Innovation rich dairy highlights challenges, opportunities and success - Read more »

Feed theft very concerning - Read more »

Commodities boom for all except those who produce it - Read more »

ETS costs demand extra 88,000 + dairy cows - Read more »

Prime Minister to spend two hours with farmers and Southlanders in Invercargill - Read more »

4.7 million more lambs needed to cover ETS costs - Read more »

Federated Farmers welcomes potential FTA - Read more »

Cash in on healthy grass fed milk, if Government permits - Read more »

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

Rates report card - Farmers, remember to complete and return the rates report card which was inside your copy of the Autumn National Farming Review. Responses are flooding in, but we want as many as possible so please take a few minutes over your morning coffee to fill it out and drop it into the mail - free post. Many thanks to the hundreds of people who have already returned their report cards!

Hydatids vigilance needed - While Hydatids has essentially been eradicated from New Zealand, it is important that farmers remain vigilant to ensure that this situation continues. As a reminder, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has reissued a Controlled Area Notice stating that raw offal from all livestock, including sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, deer, horses, llamas and alpacas, kept for use or profit shall not be accessible by dogs. The requirements of the Notice can be downloaded by clicking here. For further information, please contact policy advisor, David Burt, by calling 0800 327 646.

Tractor safety concerns? - A farmer has expressed concerns to us about some tractors imported and sold in New Zealand, claiming that they are unsafe for local conditions. The member is particularly concerned about failure in hydraulic pumps, which in his opinion causes problems like erratic steering, loss of engine to transmission drive and sluggish and weak lift rams. We have advised officials and they have asked us whether these concerns are shared more widely in the farming community.  So, if you have an opinion, either way, on tractor safety and/or suitability for New Zealand conditions, please let us know by contacting policy advisor, Matt Scott, on 0800 327 646.

Farm Vehicle Day - About 120 people are currently in attendance at the Federated Farmers ‘Farm Vehicle Day' being held at Gordon Handy Machinery Ltd.'s, Washdyke Timaru site. The day was organised by Canterbury field officer, Jasmine Hale, and senior policy advisor, Kevin Geddes, and was intended to raise farmer awareness of agricultural transport issues and to discuss any problems and consider suitable changes. The meeting was addressed by Stuart Ross of the transport police, Hugh Hanna of the Ministry of Transport and Kevin O'Kane of the NZTA.

Survey on current farmer use of RFID technology - The Federation is looking to understand the level of current on-farm adoption of RFID technology. A short survey has now been sent out to all members in order to gather information on the issue. If you are already using RFID technology on your farm, your feedback would be much appreciated. If you did not receive the survey and would like to take part, please click here. For further information, please contact policy advisor, David Burt, by calling 0800 327 646.

South Waikato biodiversity day - Federated Farmers attended the Biodiversity Forum in Tapapa, South Waikato on Monday, 31 May. Presentations included speakers from Environment Waikato and South Waikato District Council as well as visits to two farms to look at protected bush. District Council is intending to map areas of important bush as Significant Natural Areas (SNA), but so far the management regime is intended to remain voluntary. Most SNA are on farmland, so it is important that the voice of farming is heard. For more information, please contact regional policy advisor, Rhea Dasent, by calling 0800 327 646.

Rates for South Waikato - Federated Farmers presented a submission on the South Waikato annual plan at the hearing last week and up for debate was Council's core functions.  Federated Farmers disputed that running the Tokoroa cinema and having street banners to advertise tourist events was part of council's responsibilities, though it was proposed that both activities were to be funded by the general rate, meaning a farmer with high capital value would contribute more rates than a residential or retail property. Council considered that a cinema and street banners will bring vibrancy and social benefits to the district, but Federated Farmers considers that the $4 million from rates that supports libraries, pools and other community services are sufficient for social well-being.

