Quarter of a million rural customers should expect cheaper mobile rates - Read more »
Farming wages well ahead of non-farm wages, Rabobank / Federated Farmers survey shows - Read more »
Hawke's Bay farmers welcome adverse event declaration -  Read more »

Ruapehu - Everyone is welcome to attend the Federated Farmers Ruapehu Annual General Meeting and Conference at the Taumarunui Cosmopolitan Club, from 2.30 pm on Wednesday 18 May. Speakers at the event include Bob Carter, chief science advisor, International Climate Science Coalition, Jacqueline Rowarth, professor of pastoral agriculture, Massey University, Bruce Wills, chairperson, Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre and Kirsten Bryant, director, Beef & Lamb NZ.  Everyone is also invited to join us for drinks and dinner after the meeting. Please RSVP to Audrey Walker on 06 894 5833 or email ajwalker@farmside.co.nz by Saturday May 14 to reserve a seat for the dinner, which will cost $38 per person.

Bay of Plenty - The provincial AGM will be held on Tuesday, 10th May 2011 at the Edgecumbe Memorial Hall from 9.00 a.m.  A great line up of speakers from 10 a.m. include  James Shortall, Cameron Peat, Alasdair MacLeod, David Todd, Donald Aubrey and Lachlan McKenzie who will cover a range of topics, from the Red Meat Strategy to world markets. A delicious morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and "happy hour" will be provided followed by a scrumptious smorgasbord dinner at $25 per person. 

Otago - Regarding Otago Regional Council's draft Annual Plan - Federated Farmers submitted congratulating Council's restraint, which has seen the general rates increase kept to below inflation. Council can do better with the way these rates are distributed though, and we asked they make greater use of the uniform charge to fund "per person" activities. We also submitted in support of Council's proposal to invest in irrigation scheme equity, to enable some schemes to get off the ground, recognising the likely economic and ecological benefits created by better irrigation in Otago. On the contentious Taieri drainage schemes and flood protection scheme issue, we submitted that Council defer the application of their reclassification until they have covered off concerns around consultation, the need for a simultaneous funding policy review, an economic assessment of benefit factors and an external review of the approach taken.

Golden Bay - Following the Federated Farmers Golden Bay Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 3 May John Harwood was elected as the regional Meat & Fibre chair. He replaces his brother Nigel Harwood who will remain on the executive.  John Harwood runs a sheep cattle deer and dairy farm of 2500 hectares and has two children. "We hope John picks up where his brother left off. Its great to get some new blood in and continue the good work Federated Farmers is doing in boosting the performance of the meat and fibre industry," said Graham Ball, Federated Farmers Golden Bay president.

Nelson region gets a Federated Farmers provincial president - Following the Federated Farmers Nelson Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 4 May, Gavin O'Donnell was elected as the new provincial president.  Mr O'Donnell was Nelson's Meat & Fibre chairperson and a successor will be determined in the coming weeks.  Mr O'Donnell is the property manager for Fairhill Trust, a 360 hectare livestock operation. He has previously worked for the Canterbury A&P Association for eight years before that. He is working currently on his new business, Slope Solutionz, a company importing agricultural equipment from Switzerland.  "Edwin has been a fantastic president these last six years and I will be looking to continue the work he has done. He has built some great working relationships with the various associations Federated Farmers works with, such as the Tasman District Council," Mr O'Donnell said. Mr Newport is staying on the executive to assist with the transition and will continue to offer advice. "I wish Gavin well and can say I have enjoyed working with so many great people. It is such a learning experience," said Mr Newport. All other office holders were returned.

Commodity prices up again - The ANZ Commodity Price Index posted a 1.6 percent increase in April. This was the eighth consecutive monthly rise in the series, taking the index to a new record high. The index has now doubled in value since the low point that was reached in February 2009, following the global financial crisis. Price increases were recorded for skins (up 19 percent), casein (up 11 percent), wool (up 8 percent), lamb prices (up 4 percent), and beef (up 1 percent).  On the other hand, price falls were recorded for milk powders (down between 5 and 6 percent) and butter (down 1 percent).  Cheese prices were unchanged.  The value of the New Zealand dollar recovered in April, after dipping in March. Consequently the ANZ NZD Commodity Price Index was weaker in April, easing 3.9 percent from March. However, the NZD valued series remains elevated, with April’s value the second-highest level since the series began in 1986.

