Inflation of concern to farmers -  Read more »

Crossing the capital gains tax Rubicon -  Read more »
Here to help -  Read more »
Cycling between sitting ducks and parliamentary positions - Read more »

Rural sales up, prices down - There was a further improvement in the number of rural sales across New Zealand in the three months to June 2011, according to statistics from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.  Overall, there were 393 farm sales in the three months to end of June2011 compared with 364 sales in the three months to May 2011 and 302 sales in the three months to June 2010.

However, although the number of sales is on the rise, the median price per hectare for all farms sold in the three months to June 2011 was down to $15,568 compared to $17,199 in the three months to May 2011 and $17,772 for the three months to June 2010. The median price per hectare is now at its lowest point since July 2004 and continues the downward trend in median prices evident since early 2009.

Inflation higher than expected - The Consumer Price Index rose 1.0 per cent in the three months ended June 30, pushing the annual rate to a 21-year high 5.3 per cent, according to Statistics New Zealand. That outpaced the 0.8 per cent quarterly and 5.1 per cent annual rate forecast by economists and is also faster than the Reserve Bank had been expecting.  Around 70 per cent of the latest increase came from petrol, food, air travel and electricity.  The larger than expected increase will add impetus for the Reserve Bank to hike the OCR sooner rather than later, although the high exchange might hold its fire for now.

Dairy prices down again - Average prices of dairy products fell to their lowest level since early December in Fonterra's latest online auction. The GDT-TWI Price Index fell 5.1 per cent to US$3,796 a metric tonne and follows a 6.7 per cent decline in the last sale two weeks ago. Prices fell for a third straight sale, but are still well above both the Real GDT-TWI 10-year average and prices prevailing this time last year.

Rabobank Agribusiness review - Prepared by Rabobank's specialist Food and Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) division, the New Zealand and Australia Agribusiness Review provides monthly commentary on the region's economic and agricultural conditions. As a snapshot of the food and agribusiness sectors, the review includes recent price and market trend data and analysis and covers a range of topics. Click here to read the latest copy.

Rotorua - After a stand off of more than ten years, Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collective incorporated, members being farmers in the catchment, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with members of the Lakes Water Quality Society (LWQS). Referred to as the "Waiora Accord", it has come from meetings between the Minister of Environment, LWQS and the Collective, facilitated by local MP Mr Todd McClay.
The purpose of the Waiora Accord is to formalize the agreement for the two parties to come together to agree on solutions to decrease nutrients into Lake Rotorua.The joint aims are for a clean and healthy lake and a viable agricultural economy in the catchment. Together, the two parties will be able to access funding that will help implement mitigation strategies that come out of the Sustainable Farming Fund project and other research.This is a defining moment for all parties involved. It is seen as a way forward to work constructively and collaboratively towards the common goal, being a reduction of nutrient leaching in the lakes catchment.

New contact details? - At Federated Farmers we want to keep you in the know when mother nature hits or if there is something urgent we think you should know about. If your phone number or address has changed please email us by clicking here or phone 0800 Farming.

Velodrome next to St Peter's School in Cambridge - Submissions are now being called for by the Waikato Regional Council to ensure you can have your say on the proposed Velodrome next to St Peter's School in Cambridge. Each submission lodged is counted, which also has a bearing on overall decision. As ratepayers, do you want to assist with funding $6 million for a national cycling centre? Click here to log on to have your say. 

Unwanted or expired Agrichemical collection in Otago/Southland - The Agrecovery Rural Recycling programme will shortly be holding collections for unwanted or expired agrichemicals in the Otago and Southland regions. Booking your chemicals for disposal is easy, simply click here to book disposal online or call Agrecovery for a booking form on 0800 247 326.  Bookings are required by 2 September.  For more details click here or phone 0800 247 326.

Freshwater Management National Policy Statement (NPS) workshops - The Ministry for the Environment will be running workshops on the Freshwater Management NPS which took effect on 1 July 2011.  The aim of the workshop is to raise awareness and ensure people understand the policy statement. There will also be an opportunity for people to ask questions about the implications of the Freshwater Management NPS.  

Workshops will be held in:

• Hamilton on Monday 25 July at 1pm at the Kingsgate Hotel in Te Rapa.
• Wellington on Wednesday 27 July at 1pm at the Kingsgate Hotel in Thorndon.
• Christchurch on Monday August 1 at 1pm at the Lincoln Events Centre on Williams street North.

Dairy Farm Effluent Management programme - Turn effluent from a problem into a resource on your farm by attending AgITO's Dairy Farm Effluent Management programme.The two workshop series will help you and your farm team gain the knowledge and skills your business needs to maximise profits and meet the highest standards of dairy farm effluent management. The Effluent Management Planning workshop, for farm managers, sharemilkers and owners, allows you to evaluate your current dairy effluent system and make informed decisions about planned improvements to your systems and related management practices. The Dealing with Dairy Farm Effluent workshop ensures your whole team is aware of their responsibilities in keeping the farm effluent system efficient and effective. To enrol or find out more, contact your local AgITO adviser today on 0800 691 111 or visit our website at www.agito.ac.nz.

Agribusiness Innovation Grants - AGMARDT is offering Agribusiness Innovation Grants to farmer based groups. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2011. For more details click here.

Devan Plastics - If you need a water tank, call Devan Plastics now for $100 off or a free level indicator,  any size 10,000 litres and up.  Call 0800 5000 26 or visit ww.devan.co.nz. Don't forget to quote your Federated Farmers number when ordering.

Winesonline.co.nz - Australians call it Shiraz, New Zealanders call it Syrah. Whatever you want to call it, Winesonline have it from just $9.95 per bottle. Have a look at these fantastic wines and all their other great deals at www.winesonline.co.nz

Benefits available to all members from Federated Farmers Sponsors and Partners - Federated Farmers is proudly sponsored by many key businesses that give members special offers and great purchasing discounts off products such as mobile communications, paint, water tanks, health insurance, clothing, stationary, Bunnings products, accommodation, tyres and much more.  Click here to see what is available to all members when you show your Federated Farmers New Zealand membership card.

Considering new staff? - Call our customer services team on 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING) to order the correct employment contract for your staff needs.  An up to date range of Individual Agreements is available including Fixed Term, Casual and Permanent employment contracts.  These employment products are just $50 + GST for members, non members may also purchase these at the unsubsidised price of $150 + GST. 

Quote of the week -  "A non-farming mate came around the dog box the other day and spotted the headline ‘Bruce Wills Feds new president', or words to that affect.  "What? The movie star?  I'll be he's a Die Hard farmer!"... - Rural News, The Hound