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Rabobank Agribusiness review - Prepared by Rabobank's specialist Food and Agribusiness Research and Advisory division, this review provides a snapshot of the food and agribusiness sectors, as well as recent price and market trend data and analysis.

Click here to read the latest copy. 

Milk - Federated Farmers presented its submission on the Price of Milk at the recent Parliamentary Commerce Select Committee hearings.  Our conclusions were that New Zealanders are not paying more for their milk over and above the cost of living increases that have taken place. We do not believe that either the farm-gate or factory-gate prices are too high, especially considering the levels and movements of international dairy commodity prices. However, we are keen to ensure the regulatory framework for setting these prices works effectively and fairly.  Read our submission here. 

Read our latest submission to the Ministry of Agriculture on the Raw Milk Regulations here.

School speed limits - In light of the recent school bus accident in Ruatoki, Rural Women New Zealand is once again calling for flashing 20 kilometres per hour signs to be installed on all school buses.  In rural areas cars regularly travel at 100 kilometres per hour, leaving our school children very vulnerable.  Go to our new Facebook page Speed Past School Buses and ‘Like' us to have your say and keep up with the latest developments on this important rural issue.

Mobile scam alert - If you receive a phone call on your mobile from someone saying they are a company engineer or they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press #90 or #09 or any other number, end the call immediately without pressing any numbers. A company is using a device that once you press #90 or #09, they can access your 'SIM' card and make calls at your expense. This is fraud.  Please pass this message on to as many colleagues, relatives and friends as you can, to stop this scam. 

Gisborne: New Zealand Grassland Association Conference - This year's conference will feature topical issues such carbon farming, drought prone pasture concerns, and will look at profitability and new science.  It will also include a session on addressing the challenges and opportunities of the Gisborne hill country using ten years of analysis. Two on-farm field trips will allow participants to view and learn about two Maori farm businesses and their challenges.

When: 7 -10 November

Where: Quality Hotel Emerald, Gisborne

To register click here or for a copy of the conference's draft agenda click here.

BOP M&F meeting - Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers' Meat & Fibre section will be holding its provincial meeting on Wednesday 12 October.  Beef & Lamb NZ's Richard Wakelin will speak about "Capturing the gains within the farm gate".  Supper and refreshments will be provided. 

When: Wednesday 12 October, 7pm

Where: Te Puke Club, 50 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke

For more information, call 07 573-7481 or email rrpow@xtra.co.nz.

Agri-Women's Development Trust Escalator - Escalator is a ten month programme specifically designed for women in the agricultural sector. It aims to create future leaders with the skills and capability to govern and lead rural organisations and communities.

It specifically addresses barriers rural women face in taking their skills to the next level and supports leadership and governance development in a continuous way. The next programme begins February 2012. To apply, click here. Applications close on 28 October 2011. For further information contact Lindy Nelson, ratahiwi@farmside.co.nz  or 06 375 0651.  

Courses in feeding and pastures - Maximising the health and quality of your pastures and stock is vital to a well-run farm. AgITO's National Certificate in Agriculture, Animal Feeding and Pastures (Level 3) addresses these areas.

The topics covered in the programme include; pasture species, weeds and the impact an agricultural system will have on soil. You'll also learn about different methods of grazing, how to balance the supply and demand of feed and assist with livestock grazing management.

To enrol or find out more, contact your local AgITO adviser today on 0800 691 111 or visit our website.

Ibis Hotel - Venture off the farm and into the Capital of Cool for these school holidays and receive ten percent off the best unrestricted rate of the day and complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Ibis Wellington.

Exciting new Bronze Sponsors soon to be announced - Fuel costs are usually a big expense for most farmers. Federated Farmers has now successfully negotiated some great purchasing discounts with two leading fuel suppliers for both service station and farm delivery.  Watch this space for the announcement!

Occupational Health and Safety Manual - This manual provides down to earth advice and information on how to avoid huge penalties and fines associated with on farm accidents or incidents.  This manual has been prepared specifically for the rural sector in conjunction with our legal team, so it is totally relevant and easy to read.  Each manual includes five Accident and five Hazard Registers.  

Members can purchase this manual for the subsidised price of $70 + GST by calling 0800 FARMING. It is also available to non members at $170 + GST. 

Wineonline - We have a limited amount of export labelled Lawson's Dry Hills, Mt Vernon white wines up for grabs, for just $8.85 per bottle. To check out this great offer click here.  

"Successful bylaws rely on respect from the users. This bylaw (Waikato District Council's Livestock Movement Bylaw) says that a mob of bulls can be moved on a gravel road without a permit, but not a mob of dairy cows. It also requires underpasses to be installed on roads with no traffic if that road is crossed on more than half the days of the week." - Wendy Clark, Federated Farmers Auckland President, Waikato Times September 27.