Win an iPad2  - To celebrate the lighter aspects of farming life, Federated Farmers is putting up a brand new iPad 2 for the winner of its first ever funniest farming video competition.  "This competition is a chance for Kiwis, from both the city and the country, to showcase the humorous side of New Zealand's farming world," says Conor English, Federated Farmers chief executive.  Entries close on 31 May. For more details click here.

Changes will have to be made - The Gisborne-Wairoa province lodged a submission this week strongly opposing the Proposed National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS). Although confident the national submission will cover all the bases and pull no punches informing the Ministry for the Environment how unacceptable the NPS is in its present form, the East Coast region with its huge areas of indigenous vegetation cover is likely to feel the burden of policies more heavily than elsewhere in New Zealand. Provincial president Hamish Cave is aware of the stress this is causing many members and wants to assure them their concern has been registered with the Ministry. Hamish thanks those members who took the time to write their own submissions on this very serious matter. With all the feedback we feel confident the Ministry will have throw the NPS out or make significant changes to it. 

Bovine tuberculosis control programme - The Animal Health Board (AHB) is urging farmers and herd owners in the Waikato, Canterbury and Horizons regions to be visible in their local regional council public gallery to support the AHB's bovine tuberculosis (TB) control programme. Each regional council is proposing to cut its contribution to the programme, which would also significantly reduce central government and farming sector investment in the programme. Any cut to the regional council contribution would seriously compromise our ability to eradicate TB in the region.
Regional council draft annual plan 2011/12 public hearings dates are:
Environment Canterbury: Monday 9 May to Wednesday 11 May
Horizons: Monday 23 May, Wednesday 25 May and Thursday 26 May
Environment Waikato: Monday 16 May to Wednesday 18 May   

Waipahi and Wairuna environmental risk assessment field event - With many Waipahi and Wairuna farms risking potential waterway contamination from stock access, bank erosion and wintering stock, Otago Regional Council is holding a field day at David and Gaynor Linklater's farm (532 Waipahi Station Road in Waipahi, South Otago), on Thursday 12 May from 1-3pm.  A Google Map is available here.

Red Meat Sector Strategy Report released - Beef and Lamb New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association have released this document, which is designed to identify and substantiate the areas where the largest gains can be made by the sector; in-market co-ordination, efficient and aligned procurement and sector best practice.  To download a summary or obtain the full report and to submit your views on the strategy, click here.

AFGHANISTAN: Agricultural support programme - Field Manager - The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) are in the process of establishing an agricultural support programme (ASP) in Bamyan Province, Afghanistan, aimed at increasing farming incomes and on-farm productivity. A field manager is required to support the programme which would ideally start from May/June 2011 for a period up to 9 months. The programme is expected to cover select crops (wheat, potato and fruit) and livestock (goat, sheep and beef) and include both farm production and value chain improvements. The position will manage the initial setup and year one activities of the programme, conduct discussions with relevant Afghanistan Government agencies, private sector actors and farmer groups and develop the year one work plans and budgets. They will also be required to implement a discrete set of agricultural activities. Ideally the field manager position will have practical farm experience as well as experience working within a developing country context. Given the role is largely project management focused a broad understanding of the agricultural sector is required however MFAT do not expect applicants to have extensive experience in all the agricultural areas above. Please express interest to Mark Ross asap. For more information at any time, please contact Mark Ross, General Manager, Policy and Advocacy at Federated Farmers - mross@fedfarm.org.nz

Join the campaign for wool.  The Campaign for Wool is an international campaign led by HRH the Prince of Wales to boost the desirability and awareness of wools. Since if it's worth doing, it's worth sharing, farmers can officially join up to the campaign by visiting www.campaignforwool.co.nz, or by clicking here to join as a ‘licensed participant'. This means you'll be able to use the registered trademarks and ensure you get notified about activities both within New Zealand and around the world. 

