Budget - great tax incentives but little more for Vote Agriculture - Read more »

ETS will cost Kiwis $527 million + in its first year - Read more »

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

Trees for Bees - The Trees for Bees guides consist of a series of 10 regional fact sheets, which indicate the shrubs and trees that are known to keep bees healthy with nutritious pollen and nectar. The guides aim to stop our bee population from declining further by informing farmers about what they can do to support and protect our threatened honey bee population. If you would like a copy of one of the guides, please click here or contact policy advisor, Shona Sluys, by clicking here.

Transpower maintenance - Transpower will need to undertake urgent maintenance work on a transformer in Waverly on Saturday, 22 May, which will require a shutdown of electricity supply to approximately 1500 customers in the Waverly area from 8.30am to 5pm. In the case of rain, the shutdown will be postponed to Sunday, 23 May. We apologise for the short notice and inconvenience of this shutdown, but Transpower must undertake this maintenance with urgency.

Standing stock off feed - With Gypsy Day approaching, members are reminded of the importance of standing stock off feed for between four and eight before transporting them. This action is one of the keys to lowering the amount of effluent animals produce during transport and helps ensure that truck effluent tanks are not overloaded.

Bye bye Daily News - Heartland Ruapehu has been dealt another blow, this time by media giant, Fairfax. Fairfax has recently decided to cut circulation to the Taumarunui district of the Taranaki Daily News, citing not enough subscriptions. The Taranaki Daily News has been an integral part of our morning coffee, evening beer and once upon a time even sported a King Country page. Media bosses are not considering promotional activity to encourage more purchases, opting to simply cut the rural publication completely. Once again, rural New Zealand is taking the cut and has the province wondering if city folk would ever consider missing their Saturday paper as a cutback instead? To rally against this cut, Federated Farmers Ruapehu is calling for letters of complaint to be written to the editor at PO Box 444, New Plymouth, or by clicking here.

Making your voice heard down south - With all of the Federation's submissions to Councils south of the Waitaki entered, we now move into the all important hearing phase. Two big hearings are being held in Southland next week. Federated Farmers will be speaking to the Invercargill City Council on Tuesday, 25 May at 3.40pm in the Council Chambers, where we will be asking Council to proceed with the proposal to reduce farmer's rates after they doubled last year. The Federation will also be speaking to Environment Southland at 11am on Thursday, 27 May, where issues with Council's lack of consultation over water charges and the extraordinarily high level of costs they are trying to recover from water users will be the main topic. Thank you to all members who made their own submissions on these issues, you can show your continuing support for the Federation's submissions by turning up to the meetings. If you would like more information please contact regional policy advisor, David Cooper, by clicking here.

Rural sales remain flat - The national median farm sale price rose to $1,000,000 for the three months to April 2010 according to statistics released this week by the Real Estate Institute. This is fractionally up on the median of $970,000 for the three months to March 2010, but down on April 2009's $1,042,500 and well down on April 2008's $1,810,000. The total number of farms sold in the three months to April was 267, virtually unchanged from the 266 sold in the same period last year but well down on the 786 farms sold in the three months to April 2008.

Outlook for financial system improved but fragile - The outlook for the financial system has improved over recent months, according to the Reserve Bank's Financial Stability Report released this week. However, the report also warned that global financial markets remain fragile so New Zealand could be vulnerable to any renewed deterioration in global debt markets. In terms of agriculture, the report noted that the dairy sector has faced a period of stress but pressures on the sector have eased recently due to improved payouts. It also noted a ‘significant moderation' in agricultural credit growth and expects farmers' cash flows to improve over the coming year.

Moderation of on-farm inflation, but for how much longer? - After several years of often rampant on-farm inflation, farm input prices rose by a more moderate 0.7 percent between March 2009 and March 2010, according to Statistics NZ's Farm Expenses Price Index. The main upward contributors were fuel, up 9.6 percent for the year, local and central government rates and fees, up 7.0 percent and livestock purchases, up 5.0 percent.  Downward contributors were interest rates which were down 13 percent for the year, weed and pest control, down 5.6 percent and fertiliser, lime and seeds which were down 1.2 percent. While 2009/10 saw a welcome moderation in farm input inflation, the drop in interest rates is unlikely to be repeated and further cost pressures from the ETS, ACC, rates and NAIT will be most unhelpful.

