Gibby Campbell - Chairperson Rural Butchers

Federated Farmers Rural Butchers faces one of the most difficult challenges yet in our relatively brief history - the decline in our membership numbers, which are now at half the level they were two years ago.

There have been a number of factors contributing to this. Firstly, the drought conditions that gripped much of the country last year (and which have recently recurred in several provinces) have resulted in much lower stock numbers, with a consequent reduction in the amount of work for our members. Secondly, while we work in the local, rather than the international environment, our businesses have not been immune from the financially transmitted illnesses that have spread, both within New Zealand and around the world. Almost all rural butchers operate small businesses and many of these are struggling to cope with the recessionary conditions that have badly affected our economy.

Lastly, it must be said that the recent changes to the Federated Farmers subscription costs, when combined with the lack of issues that are specific to our industry sector, has had a significant effect on membership numbers. When times are tough, rural butchers have to reduce their business expenses and this is a challenge that we will have to meet with some urgency if our industry group is to survive and prosper.

Looking ahead our biggest challenge is to grow the membership and we have a huge advantage in that the national pool of rural butchers is available to us. The onus is on us to show that we are providing value for money to our specialist business sector. We are likely to be aided in this task by the soon to be published ‘Code of Practice for Commercial Slaughter'.

This Code has been many years in development, and has the potential to impose significant additional costs on many rural butchery operations. We can demonstrate our value to the sector by providing advice to members about any issues they may face and by effectively advocating about problems that develop in these areas.

Looking ahead the Rural Butchers Conference will be held in Rotorua on 19 September and rural butchers are welcome to attend. To achieve what is required for the future of our industry group, it is important that we continue to enjoy a strong Executive. Not all the current Executive may be continuing in their current roles in the 2009/2010 year so, if you are passionate about the survival of the rural butchery industry, then please consider standing for a position on the Executive at the upcoming general meeting. As a current leader of the Rural Butchers industry group I am happy to discuss what being on the Executive may involve. Feel free to contact me at camp.4@hotmail.com or on 03 615 9583.

Rural Butchers Conference - The 2009 Federated Farmers Rural Butchers General Meeting and Conference will be held on the weekend of Saturday 19^th/Sunday 20^th September at the Hotel Distinction in Rotorua. An Agenda is being developed and will be sent out in July with registration papers.

We urge rural butchers to attend and to have a say in the future direction of your businesses. Members who plan to attend are asked to contact Eva Johnston, the Federated Farmers Events Co-ordinator by e-mail ejohnston@fedfarm.org.nz or 0800 FARMING (327 646).

Non-members who are considering attending should contact the Policy Advisor, David Burt by email dburt@fedfarm.org.nz or by phone on 0800 FARMING (327 646)

Membership - Like all organisations, Federated Farmers regularly reviews its income structure and its costs to make sure we offer services that add significant value to our members' businesses, as well as being efficient in the way we utilise members' funds.  A review of the types and rates of membership categories within Federated Farmers was carried out last year and was approved by the National Council in November, with effect from January 2009.

One outcome of the review was that the membership structure was streamlined to have fewer categories. This resulted in Rural Butchers moving up to full Farm/Business members. The subscription rate increase, combined with a tighter economy, has meant a decline in Rural Butcher members this year.

We need to address this. Federated Farmers has an important job to do for which we need our members' full support. We also recognise that current economic conditions are tough for many businesses. As they do each year, the National Board and Council will shortly review the current subscription rate framework and look to recommendations for 2010.

We believe that we make an effective and efficient use of the money that we receive from our members. We continue to achieve significant wins - at both local and national government levels with our current efforts being directed at getting local body costs down. Your subscription represents a fraction of the savings we provide to our members each year. Federated Farmers is committed to retaining and growing our membership base with the Rural Butchers industry group continuing to be a key part of the organisation. We offer a range of member benefits and special deals for all our members which are outlined below:

• We're there when you need us.  We work continuously on industry matters with central government and local authorities to keep your costs and compliance at a minimum. As well as the major local and regional council plans we've reviewed recently, our intense pressure on banks has seen OCR interest rate cuts passed on to our members and we estimate that this has saved our members at least 1 percent on loans and overdrafts since January.
• Members have a say, non-members don't.
• Advice - Members get free, quality advice on policy, compliance, legal and employment matters - call 0800 FARMING (327 646).
• Publications - Keep informed with the Butchers Blurb, Update magazine and the Friday Flash.
• Special Discounts - Via the Federated Farmers' partnership programme.
• Conference and Networking - Our AGM's and Conferences are free; come along and talk to other butchers, exchange ideas and form new contacts.

To get more information and to see the full range of member benefits Federated Farmers offers please click here. Note to view the special discounts page you will need to be logged in.