MPDC rates hearing - Federated Farmers will be presenting our submission on Matamata Piako rates to the hearing committee at 1.20pm Tuesday, 8 June and we are encouraging members to come along and show support. In the annual plan is a rise in building consent fees for the ‘other building category', which includes implement sheds and hay sheds, of 11.5 percent to $485. Amendments and variations to building consents, as well as swimming pool fences, will also rise 35 percent to $135. Federated Farmers is asking Council to justify the rise in building consent fees as well as to disclose trends in the number of building consents applied for in the last five years.

Waipa District Plan Review - Federated Farmers has attended a workshop hosted by Waipa District Council to discuss the district plan review this week where farmers, surveyors and quarries were among the attendees. Council is thinking of implementing a ‘land development plan' which would take force when there is a change of land use on a farm, of which Council gave the example of converting from sheep to dairying. The workshop's outcome was a resounding ‘NO' to the proposed plan, but members are encouraged to chat to their local councillor to reinforce this message.

Uniform charges promoted - Federated Farmers submitted this week on Otorohanga District Council's Draft Annual Plan. While a minor increase in the uniform annual general charge was supported, there was strong concern with the overall trend which shows the uniform charge declining and property value rates rising. The submission addressed this issue in the context of the massive cost squeeze on farms and Local Government's role within this. Council had support for their high standard of transparency, which includes a table showing the rate burden on example properties with an itemised cost of every council function. For more information, please contact policy advisor, Nigel Billings, by calling 0800 327 646.

Farm dairy effluent workshops for Southland farmers - Environment Southland has been working with Federated Farmers and other dairy industry stakeholders to develop a new approach to dealing with farm dairy effluent and are holding three workshops to get feedback from farmers over whether their proposed approach is right. While the new rules will affect all dairy farmers, they are especially important if your farm dairy effluent consent is due to expire in the next couple of years. The workshops are being held on 9 June at the Croydon Lodge, Gore from 2 to 4pm and in Winton at the Middle Pub from 7 to 9pm. A workshop is also to be held at the Woodlands Tavern from 2 to 4pm on 10 June. Please RSVP by Monday, 7 June by calling 0800 76 88 45.

Commodity prices up again - The ANZ Commodity Price Index hit another record high in May. The World Price Index registered its fourteenth consecutive monthly rise, increasing by 2.5 percent. Prices for eight of the thirteen commodities in the index rose, with dairy prices continuing to climb, rising 4 percent and up by nearly two-thirds compared to 12 months earlier. Increases were also recorded for wool, up 5 percent, lamb, up 3 percent and venison, up 2 percent. On the other hand, beef prices were down 3 percent compared to April. During the month a stronger exchange rate partially offset the world price gains but nevertheless the New Zealand Dollar Commodity Price Index still recorded a 2.9 percent lift in May and it has now increased by 30 percent over the last 12 months.

Business confidence remains strong, but agriculture less so - According to the National Bank's monthly Business Outlook Survey, headline business confidence fell two points to +48 in May, a level that remains very high historically. The agriculture sector continues to have the lowest level of confidence at +27, but this is still well in positive territory.  Businesses' assessment of their own activity rose 2 points to +45, the highest own activity reading since May 1999. However, the agriculture sector recorded a 6 point drop in their own activity reading to +22, no doubt impacted by drought conditions in certain parts of the country.

Empty those ponds when you can - Federated Farmers is advising dairy farmers to be diligent and proactive when managing their effluent storage ponds during the winter months.  Emptying ponds whenever conditions are appropriate (i.e. dry periods or when soil moisture allows) will help to ensure that you have maximum storage capacity available as you enter a potentially wet and busy spring.  All this may seem impossible after such a wet few weeks, but fine spells are looming for some parts over the coming weeks. Take advantage of them.

Agizest Plus - Agrizest Plus would like to know if any farmers who are into regular pasture monitoring would like to take part in a free trial of Agrizest Plus to help prove or disprove its action. Agrizest Plus is currently being used in horticulture and is showing potential in increasing palatability and increasing pasture growth, however it needs more trials to prove these findings. Any farmers who may be interested in doing a free trial should contact Nathan Balasingham by calling 09 238 3893.