Win at One Event - Federated Farmers would like to thank our sponsors and business partners for supporting the 2010 One Event and National Conference. Several spot prizes including digital cameras and hotel accommodation vouchers will be up for grabs over the three days. Each prize has been kindly donated by our sponsors and business partners, but to be eligible for any of the prizes, you must be there to accept them in person. So to register today, click here.

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.

Rodney farmers/landowners wanted - Federated Farmers is calling for any farmers or landowners in Auckland's Rodney district that may be interested in having one, or more, apiaries on their land. Each apiary would have around 20 hives in each and could be pasture or Manuka. Offers from the West Coast are preferable but all areas will be considered. If you are interested, please contact Jason Marshall by clicking here or by calling 027 499 9297.

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.

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.

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.

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.

International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit - Earlybird registration discounts close on Monday, 31 May for the International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit 2010 (WDS2010). The Summit is to be help at SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland from Monday, 8 to Thursday, 11 November 2010. WDS2010 is the premier dairy industry event for the year, showcasing a comprehensive range of topics from within the dairy industry. WDS2010 provides world class international speakers, together with the input of local scientists and analysts. The latest Summit programme, comprising 12 conferences, can be downloaded by clicking here. To register for the Summit, please click here.

Bees Industry Group Conference 2010 - The 2010 Bees Industry Group Conference will be held from 1-3 June at the Heartland Hotel in Blenheim. There will be plenty to discuss, including the successful launch of the Trees for Bees project and the not-so-successful discussions on manuka honey classification. There will be some formalities during conference but we intend to keep time allocated to these to a minimum to allow ample time for debate on the more important issues. For more information and registration details, please download the PDF by clicking here or contact Industry Manager, Bob Douglas, by clicking here or by calling 0800 327 646.

High Country Conference 2010 - 2010 High Country Conference will be held on 11-12 June at The Hermitage, Mount Cook. For more information and registration details please download the PDF by clicking here. Alternatively you can contact Industry Manager, Bob Douglas, on 0800 327 646 or by clicking 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.

Industry-backed learning to improve productivity - Invest in your staff and your business. Agriculture ITO courses develop your skills in agribusiness management, resource management and financial planning. Courses for farm staff and one day workshops are also available to formalise learning and help build your systems. Contact your Agriculture ITO advisor on 0800 691 111, or click here to visit the website.

Open your world with a better education - With Open Polytechnic you don't have to stop your life to start a new one. Enrolment for trimester 2 is now open and you have until 2 July to take the first step on the path to your new life. Open Polytechnic also has many courses which are open enrolment, which means you can start at any time. 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.

Save big with OfficeMax - Did you know that OfficeMax provides Federated Farmers members with discounts of up to 50 percent off retail pricing? For all your stationary needs contact OfficeMax on 0800 426 473.

Gold medal wines - These Waimea Estate wines have won more gold medals than Michael Phelps and this week you can enjoy these same Waimea Estate wines for a great price. To check this and other fantastic deals go to www.winesonline.co.nz.

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.

Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds - Formerly The Yacht Club Picton, Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds now boasts 48 rooms, including brand new Superior Ocean View rooms and refurbished Ocean View Rooms. Within walking distance to the ferry terminals, Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds has an award winning restaurant, large swimming pool with poolside bar and cafe. Choose Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds for your next getaway and you will be welcomed with an exclusive Federated Farmers membership special of $129.00 per night including complimentary upgrade to the new Superior Ocean View Room if available. This offer is valid until Tuesday, 31 August 2010 so to book please click here or phone 03 573 7002. Remember to mention you are a Federated Farmers member when booking and to present membership card on check-in.

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.

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 - "We are the only country with an all-gases, all-sectors ETS. The only good thing you can say for it, is that it isn't as daft as Labour's one". The Hon Rodney Hide during the Budget speech.