Rates in the Waikato district - Federated Farmers will be presenting our submission on Waikato District Council rates at noon Tuesday, 18 May 2010 at the Council Chambers in Ngaruawahia. The Federation is concerned about Council's poor transparency and its spending outside its core business, for example on tourism promotion. We will also be asking Council to introduce a new rates remission policy for adverse events, as farmers have been hit by drought this year. Come along and show your support, for more information, please contact regional policy advisor, Rhea Dasent, on 0800 327 646.

Taupo rates hearing - The Taupo District Council (TDC) has now heard Federated Farmers submission on rates. Using a member's $27K TDC rates bill as an example, we were able to demonstrate to Council the huge cost of rates to farmers and the little benefit received. This member's rates were their second highest farming expense, second only to wages. Federated Farmers used this opportunity to encourage Council to switch to capital value instead of land value for the general rate basis and to also use targeted rates more, so people that benefit from a particular service are the ones paying. Council thanked the Federation for our constructive submission. For more information, please contact, Rhea Dasent, by calling 0800 327 646.

Wairarapa landscape study meetings - The three Wairarapa district councils and the regional council are to hold a series of public meetings to identify which landscapes and features are the most special to the Wairarapa community. The first meeting will be held at Masterton District Council, 64 Chapel Street, Masterton on Thursday, 20 May at 5:30pm. For more information, please contact regional policy advisor, Brigid Buckley, by clicking here.

Tasman rates revisited - Federated Farmers Nelson provincial president, Edwin Newport, and Federated Farmers Marlborough provincial president, Graham Ball, have presented a submission to Tasman District Council on its Annual Plan. The submission emphasised Council's obligation to reduce the burden on landowners in the immediate future. This is a result of land valuations, rather than relying on long term valuation trends to provide equity. Positive features of Council's rating system were also noted and included funding support for TBfree, a reliance on targeted rates and an increase in the Uniform Annual General Charges. For more information, please contact, Anna Mackenzie, on 0800 327 646.

Waimakariri rates burden - At yesterday's rates meeting and in front of close to 30 farmers, Council announced that it will not to increase their Uniform Annual General Charge (UAG). This decision will alleviate the thousands of dollars more that farmers, in comparison to their urban cousins, pay in rates. Council acknowledged the Federation's submission and resolved that a review of the rating system should be recommended to the new Council, a small glimmer of hope for farmers who are frustrated by an unequal system. For more information, please contact, Anna Mackenzie, on 0800 327 646.

Not a bad day at the office - Federated Farmers Otago member and high country farmer, Tim Burdon, hosted members, the Mayor, ward councillors and the Chief Executive and policy staff of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) on Tuesday on his farm overlooking Lake Wanaka. The meeting gave the group the chance to discuss some sticky issues for farmers in the lakes district and also introduced relatively new QLDC Chief Executive, Debra Lawson, to the challenges facing farmers in the district. A diverse range of topics were covered ranging from the impacts of district planning on Tenure Review, the impact of large capital values on rates, sustainability and succession, freedom camping, public access and high country burning.

Slow and steady - Just like progress on a good muster, Southland members and Gore district councillors and staff made slow but steady progress on resolving differences on the Gore Districts Stock Movement Bylaw. This type of joint working party meeting demonstrates the huge effort Federated Farmers elected members and staff put in behind the scenes. This kind of grass roots policy and advocacy work can make the difference between a farmer requiring a $100,000 under pass and a $100 sign. Not bad for the membership fee really.

Spreading the benefits of a collaborative policy process - Federated Farmers South Island regional policy manager, Matt Harcombe, and an Environment Southland principal planner were an unlikely combination as speakers at a Zone 5 and 6 Local Government meeting last week. The pair were presenting on a collaborative policy process between Environment Southland and the dairy industry that aims to redefine councils' approach to managing farm dairy effluent. While the outcome may not fulfil every farmer's dream, the idea of councils and farmers and their representatives developing policy in partnership, underpinned by strong problem definition and robust technical information, seems to be at last getting some strong traction with councils around the country.

South Island regional policy team burns the midnight oil - This week alone the staff you help employ with your subscription have been going the extra mile to ensure your voice is heard around council tables in the South. Submissions have been made to Central Otago, Clutha, Gore, Dunedin, Waitaki, Otago Regional, Christchurch, Tasman and Invercargill councils on their annual plans. The team have also been working away on regional policy statements, bylaws and district plan submissions, minimum flows, river plans in Canterbury and rules on water quality on the West Coast. This kind of work is a core function of the Federated Farmers policy team, as they make sure that farmers have real and technically sound representation when it comes to council decisions that effect what you can do on farm and more importantly how much comes out of your back pocket.

