Federated Farmers happy at ‘full review' of Raw Milk Regulations - Read more »

Southland animal welfare allegations raise a bigger issue - Read more »

Business unusual is the future of wool - Read more »

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

ACC levy consultation - ACC is consulting on its proposed levies for next year. Iincreases for the Work Account levies for farming risk groups (dairy up 14.6 percent and sheep and beef up 4.6 percent) are preposed, as well as a 6.7 percent increase for the non-work Earners Account and a 2.5 percent increase for the Motor Vehicle Account.  ACC is also consulting on the introduction of experience rating and no-claims discounts for small employers.  Federated Farmers will be submitting in support of experience rating and no-claims discounts, but we will be expressing frustration about levy increases and will urge ACC to better control the cost of claims. Submissions close on 29 October and for more information, visit ACC's website by clicking here, or contact Federated Farmers General Policy Manager, Nick Clark, by clicking here. 

Canterbury NRRP decision, some good news for irrigators - A decision on Canterbury's Natural Resources Regional Plan (NRRP) was posted on Environment Canterbury's website early this week, to view the decision online, click here.  It will be considered by council on 21 October and formally notified on 23 October.  Under the Environment Canterbury Act there is no opportunity to appeal the NRRP in the Environment Court.  Appeals are only on points of law in the High Court and must be done by 16 November 2010.  The decision is a massive document and at first glance, is a mixture of good and bad.  However, there are some key areas where the plan has, as a result of submissions from Federated Farmers been improved; one example is the permitted use of water for irrigation.  The plan has been amended to, give a quantity of water designed to provide 90 percent reliability (formerly 80 percent) and remove land use as a criteria for allocation (all will now get the amount designed for intensive pasture, whereas previously arable land uses got less). At first glance, this will mean increased annual volume limits and will give arable farmers greater flexibility to make changes in land use without having to apply for more water. There are also additional policy provisions requiring consideration of effects on existing water permits and existing investment when setting flow and level regimes. For further information, please contact Federated Farmers policy advisor, Lionel Hume by clicking here, or phone 0800 FARMING.

Lake Taupo variation - The last remaining issue concerning the Lake Taupo Variation, which concerned monitoring, came up for mediation during the week. Parties came to an agreement on that issue so now all that remains before the Variation comes into force, is for the Environment Court to issue its final decision and Environment Waikato to formally approve it. While these mediations and negotiations have been going on, farmers have been able to continue farming at their historic levels and Federated Farmers has had the opportunity to work with the council towards getting monitoring methods that might work on farm. Once the Variation has been finalised by the Environment Court and approved by the council, farmers will then have six months to lodge their resource consent applications to obtain their nitrogen discharge allowances (NDA) and settle their nitrogen management plans (NMP). Federated Farmers is committed to ensuring that, as the Variation is put into practice, it will be workable for farmers and we are keeping a watchful eye on authorities to ensure they do their best to ensure farming in the Lake Taupo catchment remains viable.

Subsidised fencing - Horizons Regional Council is offering subsidies on new stream fencing to all dairy farmers who sign up for this special offer before 30 November 2010.  Subsidies can be for as much as 50 percent of the cost of fencing streams on your farm, but better than that, if you team up with some of your neighbours - up to 75 percent of the fencing costs may be reimbursed. To register, please call Horizons on 0508 800 800 and ask for Ruth.  Once registered, you will be visited on-farm and then a fencing plan will be forwarded to you, this will state the agreed contribution to be made by Horizons. Fencing must be completed by June 30, 2011 to be eligible for the subsidy. So get cracking and talk with your neighbours about this great offer and give Ruth a call.

Well done Waimate District Council - Federated Farmers South Canterbury is applauding the decision by Waimate District Council, to withdraw a proposed variation to the utilities section of its District plan. The council had originally proposed the variation to "give effect to the 2008 National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission". Transpower, however, made 25 submissions to the proposal requesting several restrictions and controls and a 64 metre 'corridor' to coincide with the transmission lines. Federated Farmers South Canterbury opposed these proposals claiming they were an outright attack on property rights. The council, which released its decision last week, believes existing legislation provides sufficient protection for the transmission system. Federated Farmers South Canterbury provincial president, Dr. William Rolleston, says that the decision is not only a victory for Federated Farmers policy staff, but also for common sense, the Waimate District Council is to be congratulated and by handling the issue this way it means that time and resources will not be wasted in the appeal and mediation process.

Rural land market improves, slightly - Median farm prices have shown a slight improvement when compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) Rural Market Report. The median farm price for the three months to September 2010 was $1,012,500, which is well up on the median price of $877,500 for the same period last year.  In the three months to the end of September 2010, 164 farms changed hands, a 14.6 percent decrease on the 192 sold in the three months to August, but just 7.9 percent down on the 178 sold in the three months to September 2009. Although the national median farm sale price showed a slight improvement in the three months to September 2010, compared to the same period last year, it was still well down on the median of $1,672,500 for the equivalent period in 2008. The rural land market remains constrained, but REINZ thinks that higher optimism around dairy incomes may be causing a modest revival. 

Lower North Island passenger train and stock (16 and 19 October) - Steam Incorporated is running a steam locomotive-hauled passenger train between 16 and 19 October and wishes to advise farmers along the route to move stock, if they think the train could trouble stock. On Saturday, 16 October, the train will depart from Napier at approximately 7.25am, travel to Gisborne and is expected back in Napier at 10pm. On Sunday, 17 October, the train will depart Napier at approximately 7.15am and will arrive in Feilding at approximately 4pm. On Monday, 18 October, the train will then depart from Feilding at approximately 8am and is expected in Wanganui at approximately 4.25pm. Another train will also be leaving Feilding at 8am, traveling to Marton and then is expected back in Feilding at 12.30pm. On Tuesday, 19 October, the train will depart Wanganui at approximately 8.30am and will arrive into Paekakariki at approximately 2pm.

Calling all friendly farmers - Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre is now up and running with the new Primary Industries Trades Academy (PITA) and is keen for you to be involved. PITA is all about giving students, who are still at school, the opportunity to explore a pathway into a career in New Zealand's primier industry - agriculture. If you are based in the Wellington, Kapiti, Wairarapa, Horowhenua, Tararua, Manawatu, Rangitikei or Wanganui areas, this is a great opportunity for you to give something back to our next generation of farmers and agricultural workers.  Taratahi is currently looking for properties for students who are still at school, to come out and spend some time on a farm for real working experience. Taratahi is asking for 17 days, to give these keen students the kick start that they need to follow through for a career in agriculture. If you wish to take up this opportunity, or would like more information, please contact Becky Grooby on 027 591 3843 or email clicking here.

Transport meeting - North Canterbury Federated Farmers is holding two transport meetings in order to inform farmers of the rules and requirements for operating farm machinery on roads. The first will be held in Darfield on Wednesday, 20 October, followed by a meeting in Rangiora on Thursday, 21 October. Both meetings will run from 1 - 4pm. These will be practical meetings where farmers will "kick the tyres" to discuss the implications of transport rules on a number of commonly used agricultural machines. Federated Farmers policy staff will be present and your feedback will provide direction for future transport policies. In addition, officials from Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit, the New Zealand Transport Authority and the Ministry of Transport  will be there to provide farmers with an opportunity to ask any questions they might have. For more information, please contact Policy Advisor, Matt Scott on 0800 327 646 or by clicking here.

Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre council meeting - The Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre council will be meeting in Wellington on Tuesday, 26 and Wednesday, 27 October. A copy of the meeting agenda is now available and can be downloaded by clicking here. If you wish to attend this event, please complete and submit a registration form ASAP, by clicking here. For more information, please contact Events and Leadership Manager, Kimberley Wadsworth, on 0800 327 646.

