‘The international cow' is the future of dairy - Read more »

A+ for Regulatory Responsibility Taskforce report - Read more »

Malaysian FTA ‘bagus' for the New Zealand economy - Read more »

OCR risks ‘irrelevancy' as Government spending caned - Read more »

To view the full list of media releases or to view any other publications, click here. 

Nor 98 (atypical scrapie) confirmed - Brain material from a New Zealand born and bred sheep has tested positive for the brain condition, Nor98 (also known as atypical scrapie). The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) are working closely with industry groups to ensure that business continues as usual. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recognises that Nor 98 may spontaneously occur and has not entered it in its terrestrial code for listed diseases or conditions. This puts this confirmation into the proper perspective. Nor 98 poses no risk to humans or other animals but because of its popular name, atypical scrapie, there's a danger it could be confused with the classical form of scrapie. Nor 98 is not classical scrapie and in is, in fact, completely unrelated to that disease.  New Zealand's status as being free from classical scrapie remains unchanged.

Fonterra director elections - Fonterra shareholders will all have received their Fonterra 2009 election pack by now, which sets out the candidates and how they rate. The pack has a clear explanation on how the voting system works, so please take the time to read it. The director election roadshow schedule is also included, with the meetings starting on Monday, 2 November. Governance of your co-op is important, and Fonterra recognises this by providing you with the opportunity to meet the candidates. Please get to a meeting near you so that you can consider who to vote for.

Drop The Rate, Mate! - As you are probably aware, Federated Farmers is supporting the ‘Drop The Rate, Mate!' campaign which asks Government to lower the mobile termination rates that Telecom and Vodafone are charging. The Commerce Commission is on our side and hopefully in December, when the time comes to make a decision, the Government will be too. Please click here to add your name to the list of those asking the Government to act. Alternatively, you can also text your support to 022 DRP IT M8 (022 377 48 68).

Mobile phone ban - From this Sunday, 1 November it will be against the road rules for drivers to text or talk on a handheld cell phone while driving. Drivers using handheld mobile phones will receive an infringement notice consisting of an $80 fine and 20 demerit points. Drivers will still be able to use hands-free devices and two-way radio under the ban.

Motorcycle headlights rule change - From 1 November their will also be a requirement for motorcyclists and moped riders to operate headlights during daylight hours. This requirement aims to ensure that motorcyclists are visible to other road users.

Roll up, roll up - Six field days are to be held across Waikato, Gisborne-Wairoa and Hauraki-Coromandel throughout November, addressing daily management issues, demonstrating how to implement hassle-free effluent systems and how to maximise the potential of effluent and let it pay dividends for the farm business. The field days will take place in Reporoa, West Hamilton, Te Aroha, Hauraki Plains, Piopio and Matamata and are proudly hosted by Federated Farmers, DairyNZ, Environment Waikato and Fonterra. The events are a perfect chance for farmers to learn some practical tips on good practice of on-farm nutrient management. For more information on dates and venues, please click here or call Waikato Federated Farmers president, Stew Wadey, on 027 277 9996 or 07 888 1808.

Going from strength to strength - On Wednesday and Thursday this week, 14 Federated Farmers members threw themselves enthusiastically into rural policy issues, honed their persuasive powers and sharpened up their networking skills at a repeat of last week's ‘Getting Your Feet Wet' level one leadership course. These courses are fun, challenging and a great place to learn in a stimulating environment. Federation staff work hard to be absolutely supportive. We provide a wide range of action based workshop sessions that encourage participation. To find out more about next year's course, email Ali Undorf-Lay by clicking here.

Climate change, trade and agriculture - All members are invited to hear Minister of Trade, the Hon Tim Groser, speak at Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre council meeting on Wednesday, 4 November 2009. The Minister will be speaking on international implications of climate change on trade followed by a question and answer session. Afternoon tea will also be provided. To RSVP, or to view the full council agenda, please click here. If you have any queries, please contact events coordinator, Eva Johnston. Please click here to email her or phone 0800 FARMING (327 646).

Lake Wairarapa meeting - Federated Farmers and DairyNZ are holding a meeting to update farmers and provide context on dairy industry activities in the environmental space, focussing on on-farm dairy industry activity and discussion and managing dairy farm effluent. Wairarapa dairy farmers should understand what's happening and what can be done about recent developments on Greater Wellington Regional Council's proposed Lake Wairarapa Moana Project. The meeting will be held at Stuart Barton's property, 148 Whareroto Road in Featherston from 11.00am to 1.00pm Monday, 2 November. For more information contact, policy advisor, Brigid Buckley by clicking here.