Gypsy Day - If you are changing addresses please let us know by calling 0800 327 646. If you are employing staff, Federated Farmers have a variety of employment contracts at a discounted rate for members. For more details, click here to go to our website.

Reminder; Agmardt is seeking an Associate Board Member - the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (Agmardt) is looking for a person to join it as an Associate Board Member.  This is a major chance to gain governance experience with a body, which invests $2.5 million each year in order to encourage innovative ideas, research capability and develop future leaders.  The appointment is for a fixed term of up to 18 months starting 1 July.  For more details, click here.

Applications Open for Access Scholarship - Access and Rural Women New Zealand are looking for deserving applicants for their 2011 scholarship. "We will be awarding the Rural Women New Zealand and Access Scholarship to a health professional to help further his or her studies," says Rural Women New Zealand National President, Liz Evans.  "Given our rural focus, we are particularly looking for someone who has an interest in providing health or disability services in the rural sector."  Applications close on 1 July and preference will be given to applicants who are studying at post-graduate level. Further information and application forms can be found at www.ruralwomen.org.nz or www.access.org.nz.

DairyNZ's Face to Face event - Free to levy-paying farmers and their staff, this event is designed to take some of the latest research and development out to the regions. You have the opportunity to discuss regional challenges and issues with some of DairyNZ's key staff and find out where your levy is invested. The dates and venues are as follows:
Thursday 26 May   - DairyNZ Face-to-Face in Waikato, Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton. For a full programme click here, registration prior to the event is essential and can be done online, via DairyNZ's website.

PGG Wrightson National Seminar Series,  Leading thinking in Agriculture  - This series continues with seminars on sheep/beef on May 2, 13, 20 and 27 and on dairy on May 12 and 19. To register, or for more information click here. 

Field day - Everyone is invited to a field day at the farm of Ballance Farm Environment Award 2011 supreme winners Ray and Lyn Craig.  This event will be held wet or fine. Please bring a 4WD vehicle. This will be held on Wednesday 11 May, from 1 - 4pm, followed by a barbeque at Lynx Farm, 78 Lincoln Road, Carterton.

Federated Farmers National Conference 2011 - Federated Farmers National Conference 2011 is nearly upon us. This year, this premiere agricultural conference will be held from Wednesday, 29 June to Friday, 1 July 2011 at Distinction Rotorua, 390 Fenton Street, Rotorua. It will also incorporate the Annual Geberal Meetings for Federated Farmers' Dairy and Meat & Fibre sections and Federated Farmers National Council. Also included is the plenary session, a combination of the industry group conference and the National Conference. The theme this year is ‘Agri-Evolution.'

Lunch with the Prime Minister and Plenary Session - Prior to the plenary session New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, will be speaking at lunch on Thursday, 30 June. We would like to thank Telecom New Zealand for sponsoring the lunch. The afternoon plenary session will encompass guest speakers including Trade Me head of operations Mike O'Donnell and Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Sir Paul Callaghan, as well as a range of New Zealand politicians. Our goal is to shape the future of New Zealand farming through thought provoking comment from our speakers.

Awards Evening - Federated Farmers Awards are about celebrating the success of our Agricultural Industry and the people who help make it so. The pre-dinner drinks and awards dinner will be held on Thursday, 30 June from 6.30pm. There are three award categories: Agribusiness Person of the Year, Agri Personality of the Year and Cream of the Crop, which recognises various national agricultural award winners. We would like to thank Ravensdown for proudly sponsoring Cream of the Crop this year.

Win at National Conference! - Federated Farmers would like to thank our sponsors and business partners for supporting National Conference 2011. Several spot prizes 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. The prizes to look forward to so far are:

•  Dulux Product Voucher to the value of $200.00
•  Two jackets from XCM Clothing
•  Transpower all weather outdoor jacket
•  Dreamwool Underquilt
•  Two gift packs from winesonline.co.nz
•  Vouchers from Bunnings
•  $50 Resene voucher; and a Resene beanie, fingerless gloves, chilly-bag and solar  phone charger'

A limited number of seats are available at each event over the three days, so early registration is recommended. Please visit www.fedfarm.org.nz/events to download a registration form. Registrations close on Friday, 13 May 2011.