Commercial Slaughter Code still not published - The Commercial Slaughter Code has still not been released. As has been stated on a number of occasions, we have serious concerns about the draft code (as it was presented to us for comment in 2007) and the costs that may result if it is implemented unchanged. Specifically, it is likely that the Rural Butchers' core concern - the requirement to stun all animals before slaughter - will be retained in the final code. The Federation believes that if such a requirement is included, it will result in both increased costs and health and safety issues for commercial homekill operators and so we will continue to strongly put the case for a more realistic and cost effective regime.

When the Code is finally published, we will prepare, and distribute to members, an analysis that will identity the key points that rural butchers will need to be aware of.

NZFSA: Changes to some Secondary Pet Food Processing rules - Following an Animal Feeds Review, the New Zealand Food Safety Authority has, with effect from 1 May 2009, changed the rules around certain aspects of secondary (further) pet food processing for the New Zealand market. Under the new rules, this type of processing for the NZ market will primarily be regulated under the Animal Products Act, while a portion of the governance process will remain with the ACVM Act. The new rules are focused on aspects of the control of raw material by this group of operators and requires, for example, that they are listed with NZFSA by 1 October 2009.

Note that as stated in the link below, processors operating under an RMP do not need to list as a further (pet food) processor if the RMP covers all processing that would otherwise fall within the definition:  http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/animalproducts/registers-lists/further-pet-food-processors/index.htm)

If your business is affected by the changed rules, it is likely that you will have already been contacted by NZFSA about the matter. If however you think that you may be affected and you have not received any information about this issue, then you should either contact NZFSA directly or David Burt, dburt@fedfarm.org.nz who will follow up with NZFSA on your behalf.

For Sale - Any plant machinery that is for sale or wanted can be included in our next newsletter. Please forward relevant details to the secretary, Sommai Hudson at dr.huds.homekill@xtra.co.nz.

New Members Wanted - Your membership is important as you give us the means and mandate to make a difference for farmers and rural businesses. Share your experience of Federated Farmers with others in the rural community and let them know what the benefits of belonging to Federated Farmers Rural Butchers are. 

Recommend a new member in June and July. Phone 0800 FARMING (327 646) to recommend someone and if they join we'll give you a $50 fuel voucher and take $50 off their new membership.

Thank you for your support and membership - it makes an important difference. 

Totalspan - To celebrate Fieldays, Totalspan are cutting a massive 15 percent off shed kitsets for the month of June. These kitsets are all made in New Zealand from Kiwi steel. For more details call 0800 TOTALSPAN or click here to visit the Totalspan website. Totalspan will be at the Fieldays so feel free to stop by their stand and have a chat. Terms and conditions apply.

Solahart - Get in quick for a Government subsidy on Solahart hot water systems before 30 June. 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. Their 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 is also available. Conditions apply. Call 0800 769 377 for more information.

The best time to get health insurance is when you're healthy - Southern Cross health insurance is available for you and your immediate family at reduced rates through the Federated Farmers group scheme. Visit the Southern Cross stand at Fieldays (RL07 in Rural Living Pavilion) to discuss your needs, or call Southern Cross today on 0800 100 555.

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. 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? Visit Federated Farmers rural jobs website. To advertise for employees or to see what is available, please click here.

Ford deal - Federated Farmers members are eligible to receive significant savings off the retail price on selected new Ford vehicles. See your Ford dealer or please click here for more details.

Fight rural crime - DataDot is an initiative to help fight rural crime. Each 1mm diameter microdot is laser-etched with a PIN number. DataDots can be applied to farm equipment, computers, laptops, and tools. DataDot Technology Ltd would like to offer Federated Farmers members the opportunity to purchase the DataDot Rural Protection Pack, containing enough DataDots to mark household items, a workshop full of tools and a quad bike, for a special members-only price of $112.45. That's a 25 percent discount on the normal retail price of $149.95. To order please phone 0800 4DataDot or click here to visit the DataDot website.

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.

AGMARDT- AGMARDT is now allocating group grants for agribusiness innovation projects. Funding will be awarded for the development or commercialisation of an idea, or to get a project to a stage where it will attract further funding. Each grant will be between $30,000 and $120,000. Eligible groups include farmers and growers, farm consultants, vets and research or technology providers. Grants of up to $20,000 are also available for pre-trial or demonstration purposes. Project inquiries for the next funding round must be submitted by 20 June 2009. For more information, please call Stephen Macaulay on 04 499 6173 or click here to visit the Agmardt website.

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. 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. 

Policy Advisor: David Burt, dburt@fedfarm.org.nz, 0800 327 646 or 04 494 9182
Chairman: Gibby Campbell, 03 615 9583, E-mail camp.4@hotmail.com, Temuka
Secretary: Sommai Hudson, 09 422 5862, E-mail: dr.huds.homekill@xtra.co.nz, Warkworth.
Executive Member: Mike Hanson, 03 308 7354, email: netherbymeats@xtra.co.nz, Ashburton.