Farmers welcome the status quo - Read more »

Hunter Downs decision honourable and correct - Read more »

Farmers commend Parliament for changing price formula - Read more »

Federated Farmers welcome signs of rebalancing - Read more »

Expert panel slams MAF import health standards for pork - Read more »

Fonterra announcement must be kept in context - Read more »

Suspend the ETS until 2013, just like the Aussies - Read more »

Federated Farmers urge farmers to keep contact - Read more »

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

HSNO Personnel Qualifications Regulations - Submissions are being sought on the proposed changes to the HSNO Personnel Qualification Regulations. The Personnel Qualification Regulations govern the qualifications and experience required for persons handling certain hazardous substances. Federated Farmers believes that these regulations have significant compliance costs for the agricultural sector. We plan to submit on this issue and would appreciate your input, the consultation period ends on Monday, 24 May 2010. To find out more you can download the discussion document by clicking here or by contacting policy advisor, Matt Scott, by clicking here or by calling 0800 367 646.

New price for Regulated Raw Milk - All dairy farmers will be pleased Parliament has agreed with Federated Farmers on the pricing mechanism for Regulated Raw Milk, the milk Fonterra is obliged to supply independent milk processors, under the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA). Minister Carter announced this week that, as from 1 June 2010, this milk will be priced at Fonterra's farmgate price plus a margin of 10 cents per kg milk solids. The current pricing formula these independent processors have been using has been shown by Ministry of Agriculture studies to be inaccurate and often underpricing this milk.  The new pricing mechanism will allow Regulated Raw Milk to be priced fairly, at a price Fonterra pays its own farmers, with the extra 10c to cover seasonal fluctuations that occur with milk production. Federated Farmers hopes that an annual auction of this milk will soon occur, using this new mechanism as a base price. The future use of an auction has been provided for within the new Act, the Dairy Industry Restructuring (Raw Milk Pricing Methods) Act 2010 (10/11). The passing of this Act stimulated plenty of debate in Parliament, with everyone praising farmers. Click here to read this debate.

Rural plastics and wastes - Rural plastics waste is a persistent and growing problem for farmers and growers of New Zealand. The Agrecovery programme was established to provide a long term recycling solution for on-farm waste issues, with the ability to dispose of the millions of plastic agrichemical containers currently used in New Zealand each year. Up until Agrecovery started, the common practice was to burn or bury these containers. Neither of these solutions is considered environmentally friendly. Agrecovery gives every farmer and grower the ability to now dispose of these containers and now also their silage wrap in a more responsible way. Federated Farmers is pleased to be a member of the Agrecovery Foundation. Click here to read the autumn Agrecovery newsletter.

Bay of Plenty Draft Annual Plan - The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is consulting on its draft annual plan and is proposing to hold its planned targeted rate on dairy farms in the Rotorua lakes catchment at $0 for 2010/11. Federated Farmers is lobbying strenuously to keep it there in the first instance and is urging Council to abandon the notion altogether. The rate was first proposed in 2009 at $40 per hectare to fund water quality programmes for the Rotorua lakes, but was reduced to $0 as a result of hard work from Federated Farmers representatives promoting a collaborative approach to reducing nutrient loss from farms. Council is also budgeting for an $85,000 grant to the Animal Health Board (AHB) in response to calls from Federated Farmers and the AHB to restore funding that had originally been withdrawn in 2010. Federated Farmers acknowledges Council for taking heed of the concerns of farmers within the region.

Stock truck effluent in the Waikato - Federated Farmers will be speaking to the Waikato Regional Transport Committee on Monday, 3 May about the stock truck effluent strategy.  We will be asking that the stock truck industry tourism image objective is removed and that the vision is changed back to a reduction in spills over time, rather than zero spills straight away. Federated Farmers is concerned that if the vision of zero discharge is not achieved immediately, then rules will be introduced when in fact progress is already being made.

South Waikato district rates - The South Waikato District Council has released its Draft 2010-2011 Annual Plan for consultation, which shows that the general rate will rise by 3.3 percent from last year, a positive result as Council had originally indicated in the Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) a rise of 6.9 percent. However, building consent fees and rural dog registration fees will also be rising. Federated Farmers is currently preparing a submission and wants to hear how this Annual Plan will affect your farm rates bill. To have your say please contact regional policy advisor, Rhea Dasent, by calling 0800 327 646.

Taupo rates hearing - Federated Farmers will be presenting our views on Taupo District Council rates at a hearing from 10.20am Tuesday, 11 May. We will be raising concerns over the high levels of general rates that farmers pay and the limited benefit received back.  Council spending on tourism promotion will also be under the spotlight and we will be encouraging Council to introduce the change from land value to capital value for the rating basis. Farmers need to get along to the hearing so that Councillors are aware of how important rates are to the Federation. For more information, please contact regional policy advisor, Rhea Dasent, on 0800 327 646.

