Media Releases 2012
Fonterra payout a global economy reality check
Released 22 May 2012
The second payout revision downwards by Fonterra Cooperative Group in just over two months, has been estimated to cut around $500 million from the economy. Read more »
Farmers redefine agriculture’s land and water interface
Released 18 May 2012
As one of 60 stakeholders and five iwi to agree with the Land & Water Forum’s second report, Federated Farmers is looking to move things forward. Read more »
New Zealand and Australia join forces at World Farmers’
Released 17 May 2012
Federated Farmers and the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) announce they will both apply for membership of international agricultural advocacy body, the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO). Read more »
Coronial recommendations must be practical
Released 16 May 2012
Federated Farmers is willing to contribute towards a major new study into whether coroners' recommendations are being acted upon. Read more »
Our rail line’s broken and we need it, farmers urge
Released 15 May 2012
Federated Farmers Gisborne-Wairoa has thrown its weight behind a campaign to get the Napier-Gisborne rail line repaired. Read more »
Do whatever it takes with fruit fly, farmers urge
Released 11 May 2012
Federated Farmers will back the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in whatever it must do to eliminate the threat of Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni). Read more »
Good news for High Country with pastoral rent amendment
Released 04 May 2012
After a prolonged battle, including the Minaret case in the Land Valuation Court, New Zealand’s High Country farmers are celebrating the final parliamentary stage of the Crown Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) Amendment Act. Read more »
Fuel depot reopening victory for people south of Lyttleton
Released 03 May 2012
Federated Farmers joins CRT in welcoming Chevron New Zealand’s decision to re-open its Timaru Storage Terminal. Read more »
Gloomy commodity picture weighs on the economy
Released 03 May 2012
With gloomy trade news almost daily, farmers are likely to revise their farm budgets downwards with big implications for both the provincial and national economy. Read more »
Dairy legislation under Select Committee microscope
Released 01 May 2012
Federated Farmers did not hold back when critiquing the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill before Parliament’s Primary Production select committee. Read more »
‘Cow pooling’ and Homekill
Released 30 Apr 2012
With ‘cow pooling’ in the spotlight following TV One’s Sunday programme, Federated Farmers Rural Butchers believes it has a role to play in reconnecting the public to their food. Read more »
Fonterra shareholder vote on trading plan ‘the right thing’
Released 23 Apr 2012
Trading Among Farmers and the proposed Shareholders Fund is increasingly white hot. Federated Farmers thanks Fonterra's Board for trusting its shareholders with the final say. Read more »
CraFarm decision a small part of much bigger picture
Released 20 Apr 2012
Overseas Investment Office (OIO) figures provided under the Official Information Act, shows urban expansion and carbon forestry potentially pose bigger threats to agriculture than the sale of the former CraFarms to Shanghai Pengxin. Read more »
Southland executive looking forward to tackling important issues
Released 18 Apr 2012
The Federation's Southland executive have agreed on a way forward and are focusing on the important issues of Federated Farmers. Read more »
Milk price drop no reflection on demand
Released 18 Apr 2012
World wide demand for milk products remains steady despite a 9.9 percent price index fall on the GlobalDairyTrade online market, reflecting the current abundance of milk being produced around the world. Read more »
Farmers need to ensure council hears their views on water Plan Change 6A
Released 16 Apr 2012
All Otago farm businesses will be affected by the proposed Regional Water Plan, so farmers need to make their own submissions to the Otago Regional Council (ORC) before they lose the opportunity to have a bearing on the final policy, Federated Farmers Otago provincial president Mike Lord says. Read more »
Broadband contract announcement a welcome first step
Released 16 Apr 2012
The government's announcement that providers have been contracted for the last of its Rural Broadband Initiative is a welcome step toward getting rural New Zealand on the information super highway. Read more »
We’re dairy farmers and we’re okay
Released 14 Apr 2012
Unlike melancholic American dairy farmers and depressed ‘lumberjacks’, the primary industry downunder is upbeat and fizzing. Read more »
Federated Farmers takes initiative on environmental stewardship
Released 13 Apr 2012
Hill country farmers look to manage their unique environmental challenges in line with the Federation's proactive initiatives on environmental stewardship. