Federated Farmers - January 2011

Arable Bulletin

The bi-monthly newsletter from Federated Farmers Grain & Seed

Wheat Insurance for the Coming Harvest 2010-2011

United Wheat Growers, in conjunction with FMG, have set the insurance levy and disaster payout for the coming season.

The premium from 1 February 2011 will be $4.35/tonne plus GST and the disaster payout will be $220/tonne plus GST.

The payout is the same as last year but the premium has unfortunately increased as a result of the two serious disaster years we have experienced, back to back.
Frost cover began on 15 November 2010

A Reminder to Growers how the Insurance Scheme Works

The premium is paid in arrears and is based on the tonnage delivered, regardless of whether this is to a flour mill or any other end user. The end user deducts the levy (currently $4.00/t plus GST) from the payment and sends this on to UWG.

However, if wheat is sold to a dairy or pig farmer who has not deducted the insurance levy, then it is the grower's legal responsibility to forward the current levy for every tonne sold on to UWG.

This is a compulsory levy, not an optional levy and has been voted in by growers every five years since its inception in 1986.

Levy payment forms are available both as a paper form and online via the Foundation for Arable Research website (www.far.org.nz). The paper form is being distributed with the FAR levy forms in January 2011 or can be obtained from the UWG secretarial office of Brown Glassford, who can be contacted on 03 3650-881 or via email at allison.brook@brownglass.co.nz.

UWG has no problem with private farmer to farmer selling, provided they levy is paid. The situation is also the same if the wheat has not been sold but used as feed within the same operation. UWG, in conjunction with FAR, carry out an annual compliance audit to check levies are being paid correctly.

We are a farmer owned and operated co-operative that was set up by our predecessors and have become the envy of other product groups both here and overseas. Growers are automatically in his scheme which provides disaster relief insurance for a fraction of the cost of commercial cover; however, we rely on the premium from every tonne of wheat harvested.

If You Have a Disaster

If a grower is unfortunate enough to have a disaster, they should register the claim with FMG by telephone 0800 366 466.

FMG will appoint an assessor. This person is a local grower, possibly a director or member of the Electoral Committee. The assessor makes an initial appointment to visit your crop and then subsequent visits to determine the loss.

In the past no settlement or payment has been made until the undamaged wheat has been delivered and final weights have been received. Last year this system became unworkable with some growers holding wheat on their farm for two or three years and FMG became unsure of their current exposure when setting the new levy which is done annually. This will not happen in the future.

Frost in South Otago and Southland

Growers in South Otago and Southland who received a frost on 9 December 2010 should be checking their crops for damage. If in doubt, contact your local Electoral Committee member.

Silos – QAgrainz

Remember to continue to keep record for each crop after harvest for your QAgrainz records. Each year we receive enquiries from growers who have wheat damaged in store. The initial claim is for a silo which has leaked, causing the grain to be ruined.

The assessor generally finds a very large brand new silo. The crop would have been harvested at good moisture but on a very hot day. Practices that were okay for small silos are a disaster in large silos. The grain is often a total loss and very difficult and dangerous to unload, leaving the silo rusting because the galvanising has been attacked.

The best remedy is airflow, but at least monitor your silos regularly. Temperature probes are available at a reasonable cost.

Wheat Competition

After harvest this year UWG is going to run the wheat competition again. This time our sponsor will be ATS. The format will be similar to previous years and the results will be announced at the Federated Farmers Grain & Seed Conference in the winter. Entry forms will be available both on our website and from our secretarial office after harvest.

I hope you all have a successful and safe harvest and wish you all the best for the New Year.

James Sim

Chairman

UWG NZ

If anyone would like to discuss issues raised in this newsletter or any queries concerning UWG NZ Ltd, they are welcome to contact either the Chairman, directors or any member of the Electoral Committee - contact details available on the UWG website (www.uwg.co.nz).

Drought line feed list

Federated Farmers provides a venue to introduce members who want to buy and sell feed. Federated Farmers does not take any part in the sale of feed. If a bid is accepted by a seller, a contract of sale will be formed between the buyer and the seller directly. We do not act as agent for either party and do not participate in any sale or transaction between you and other members.

You can access this service by calling our 0800 DROUGHT line (0800 376 844) during business hours.

The details that you will be asked to provide are:

Province, area where the feed is located
The seller's name
A contact number
Details of what feed you have available (feed type at least and other information they think will assist e.g. amount of material, bale size if relevant, if delivery can be arranged etc.)

The listings are for three weeks and will be removed at that time unless the seller contacts us to re-list.

The available feed is currently found by clicking here.

Please note that the Federation has no involvement in the commercial transactions and/or the risks around associated with this. Disclaimer information is also available by clicking here.

Training and education

FEDERATED FARMERS LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME 2011

Are you interested in becoming more involved in your community? Have you ever considered building your leadership skills to influence and inspire others? If this sounds like you, then we want you on our leadership programme. Federated Farmers is committed to growing new agricultural leaders and offers a two part leadership training opportunity. Our level two course, Shining Under the Spotlight, offers a challenging and positive environment to practice your presentation skills and strategic thinking. The next Shining Under the Spotlight course will be held 6 - 7 April 2011. This course is are run on site at the Federated Farmers Wellington office. To register or for more information, email events@fedfarm.org.nz or phone 0800 327 646. Our courses fill quickly so registering early will ensure you're not disappointed.

Member Benefits

RAVENSDOWN FLYSAFE®

Trust Ravensdown to protect your sheep from flystrike with new Flysafe® Liquid and Flysafe® Spray-On. Call 0800 100 123 for more information.

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.

Contacts

Please remember that if there are any issues you would like to discuss contact Federated Farmers on 0800 327 646, contact your local chairperson or one of the executive team as listed below.