Southland District Council Draft Annual Plan - Southland District Council (SDC) has announced it is proposing to increase average district rates by 6.45 percent, an increase that will increase farmers' rates by significantly more. This is due to the effects of the district's valuations and because of tonnage increases allocated to the sector by Council's roading model. Council is also asking the community if they want to see a reduction in the Uniform Targeted Rate (UTR), a flat, per property charge which if reduced will increase farmer's rates even further. Federated Farmers will be explaining to Council that now is not the time to reduce the UTR, as so many other factors are currently increasing that rates burden onto farmers. We believe Council should be making greater use of the uniform charge, not less. Federated Farmers will also ask Council why it is persisting with its roading model and why the district's farmers are asked to fund tourism promotion through SDC's contribution to Venture Southland. What do you think? Regional policy advisor, David Cooper, will be drafting Federated Farmers submission, which is due on Wednesday, 19 May. For more information, please contact David by clicking here or by calling him on 0800 327 646.

Agribusiness review - Rabobank's specialist Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) division has just released the May issue of the New Zealand & Australia agribusiness review, with commentary on the regions economic and agricultural conditions. If you would like to read the full report, please click here.

More dairy cattle, fewer sheep - Statistics New Zealand's final results from the 2009 Agriculture Production Survey has shown strong expansion of the South Island dairy herd.  South Island dairy cattle numbers hit 2.1 million as at June 2009, up 13.3 percent for the year and contrasts to 312,000 in 1989 and 853,000 in 1999. The size of the North Island herd remained stable at 3.8 million, so overall the national dairy herd reached a record high of 5.9 million at 30 June 2009, up 5.1 percent for the year. Meanwhile, sheep numbers continue to fall, down to 32.4 million as at June 2009. This was down 5.0 percent for the year and a far cry from the early 1980s' national flock of 70 million. Beef cattle numbers were also down for the year to record 4.1 million, down 0.8 percent for the year.

We're here to help - During drought stress on farmers, families and communities is often unavoidable. To minimise the effects of this, it is more important than ever that farmers help each other. Make sure you know how your neighbours are getting on and, if you think that they are under stress, lend them a hand or put them in touch with support services such as your local Rural Support Trust or your local Federated Farmers provincial president. For contact details, please click here or call 0800 327 646.

Chainsaw Safety week - Chainsaw Safety week, starting Monday, is a joint venture between STIHL and ACC. The initiative is run through the STIHL dealer network and the key element is that you are able to buy a set of safety gear, which includes chaps, hearing protection and eye protection, at a reduced price. Normally protecting yourself would cost up to $230 but during the Chainsaw Safety week you can get it all for $145. You don't even need to buy or own a STIHL chainsaw to take part, but you do have to own or buy a domestic chainsaw. See your local STIHL dealer for details.

Federated Farmers Otago AGM - Over 40 farmers were treated to an entertaining tour of the Hayes Engineering Works and historic homestead in Oturehua last week at the Federated Farmers Otago AGM. Members were not only treated to a stunning autumn day but also a compelling talk on the challenges and opportunities for dairy farming in Central Otago. Mike Lord's term as provincial president continues.

Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty AGM - Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty held its 64^th AGM last week, noting a great turnout. Congratulations to Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty Sharemilkers Employers' Section chairperson, Scottie McLeod, who was presented with life membership. Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty also elected a new provincial president, John Scrimgeour, who is looking forward to serving the farming industry as well as maintaining his dairy farms in the Pongakawa district. The province would like to thank departing provincial president, Alan Law, for his hard work during his time in office.

Unwanted or expired agrichemical collection - The Agrecovery Rural Recycling programme will shortly be holding collections for unwanted or expired agrichemicals in regions throughout New Zealand. Throughout June and July, Agrecovery will be collecting agrichemicals in the Otago/Southland region from Monday, 28 to Wednesday, 30 June and  in the Greater Wellington/Manawatu region from Tuesday, 13 to Thursday, 15 July. Booking your chemicals for disposal is easy, simply contact Agrecovery on 0800 247 326 or you can click here to book disposal online. Bookings are required by Friday, 14 June for Otago/Southland and by Thursday, 1 July for Greater Wellington/Manawatu. Further information is available on the Agrecovery website by clicking here.