Otago Regional Council Draft Annual Plan - Council has done well to keep their general rates take the same for this year as it was last year. They are a good example of a Council cutting their expenditure to fit the economic constraints facing ratepayers. We think they can make the picture even fairer by increasing their Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) usage where the benefit is equal to all ratepayers, a move which will remove some of the rates burden from farmers. We also want Council to review the basis for rating the Taieri flood protection and drainage schemes and undertake a thorough cost benefit analysis of the proposed expenditure on the Taieri to ensure ratepayers are getting good value for money. What do you think? Regional policy advisor, David Cooper, will be drafting Federated Farmers submission which is due on Monday, 3 May. For more information, please contact David by clicking here or by calling him on 0800 327 646.

Environment Southland Draft Annual Plan - Council's are proposing water charges again. Federated Farmers draft position is that these need to be deferred to allow consultation with the wider community over the level of costs to be recovered from major water users, the unbundling of permitted takes and the beneficial treatment offered to very large industrial takes in the region. We are also asking Environment Southland (ES) to make greater use of its uniform charge. We want the benefit to be the same for all ratepayers, taking the rates burden off Southland's farmers. We also believe that Council should change the way they fund biodiversity programmes, like the Possum Control Authority and Wilding Pines expenditure. Both of these are currently funded using the land value based biosecurity rate. What do you think? David Cooper will be drafting Federated Farmers submission which is due on Monday, 3 May. For more information, please contact David by clicking here or by calling him on 0800 327 646. 

Confident cockies - The latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey shows 34 percent of the country's farmers expect the rural economy to improve in the next 12 months. While this was up only slightly on the 32 percent with that expectation last survey, the number of farmers expecting conditions to worsen fell from 26 percent previously to just 11 percent this survey. This story of improving confidence was also reflected in the latest National Bank Business Outlook Survey. It also showed improving confidence in the agriculture sector, although it is still lagging behind other sectors. 

Splitting silage wrap - Federated Farmers would like to know if any members have had problems with their silage wrap splitting and getting holes in it. We have had reports of this happening and one affected farmer has commented that it almost looks as if it has been burnt. The holes start off as tiny little splits, kind of what a bird would do with its claws, then progress quickly into large burn like holes. If you are having any problems please contact 0800 327 646 and let us know.

Let the AHB know you're moving on Gypsy Day - If you're selling or moving stock on Gypsy Day 1 June, remember to update your contact details and herd location with the Animal Health Board (AHB) by calling 0800 4 TB INFO (0800 4 824 636). The AHB's friendly call centre staff can also provide you with information on disease and movement control to contain the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) within a herd. Please click here to visit the AHB's website for more information on the TBfree programme.

Undercover Kids - The Totalspan Undercover Kids Bus Shelter Programme is about to give away more bus shelters to schools with rural bus routes. These shelters are a godsend to rural kids, providing them with greater safety and visibility as well as much needed protection from the elements. This year there will be one round of applications with the aim of approving 100 shelters. Applications close on Friday, 30 April with successful applicants being announced in mid-June. For more information or to download an application form please click here.

Federated Farmers feed list - The Federated Farmers feed lists, which include both feed wanted and feed available, can be accessed via the 0800 DROUGHT line (0800 376 844) or by clicking here. The drought line and feed lists are available to both members and non-members of Federated Farmers. 

One Event - The Federated Farmers One Event 2010 is to be held at the Ascot Park Hotel, Corner Tay Street and Racecourse Road, Invercargill from Wednesday, 23 June to Friday, 25 June 2010. Registrations are required by Monday, 10 May 2010 so please register as soon as possible. To download the registration form, please click here. For more information, please contact Events Manager, Kimberley Wadsworth, by clicking here or calling 0800 327 646.

North Canterbury ‘Step Up' programme - Federated Farmers North Canterbury president, Neil Stott, is hosting six meetings next week for farmers who have shown leadership potential but who have not yet got involved in local issues. Everyone is welcome and meetings will be held on Tuesday, 4 May at the Little River rugby club rooms at 10am and at the Rolleston Community Centre at 2.30pm, Wednesday, 5 May at the Hurunui Hotel at 10am, the Waipara Hotel at 2pm and at the Cheviot Trust at 7pm and finally on Thursday, 6 May at Saracens rugby club rooms in Rangiora at 10am.

Federated Farmers Otago AGM - Otago members don't miss your chance to attend the Federated Farmers Otago AGM, being held on Tuesday, 4 May from 9.30am. The meeting will involve a guided tour of Hayes Engineering Works and the original homestead, lunch and guest speakers. Guest speakers will include Graham Martin, CEO of the Otago Regional Council, who will speak on managing water in Otago and dairy farmer, Neil Hamilton, who will  discussing the challenges and opportunities for dairy farming in central Otago. Guest speakers will be followed by Federated Farmers Otago Industry Group AGMs and drinks and nibbles. To secure your place make sure you register by Tuesday, 27 April. To RSVP, please contact Bronwyn Wilson by clicking here. Please indicate whether or not you will be attending the tour and which meals you require.