2011 Goats Conference - Federated Farmers Goats will be holding its annual conference in Central Otago from 21-23 February 2011. The venue will be the Centennial Court Motor Inn in Alexandra. The first day (Monday, 21 February) will comprise an optional sight-seeing tour, including farm visits. The conference and AGM will follow the normal format on 22-23 February. It is anticipated that registration details will be mailed to members and posted on the Federated Farmers website, before the end of October. In the meantime, those considering attending the conference may wish to check flight details in and out of Queenstown - there are some very attractive offers available at the moment.

Tui night out - Federated Farmers Tararua is inviting farmers to join Federated Farmers President, Don Nicholson and Chief Executive, Conor English for a well deserved night out. On Wednesday, 10 November from 6 - 10pm, the Federated Farmers Tararua executive will be hosting a dinner and drinks at the Tui head quarters in Mangatainoka. Tickets are $10 and include a BBQ dinner and up to three beers, but get in quick there are only 200 tickets available. For more information, please contact Federated Farmers East Coast Field Officer, Andrea Beagley on 027 551 1673 or email her by clicking here. 

Grow your knowledge and advance your agribusiness career - You can grow your knowledge and advance your career with Agriculture ITO's National Diploma in Agribusiness Management (Level 5). For those in or aiming for a position in agribusiness management or ownership, this high level qualification recognises the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage agribusiness resources, to develop business and financial plans and analyse performance and investment opportunities. To enrol, or find out more, contact your local Agriculture ITO training advisor on 0800 691 111 or visit www.agricultureito.ac.nz.

Employment workshops - Federated Farmers will be holding its highly popular employment workshops throughout October and November 2010 and then again in February and March, 2011. The major topics covered will include the 90-day trial period, discipline and dismissal, ACC claims, best practice, holidays and leave. The cost per workshop is $35 for members and $60 for non-members. The first workshops are being held on Tuesday, 26 October in Wellsford and Dargaville, then on Wednesday, 27 October in Hikurangi and Kerikeri and in Kaitaia, on Thursday, 28 October. The second week of workshops will be held in the South Island on Monday, 1 November in Amberley and Cheviot, Tuesday, 2 November in Kaikoura and Blenheim, Wednesday, 3 November in Tapawera and Takaka, and then on Thursday, 4 November in Reefton and Moana and in Hari Hari on Friday, 5 November. For more information on attending a workshop and to find out workshop dates and venues, please click here, call 0800 327 646 or email events@fedfarm.org.nz.

Interested in lifting your resource management skills? - Open Polytechnic's National Certificate in Agribusiness Management: Resource Management, is for people managing resources in an agribusiness. 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 $5000 dream holiday - Escape the wet spring this year wit ruraltrader.co.nz. Along with 1-day.co.nz and Flight Centre, they are giving away $5000 worth of holiday vouchers in October and best of all, entry is totally free. Simply visit the competition page on ruraltrader.co.nz or by clicking here.

Selling or buying stock? - Make sure you are covered with a written agreement. To purchase yours at member only rates, click here to visit our website or call 0800 327 646. This could save you over $105.

Supplying or buying grain? - Buy an agreement and ensure you are covered. Members can purchase a pad of 15 agreements for only $48, which is a saving of over $105 per purchase. To order yours, please call 0800 327 646 or click here to visit our website.

Time is running out - Get your quote for health insurance and take advantage of the great 90-day offer Accuro Health Insurance is offering only to Federated Farmers members. Accuro is also offering members a minimum 5 percent discount (expiring on 30 November 2010).  For a quote, click here and log into the member only section or call 0800 222 876.

Treat yourself with Winesonline - For an ever changing selection of award winning wines, check out 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.

Quote of the week - "Thank you very much for the bag of goodies, my family is very grateful. My mum and dad have been very upset as most of our lambs have died." Jessica Dermody thanks Federated Farmers for their help during the Southland storms.