Good Farm Stories go online - Read more »

UK to ditch plans for biosecurity cost-sharing - Read more »

Massive potential to grow New Zealand agriculture, report shows - Read more »

Federated Farmers takes cold comfort from ETS lobbying - Read more »

Greenpeace ‘lost' in its anti-farming obsession - Read more »

Farmers want bipartisan agreement to lift science investment - Read more »

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

Pasture Renewal Charitable Trust BERL report - The release of the Pasture Renewal Charitable Trust commissioned BERL study, An economic analysis of the value of pasture, highlights not just the value of pasture to the New Zealand economy, but the great potential to increase productivity. The economic analysis of pasture to the New Zealand economy highlights the real potential we have to substantially increase productivity. The Pasture Renewal Charitable Trust's report shows there is huge potential for all farmers in pastoral agriculture to increase returns through pasture renewal. Based on the latest payout, an increase of just one tonne of dry matter per year over the 1.96 million hectares in dairy would increase farmgate returns by well over a billion dollars. From a farm-gate return perspective, BERL's modelling shows that increased farm-gate values for sheep and beef farms could be as high as 18 percent and 15 percent for dairy farms. Clearly, farmers need to look at our pastures, many of which may now be past their use-by date. Yet farmers also need the confidence to invest in their pastures but uncertainty over the impact of the ETS does little to boost that confidence. To download the full report, please click here.

Fonterra's capital structure - Federated Farmers will be holding a meeting for sharemilkers to discuss how Fonterra's capital restructure affects the sharemilking industry from 6.30pm Thursday, 17 December, at the Distinction Hotel, Rotorua. The meeting will attempt to address the concerns felt amongst sharemilkers as to how the recently approved and proposed future Fonterra capital structure changes may affect sharemilkers' businesses. Federated Farmers has also managed to secure an excellent range of speakers for this meeting including Malcolm Bailey and Colin Armer of Fonterra, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson, Lachlan McKenzie and rural law expert, Chris Spargo. The meeting is open to all sharemilkers, lower order and 50:50. To RSVP for the event, please contact Federated Farmers Rotorua/Taupo chairperson, Chris Moore on 027 288 0563 or click here. Chris would also like to encourage those who cannot attend to email in questions, as he is happy to ask them on your behalf.

Future Food Farming - Future Food Farming by Alan Emerson and Jacqueline Rowarth was launched at Massey University on Monday. Federated Farmers Wairarapa provincial president, Anders Crofoot, and Federated Farmers Manawatu/Rangitikei provincial president, Gordon McKellar, were among those at the launch and believe the book will stimulate and challenge conventional thinking around future sustainable opportunities. The book is supported by AGMARDT and available for $20 by calling 0800 85 25 80.

Non-stop action - Hitting the ground running and then not slowing down was how the 16 farmers felt who attended our Level II Shining under the spotlight two day interactive workshop in Wellington this week. We had some great sessions including our infamous exchange rate challenge, ‘Tradeopoly,' becoming a biosecurity lobbyist with the ‘Apprentice' and the ‘Lion's Den' presentations on blogging, media interviews and strategic tactics. To learn more or enrol in next year's programme feel free to contact Ali Undorf-Lay by clicking here.

Working together to save Taupo - Taupo farmers affected by Environment Waikato's Variation 5 have come together to form a working group under the guidance of Federated Farmers. The group will be led by the Federation's Ruapehu president, Lyn Neeson, with support from Rotorua-Taupo president Neil Heather, Waikato president Stew Wadey and environment spokesperson Lachlan McKenzie. Policy advisors, Richard Gardner and Rhea Dasent, will provide ongoing resources and procedural analysis. Their job will be ensuring any restraints are realistic and within the framework of Variation 5 and think it's important farmers need to know Environment Waikato's procedures are acceptable and workable in a farm environment. The group is designed to be the first port of call for farmers who are distressed or dissatisfied with the regional council's work on Variation 5, so we urge farmers affected by Variation 5 to get in touch with our team by calling 0800 FARMING. Federated Farmers is keen to hear from any farmers in the area who are in need of practical help and support.

Commodities update - Dairy prices continue to lift while sheep and beef prices continue to fall. NZX Agrifax is now reporting that the average 16kg lamb is now selling for under $80 a head, even though prices had been over $80 since February this year. On average, beef prices here in New Zealand have been decreasing. Schedule prices in the North Island held steady last week. Tight supply impacted South Island schedules, where prices rose around 7c/kg last week.

Business confidence ebbed lower in November - According to the National Bank, a net 43 percent of businesses expect better times ahead, down 5 percentage points from October. Despite the down turn, it is hard to describe the level of confidence as anything other than healthy - with confidence being maintained at levels last seen in 1999. Agriculture remains the most pessimistic sector, despite dairy prices and pay out expectations improving dramatically over the last few months. Possible reasons for this include agriculture's debt burden and generally high cost structures, substantial concern over the Emissions Trading Scheme and other likely ‘polluter-pays' commitments and the recent slump in land prices.

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

Rural Communities Trust - The 26^th AGM for the Rural Communities Trust was held last week. The trust is currently very active with 32 standard grant applications scrutinised in the trustee meeting the same day. The assistance applicants range from a seizure/autism dog, a diesel heater to use in community hall and movie theatre and play gym equipment as part of playground redevelopment at a play centre. Why do they apply for help? These communities are small, have limited funds and limited services but terrific community spirit. What our applicants showed was determination to enrich their communities and make them strong with active community involvement. 13 of the applicants were granted assistance this round. For more information, please visit the Rural Communities Trust website by clicking here.

NZDIA launch events - The first round of NZDIA launch events begin this week. Launches will take place this week in the following regions:

• Otago, 10am Saturday, 29 November, South Otago A & P Showgrounds.

For more information, call 0800 327 646, or click here.

Job analysis and descriptions - A job description should always be an integral part of your employment agreement and should be attached as a separate schedule at the end of the agreement document. A well defined job description will make life easier for both parties. When your employees know and understand exactly where their tasks and responsibilities start and finish, there will never be cause for confusion and they will be able to work at a greater efficiency rate. A good job description does not have to be a huge document. It can be simple and concise. As long as it is clearly understood by all parties concerned, it will work for everyone.

Just starting out in the working world? - Open Polytechnic's Certificate in Employment Skills teaches basic workplace skills including job searching and CV writing. 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.

Emerson beer - Wines Online is pleased to offer Emerson beer to Federated Farmers members. Recently voted New Zealand Champion Brewery in BrewNZ 2009, Emerson should need no introduction to any serious beer drinker. Have a look at their range of award winning beers by clicking here.

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.  

Quote of the week - "From the mixed grill to the fruit bowl - seeking the well balanced diet". Federated Farmers General Manger of Leadership and Development, John Seymour's departing words as he leaves us to become the Senior Business Manager of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables at Horticulture New Zealand.