Federated Farmers Hauraki-Coromandel AGM - The Federated Farmers Hauraki-Coromandel AGM and dinner is to be held from 1pm Wednesday, 5 May 2010 at St James Church Hall, Corner Pollen and Pahau Streets, Thames. The AGM will be followed by pre-dinner drinks and dinner at Danby's, 578 Pollen Street, Thames from 6.30pm.

Federated Farmers Rotorua/Taupo AGM - The Federated Farmers Rotorua/Taupo AGM is to be held at the Rerewhakaatiu Sports Domain, Ashpit Road, Rerewhakaatiu on Wednesday, 5 May from 4pm. Guest speakers include Don Nicolson, Lachlan McKenzie and Will Lehmberg of the NZ tour Guide Association. Dinner will begin at 6.30pm and all members are welcome.

Federated Farmers Waikato AGM - Federated Farmers Waikato AGM is to be held from 11am on Thursday, 6 May at the Hamilton Airport Motor Inn and Conference Centre,

Airport Road, Hamilton.

Federated Farmers Mid-Canterbury AGM - The Federated Farmers Mid-Canterbury AGM is to be held from 1pm Friday, 7 May in the Bradford Room, Ashburton Trust Events Centre, 211a Wills Street, Ashburton. The Conference will begin with the Federated Farmers Mi-Canterbury Meat & Fibre and Grain & Seed AGMs. Guest speakers will include John Boscawen MP who will speak on the implications on farming of the proposed ETS. The Federated Farmers Mid-Canterbury AGM will begin at 2.00pm with an address by Mayor, Bede O'Malley.

Sharemilkers' and Sharemilkers Employers' Section AGMs - Both the Sharemilkers' Section and Sharemilker Employers' Sections will be holding their AGMs on Wednesday, 19 May 2010 at Federated Farmers offices, Level 5, 169 London St, Hamilton. The Sharemilker Employers' AGM will be from 9.30am to 11.30am. They will then be joined by the Sharemilkers' Section to talk about shared issues from 11.30am to 1.45pm. The Sharemilkers' Section will then hold their AGM from 1.45pm to 4.00pm.  Registrations forms can be found by clicking here. 

Staff management workshops - Now is the time to sort out the policies and practices you need for effective staff management. Learn from others what works and what doesn't. Tap into industry best practice, resources and advice through Agriculture ITO's Rural Staff Management workshops. There are four one-day workshops available. Contact your local AgITO advisor on 0800 691 111 or click here for more information.

Free agrichemical handling course - The Open Polytechnic and GROWSAFE® are offering a free one-day course in handling and using agrichemicals. The course is a step towards an Introductory GROWSAFE® Certificate and an Approved Handler Certificate, which will allow you to legally buy and use agrichemicals. 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. 

Fancy a free Solahart panel? - Yes, when buying a GreenGlo Saver mains pressure tank you get a free Solahart panel and a free solar controller. This is an amazing offer, why wouldn't you go solar when you can go for free. For more information, please click here or call 0800 769 377.

Winesonline deals - This week Winesonline had award winning Hawke's Bay red and white wines from as little as $8.95. Check out the whole selection by clicking here.

Great Westpac rates - Westpac has a limited 40 day term deposit rate of 3.70 percent pa valid until Tuesday, 4 May 2010. Minimum deposit $5,000. To find out more, talk to an agribusiness manager by calling 0800 177 155.

Win a free home with Versatile! - Versatile are giving away one 4-bedroom, 208m² Windsor home valued at over $200,000. Enter online at www.versatile.co.nz, or at your local Versatile. Just answer one simple question and complete the entry form and you'll be in to win! Entries close midnight Sunday, 30 May 2010. Terms & conditions apply. Home only, no land included, one entry per person and entrants must be over 18. For full details visit www.versatile.co.nz.

More member 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. 

Ben & Mark, Boys of the High Country - Christine Fernyhough's true story of two boys who live on one of New Zealand's largest high-country stations, with stunning photographs by John Bougen is now available for sale on the Federated Farmers website. Federated Farmers have it for the special price of $30 for members (non-members $36.99). Ben & Mark, Boys of the High Country is destined to become a New Zealand classic and would make a beautiful gift. We have a limited number so get online, by clicking here and order yours today.

The Road to Castle Hill: A High Country Love Story - Christine Fernyhough's first High Country tale is now available on the Federated Farmers website. Warm and humorous, this inspirational book tells the story of a woman bold enough to do what many urbanites dream of: embark on an entirely new life and throw herself into a considerable challenge. Federated Farmers have it for the great price of $38.50 for members (non-members $45.50). Beautifully illustrated, The Road to Castle Hill is also a celebration of New Zealand's high-country way of life. We have a limited number so get online, by clicking here and order yours today.

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 - "This nation is built by people in boots, not men in suits!" Spoken by Don Nicolson, inspired by Montevideo, Uruguay.