Expand your staff's knowledge of cattle breeding in the run up to calving - Learn the fundamentals of breeding and producing healthy livestock with AgITO's National Certificate in Agriculture (Cattle Breeding) (Dairy Cattle Farming) (Level 3). Topics covered include; mating, calving and rearing calves and young stock. You'll learn to understand the selection processes for breeding cattle, understand cattle reproduction and the best ways to achieve top conception rates, identify cows on heat and understand the process of calving and associated health issues.  To enrol or find out more, contact your local AgITO training adviser today on 0800 691 111 or visit www.agito.ac.nz.

Livestock catastrophe insurance - Farming is never predictable, so it makes sense to ensure you're protected for any eventuality. That's why FMG are introducing a brand new insurance product, designed specifically for the sheep farming industry. It's called Livestock Catastrophe Insurance and as the name suggests, it's designed to mitigate the impact on the bottom line resulting from livestock fatalities incurred during climatic events - or a natural disaster. You can find out more about this innovative industry-first at their on-farm event on 13 May at the Strahan Farm in Kimbolton. For more details and to express your interest email rsvp@fmg.co.nz   FMG, supporting the sheep farming industry for over 100 years.

Devan Plastics - Devan has been involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of a range of rotationally moulded plastic products, focusing primarily on the agricultural and rural lifestyle market sectors. Devan's core products are its water tanks ranging from 750 up to 30,000l, these are being used for agricultural and commercial purposes, including  the storage of molasses and chemicals.  Also available are waste water systems, septic tanks and spray tanks. Call 0800 500 026 to find out about exclusive Federated Farmers pricing specials. Devan, built tank tough.

Versatile is warming your heart! Sign up for any of Versatile's 40 great homes and get a free installed heat pump. Hurry - only 30 to give away!  If you haven't already checked out Versatile's fantastic home plans do it today. Plus, visit our website to enter to win one of 30 rugby balls signed by Richie McCaw.  Terms and Conditions apply. Call 0800 VERSATILE or visit www.versatile.co.nz for further details.

Workplace drug and alcohol policy - Are you aware of the risks associated with personnel working on your farms under the influence of non prescription drugs or alcohol?  Unfortunately, misuse of drug and alcohol in the workplace is increasing within the rural sector.   Call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) to purchase a copy of this policy that has been designed especially for the rural sector in association with our legal team.

Versatile's May mark down - They've got outrageous deals on garage kitsets. Single garage kitsets are priced from $4599 and double garage kitsets from $5699. Visit their website to enter to win one of thirty rugby balls signed by Richie McCaw.  Terms and conditions apply. Hurry, for this is for May only! To find out what other great deals are available, call 0800 VERSATILE or visit www.versatile.co.nz.

Winesonline.co.nz - Save up to $132.00 per dozen on this week's special wines. To view these and many other fantastic award winning wines at unbelievably low prices, look no further than winesonline.co.nz.

Need a contract or agreement? - Federated Farmers have it covered. Federated Farmers legal team and members have developed a vast range of contracts and agreements that are produced for the rural sector. These contracts and agreements cover most issues that can often prove detrimental to farmers namely; employment contracts for permanent, fixed term and casual employees, Variable order share milking agreements, NZ herd owning agreements, grazing leases, deed of lease for rural land, workplace drug and alcohol policies and much more. These products are available to members from just $50 + GST. 

Rural jobs - Looking for staff or seeking a new position within the farming sector?  Visit www.ruraljobs.co.nz to view a range of positions available. Call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) to discuss your contractual needs. 

Quote of the week: As a country, over the last ten years we spent a dollar twenty for every dollar we've earned, some where down the line the bank will ask us to pay back our credit card, Lachlan McKenzie, speaking at the  Manawatu/Rangitikei AGM.