Gypsy Day - Gypsy day is coming, so make sure you give the Federated Farmers team a call on 0800 327 646 to update your details.

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.

Steam train excursion - On Saturday, 29 May Mainline Steam will be operating a steam hauled excursion from Auckland to Whangarei and back. If you think this excursion may be passing areas of your land and may affect your stock, please click here to get more information.

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.

Federated Farmers Taranaki conference and AGM - The 2010 Federated Farmers Taranaki conference and AGM is to be held from 9am Friday, 21 May at the Devon Hotel, Devon St East, New Plymouth. RSVP is needed by Monday, 17 May and to do so, please call Tracey Morgan on 06 757 3423 or click here to email her.

Otago Water Quality Forum - Otago Regional Council is holding a Water Quality Forum on Wednesday, 26 and Thursday, 27 May in Cromwell. The forum will outline a new approach to managing water quality in the region and Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, the Hon David Carter, will head an impressive line up of speakers. Sharing your thoughts on water quality at this forum might help to determine the future management of water on your farm, so make sure you register. Registrations must be received by Thursday, May 20 and you can do so by calling Peter Taylor or Lauren McDonald on 0800 474 082. Alternatively you can email your registration by clicking here. For more information on this event, please click here.

One Event and National Conference - The 2010 Federated Farmers One Event and National Conference are almost upon us. This year the events will be held at the Ascot Park Hotel, Corner Tay Street and Racecourse Road, Invercargill from Wednesday, 23 June to Friday, 25 June 2010. It will comprise the AGMs of Federated Farmers Dairy and Meat & Fibre as well as the Federated Farmers National Council AGM and plenary day. Prime Minister, the Hon John Key, will also be in attendance for a special Prime Minister's lunch, so don't miss the opportunity to attend. If you are interested in attending any of the events, please contact Kimberley Wadsworth ASAP by clicking here or by calling 0800 327 646.

 Federated Farmers Grain & Seed Conference and AGM - The Federated Farmers Grain & Seed Conference and AGM is to be held at the Chateau on the Park, Christchurch from Tuesday, 25 to Wednesday, 26 May. The first day will be a line up of interesting speakers including Labour List MP, Damien O'Connor, Federated Farmers Chief Executive, Conor English and CEO of the Foundation for Arable Research, Nick Pyke. This will be followed by conference drinks with industry representatives and a conference dinner with Sir Brian Lochore as the dinner speaker. The second day will consist of the meetings of United Wheat Growers, Herbage Seedgrowers Subsection and the Maize Growers Committee. This will be followed by a field trip. All members and new grain growers are welcome. Please phone Carly Sluys on 0800 327646 for more information.

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.

Take your business to the next level - Develop your business, financial and people management skills and systems with industry-funded training through Agriculture ITO. Gain nationally recognised level 4 and 5 qualifications with excellent resources and class-based or correspondence tuition. For more information, call your local Agriculture ITO adviser on 0800 691 111.

Thinking of taking up tertiary study but feeling nervous? - Open Polytechnic's Tertiary Study Skills Certificate provides a good start and you will even get a mentor to help keep you on track and a voucher which can be used to enrol in any Level 5 degree or diploma course. 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.

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. This offer is for the home only and does not include land. One entry per person only please and entrants must be over 18. For full details visit www.versatile.co.nz.

Winesonline offer - This week Winesonline are proud to offer Federated Farmers members Trinity Hill's renowned 2008 Pinot Noir for only $13.95 per bottle and its 2008 Chardonnay Viognier for only $8.95 per bottle. Stock is limited so take advantage of these great prices today at www.winesonline.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.

Canterbury Field Officer vacancy - Federated Farmers is currently seeking a Field Officer to manage the Canterbury region. In this 12-month contract role you will be selling membership to prospective members and be the key liaison point with farmers, current members and our local provincial executive. To be successful in this role you will need superb communication and organisation skills with the ability to build and sustain long term business relationships. You will have a solid understanding of the business of farming and be results orientated with a strong and proven sales record.  A qualification in Agribusiness or equivalent practical experience would be of an advantage. To find out more about this opportunity and for a job description please click here. Application close 5pm Friday, 28 May 2010.

Quote of the week - "As I said, the good news was that I was having dinner with Ngati Porou as opposed to their neighbouring iwi, which is Tuhoe, in which case I would have been the dinner". Prime Minister, the Hon John Key, had it dead right with this quote earlier this week.