Cash flow management and software seminars - The Hawera seminar was held this morning, drawing a mixed audience. Westpac agribusiness manager, Lachlan McKenzie, spoke to the audience about our current economic situation. His address aimed to get farmers motivated about their finances and outlined how cash is sovereign and accomplishment decisive. Brian Eccles, of CRS software also spoke on how software can fulfil these requirements, helping you to be proactive about planning ahead for financial success. Federated Farmers Taranaki Meat & Fibre chairperson, Neville Wallace, said he would thoroughly recommend this seminar to anyone, especially if they are out to please their bank manager! Budgets and cash flows can be an enjoyable experience and with the help available from these firms - also less harrowing. The cash flow management and software seminars are happening throughout November across New Zealand. To find out more, call 0800 327 646.

Business confidence takes a breather - According to the October National Bank Business Outlook Survey, a net 48 percent expect better times ahead, down marginally on last month. Businesses perceptions towards their own ground likewise dipped, but the movement is insignificant. A net 31 percent expect better times ahead for their own organisations. Agriculture remains the most pessimistic sector.

Interest rates on hold - The Reserve Bank left the OCR unchanged at 2.5 percent on Thursday and are still expecting to keep the OCR at current levels until the second half of 2010. The Reserve Bank echoed Federated Farmers theme of reductions in Government spending being required in future in order to "...reduce the work that monetary policy will otherwise need to do". The bank also expressed concern about the sustainability of the economic recovery given the impact of the high dollar on exporters.

Agribiz - For the latest market update from Westpac's economics team, including the outlook for dairy, beef and lamb, please click here.

New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards - Applications for the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards will be available on the website from 1 November. The awards promote the progression of dairy farmers within the industry. Competitions include Sharemilker of the Year, Farm Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year are held annually in t12regions across the country.

Ashburton Show - Federated Farmers North Canterbury field officer, Jasmine Hale, will be at the Ashburton Show this Friday, 30 and Saturday, 31 October from 9am to 4pm. She would love to see you there, so please stop by for a chat and introduce yourself. There will be some great deals available for Federated Farmers members. Jasmine will also be giving away spot prizes to members throughout the day and any new members signed up on the day will receive a gift from Federated Farmers.

National Council meeting - The agenda for the Federated Farmers National Council meeting is now available and can be downloaded by clicking here. The Federated Farmers National Council meeting will be held from 18 to 19 November at Westpac Stadium, Wellington. The cocktail function will be held in the Deloitte Gallery of the Westpac Stadium on 18 November from 6pm. For more information or to register for either event, please contact events co-ordinator, Eva Johnston, on 0800 FARMING (327 646) or by clicking here. The Federated Farmers National Council meeting is sponsored by Westpac.

Calculating payment for public holidays - ‘Relevant daily pay' is used to calculate payment for public holidays and alternative holidays. Relevant daily pay reflects what the employee would have been paid if they had worked on the day in question. To find out more or to check you are calculating your employees relevant daily correctly, please contact the Federated Farmers advice line 0800 327 646.

New tea and meal breaks Bill - Employers will have the right to ‘trade' the breaks for ‘time off' at a later date. The times and length of the breaks need to be agreed between the employer and employee but in the case of a disagreement, the employer will have the final say. For more information, please contact the Federated Farmers advice line on 080 327 646.

Looking to work with children? - Open Polytechnic has several courses starting at entry level for those interested in a career with children. For more information, click here or call 0508 650 200. Remember, Federated Farmers members get a 20 percent discount. Click here to download an enrolment form.

Don't get caught on the phone - NZ Safety has a great deal on the Blue Ant S1 Bluetooth Handsfree Speakerphone set. The set is stylish in design and easy to use, with no installation requirements. The Blue Ant S1 can also be mounted to your sun visor, in accordance with the new cell phone rule. The sets are $132.44 plus GST, a special price for Federated Farmers members. To find out more or to order, please click here.

Gold medal winning wines - Wines Online has beautiful reds and whites that all come with a complimentary box chocolates on your first order. Wines Online also has no rural delivery charges for Federated Farmers members. Check out the selection by clicking here.

What's the chance of you staff getting a tax refund? - Click here to find out what chance your staff have of receiving a tax refund and the amounts they could be due.

More members benefits and offers - To view special discounts exclusive to Federated Farmers members, please call 0800 327 646 or click here to log onto our members only area.

Contracts, agreements and leases - These include land, stock, contractor, sales and purchase, agreement to grow, log books, access pads, Over Dimension Certificates and employment. Remember, it's a legal requirement to have an employment contract for EVERY employee so if you don't have a current employment agreement, then order one now. Contracts, agreements and leases are available in both electronic and hard copy formats for your convenience. To purchase, call 0800 FARMING or click here.  

Ashburton Show special - Remember any new members signed up at the Ashburton Show in the Gluyas Ford tent on Friday, 30 and Saturday, 31 October will receive a special gift from Federated Farmers. North Canterbury field officer, Jasmine Hale, will be at the show from 9am to 4pm.

Quote of the week - "Since we have focussed on the evils of meat and pet ownership, what will be next - carbon footprinting sport?" Don Nicolson comments in today's Dominion Post on the rise of the Regressionists.