Federated Farmers Bees conference - Federated Farmers Bees can report on a well attended conference in Blenheim this week. The conference hosted an interesting array of speakers including Jim Sim from NZFSA, who spoke on the review of the Tutin Standards and transport regulations and Linda Newstrom-Lloyd, who provided an update on the Trees for Bees campaign. We also showed how technologically advanced we can be by having Linda Croudis, of Oritain, speak via by web link form Dunedin. There was plenty of discussion surrounding the manuka honey standards, organic beekeeping, AFB and the Bee Product Standards Council. We would like to thank all the speakers and everyone who attended, helping make this a very successful and enjoyable conference.

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.

Lunch with the Prime Minister - There is to be a lunch with the Prime Minister, the Hon John Key, on Friday, 25 June as part of the Federated Farmers National Conference ‘One Event'. We would like to thank Woosh Wireless Limited for their sponsorship for this event. The Prime Minister's luncheon is a ticket-only affair, so if you are interested in attending please contact Kimberley Wadsworth clicking here or by calling 0800 327 646

Federated Farmers National Conference ‘One Event' 2010 - The Federated Farmers National Conference ‘One Event' 2010 will be held from Wednesday, 23 June to Friday, 25 June 2010 at Ascot Park Hotel, Corner Tay Street and Racecourse Road, Invercargill. The AGM's for Federated Farmers National, Dairy and Meat & Fibre will take place over the three days.  Federated Farmers would also like to invite members to attend the Federated Farmers Dairy and Meat & Fibre joint cocktails, proudly sponsored by Silver Fern Farms and joint dinner, proudly sponsored by Alliance Group Limited, on Wednesday, 23 June from 6pm. To register to attend, please contact Kimberley Wadsworth by clicking here or by calling 0800 327 646.

National Conference Plenary Day - The Federated Farmers Plenary Day is to be held on Thursday, 24 June and will encompass a vast range of guest speakers including the Hon Phil Goff, the Hon David Carter, the US Ambassador to New Zealand, David Huebner, Rod Drury, Executive Officer, Xero, Rod Inglis, Chairman, Woosh Wireless Limited and Don Elder, Chief Executive Officer, Solid Energy. Later that evening the Federated Farmers Awards will be held and we would like to thank Ravensdown for sponsoring the Agribusiness Person of the Year award. The following day, Friday, 25 June, there is lunch with the Prime Minister, the Hon John Key. If you are interested in attending any of the events over the three days, please contact Kimberley Wadsworth by clicking here or by calling call 0800 327 646.

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

2010 International Year of Biodiversity event - The QEII National Trust/Open Space NZ 2010 International Year of Biodiversity event is to be held at Glenlethnot Farm Woolshed, 57 Dolamore Park Road, Croydon Bush, Gore at 3pm on Friday, 11 June. MP, the Hon Eric Roy will be speaking on his goals for Stewart Island, which will be followed by drinks and nibbles. If you would like to attend, please contact QEII representative, Graeme Watson, on 0274 301 398.

Massey University Dairy Day - Massey University Dairy Day is a free event to be held at Massey's No 4 Dairy Farm, off Tennett Road, on Thursday, 24 June.  It will provide farmers with the latest information and current research being conducted by Massey staff and will address challenges facing the future of national and local dairy farmers.  The focus is on profitability, lactations per cow, feed and production efficiency and the environment. For more information and to register, please email your enquiry by clicking here. Registrations must be received by 21 June.

Industry-backed learning to improve productivity - Agriculture ITO is your training partner with courses to develop your skills in agribusiness management, resource management and financial planning. One day workshops are also available on effluent management and milk quality. Contact your Agriculture ITO advisor on 0800 691 111, or click here to visit the website.

Get a recognised business qualification - Open Polytechnic's Diploma in Business has strands in management, accounting, small business and employment relations. 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.

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 - "Surely, given the propaganda, our nation's livestock and people must be wading in a fetid e-coli rich cocktail of muck?" Federated Farmers President, Don Nicolson, makes his thoughts on water quality loud and clear in Wellington today.