Federated Farmers - October 2011

Butchers Blurb

A newsletter from Federated Farmers Rural Butchers

Chairperson's commentary

Mike Hanson Chairperson Federated Farmers Rural Buthcers - I began by welcoming everyone to the 12th Annual General Meeting of the Federated Farmers Rural Butchers industry group.

I noted the past year has definitely been one to remember. In particular, we did not expect the disaster and damage resulting from the Christchurch earthquakes. When both the September 4 and February 22 earthquakes happened, I called around a few butchers that I knew to see if they needed help of any sort and also I liaised with David Burt at Federated Farmers to ensure that none of our Rural Butcher members were badly affected by the quake.

The conference provided members with ways to add value to their operations and new ways to reach customers, from making the most from hides and skins to web designs and benefits.

A recent review of the Dual Operator Butchers (DOB) sector by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) showed the majority of DOB premises visited are meeting their requirements.

Unfortunately, a similar review of the Homekill and Recreational Catch Service Provider sector was not so rosy. The report found a number of issues need to be addressed, including a lack of awareness of MAF requirements and around the traceability of non-edible material.

A number of these issues will be followed up by MAF. The Federation will also be working with our members and MAF to ensure the sector lifts its performance where necessary.

Members had expressed concern about whether the verification process of their premises had changed, so a meeting was held with MAF in February in Wellington at which these and other issues were discussed. The meeting was very useful, as it allowed us to talk through our issues with MAF, who in turn were able to explain the reasons why they took the actions they did.

It was pleasing to be able to report that Rural Butchers member numbers remained steady over the past year.

The challenge of attracting new members to Federation Farmers Rural Butchers is on going. Past efforts, which typically involved writing letters and sending out copies of our Butchers Blurb newsletter have not proved very effective and I believe that it is time to consider new approaches. The Federation's team of regionally based Field Officers is now well established and over the coming year they will contact DOB and Homekill businesses that are not currently Federation members to make sure they are aware of the great value our membership provides.

I thanked all our executive committee members for all their help over the past year and David Burt, our Federated Farmers Policy Advisor for his work in making sure everything is in order and on time.

I concluded by saying that Federated Farmers and Rural Butchers Committee are a resource for members to use for enquires and other help, such as dealing with the media or assistance with matters raised by MAF. I urged members who need the Federations help to contact either myself, one of our executive team members or David Burt at the Federated Farmers Wellington Office

Mike Hanson
Chairperson
Federated Farmers Rural Butchers
Phone: 03 308 7354
Email: netherbymeats@xtra.co.nz

News

2011 Rural Butchers Conference and AGM - The 2011 AGM was held in Invercargill on Saturday 3 September at the Ascot Park Hotel. The conference began on Friday 2 September with a field trip to Bowmont Meats and Affco/Talleys South Pacific Meats' plant at Awarua.

The formal part of the event, the AGM, was held on Saturday where a number of interesting speakers addressed our members:
Bill Ritchie, from Lowe Corporation, spoke on maximising returns from hides and skins
Kerry Kawe, from Argusrealcold, spoke about the evolution of machinery
Peter Russell, a member of the Rural Butchers Executive, gave a presentation about his experience in developing his business website . He also spoke about packaging
Peter Brown, from MAF VAFP spoke on dual operator butcher compliance issues
Andrew Hudson presented a DVD that showed what his homekill business involved and we also saw a recreational killing focused DVD that showcased Mike Hanson's business

A second field trip took attendees to the Woodlands Butchery and the event concluded with a meal that evening.

A report on the conference will be written up and sent to members in the near future.

2011/2012 Rural Buthcers Executive - The 2010/2011 executive was re-elected.

Chairperson: Mike Hanson
Executive: Paul Clark, Craig Merritt and Peter Russell
Secretary: Sommai Hudson

Members are advised that some members of the executive will be standing down at the next AGM in September 2012. We would like you to think about joining the executive group and help provide leadership to the sector.

Information about what this involves can be obtained from any of the current executive members or from David Burt. The contact details are provided below.

Matters Arising - Member only conferences in future

The conference determined that, for a number of reasons, including the protection of value to existing members, only financial members of Federated Farmers Rural Butchers will be able to participate in future Rural Butchers conferences.

Homekill and dual operator butchers who are not members of the Federation will be advised of this change before the end of the 2011 year.

Development of a closer working relationship with MAF Verification Animal and Food Products
Federated Farmers Rural Butchers, a major industry stakeholder, is working with MAF VAFP on a document that will enable the consistent application of verification standards and greater national consistency in areas of the industry that need attention.

2012 Rural Butchers Conference - This event will be held in Hamilton on Saturday 1 September and a field trip will be arranged on Friday 31 August.

Members will be advised of where the 2012 conference will be held before the end of the year.

National Animal Identifaction and Tracing NAIT Scheme delayed - The implementation date of the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme, involving the mandatory tagging of cattle, is likely to come into effect on 1 July 2012, subject to the passing of the NAIT legislation.

The requirements around tagging of cattle can be found on the NAIT website by clicking here or by contacting David Burt at the Federation's Wellington office.

Notices

For sale - Any plant machinery that is for sale or wanted can be included in our next newsletter. Please forward relevant details to the Federated Farmers Rural Butchers secretary, Sommai Hudson, by clicking here.

New members wanted - Your membership is important as you give us the means and mandate to make a difference for farmers and rural businesses. Share your Federated Farmers experiences with others in the rural community and let them know what the benefits of belonging to Federated Farmers Rural Butchers are. If you know of any rural butchers who aren't Federated Farmers members you may wish to give them a call. Alternatively, pass on their contact details to David Burt and he will ensure that they are contacted. Thank you for your support and membership, it makes an important difference.

Employment Agreements - Federated Farmers has a completely up to date range of Contracts and Agreements to assist with all aspects of rural employment. We have employment contracts for fixed term, casual and permanent employment agreements, as well as Application for Employment forms, Application for Leave forms, Contract for Services and Occupational Health and Safety manuals.

Members pay from just $50 + GST, non members may also purchase from $150 + GST.

To discuss and order your employment contract and agreement needs call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) to talk with our Customer Service Team.

Special offers for Members of Federated Farmers - All current members enjoy great purchasing discounts when shopping with Federated Farmers sponsors. For example Resene Paints offer members a 25 percent discount off premium paint in the 500ml to 4 litre range, Swanndri gives a massive 20 percent discount off orders placed online and Avis provide an additional five percent discount off the best deal of the day. Remember to present your Federated Farmers card to our sponsors and enjoy the extra savings and benefits of being a member.

Our shop

Need Staff? - If you need staff or are looking for a job, visit www.ruraljobs.co.nz

Need a contract? - If you need a contract or free legal or employment advice, simply call 0800 327 646.

Contracts, Agreements and Leases - These include land, stock, contractor, sales and purchase, agreement to grow, log books, access pads, Over Dimension Certificates and employment. Remember, it's a legal requirement to have an employment contract for EVERY employee so if you don't have a current employment agreement, then order one now. Contracts, agreements and leases are available in both electronic and hard copy formats for your convenience. To purchase, call 0800 FARMING or click here.

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.