you may like to head to your closest Ford dealership and check out the new Ford Fiesta. Ford is currently offering this stylish and sophisticated small car from only $99 a week or $24,490 plus on road costs (conditions and exclusions apply).

Shed kitset discount

Exclusive to Federated Farmers' cardholders, save $540 on a Totalspan 6m span flat roof farm shed kitset, now just  $4,870. April only. Build it yourself or Totalspan can do the job for you. For more information call 0800 868 257.

Flexible ACC

As a result of tightening credit and reduced cash flow, many businesses are examining payment options available to them on each invoice received.  ACC offers flexible payment arrangements including internet banking, credit card transactions and instalment plans.  Depending on which option you choose, some conditions may apply.  Please click here for more information.

Smiths City

Smiths City is proud to offer a 10 percent discount to Federated Farmers' members. Simply present your Federated Farmers' membership card at any Smiths City store to take advantage of a 10 percent discount on their range of furniture, furnishings, appliances, sporting goods and outdoor products available from 24 locations nationwide.

Solahart

Solahart is also offering a special 10 percent discount to Federated Farmers' members. Solahart is the largest manufacturer of solar hot water systems worldwide, exporting to more than 80 countries. The residential and commercial product range features solar water heaters including cowsheds, solar skylight installations, solar ventilation and solar swimming pool heating. A 10-year warranty and Government subsidies are available. Conditions apply. Call 0800 769 377 for more information.

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.

Contact us

New members to Federated Farmers Bees are welcome. As with any organisation or group there are meetings and opportunities to participate in discussion groups. Join Federated Farmers Bees and have your say on the future of beekeeping in New Zealand. There are plenty of challenges ahead. If you have any questions or comments about matters in this newsletter, contact one of the team or Shona Sluys, ssluys@fedfarm.org.nz or 0800 327 646.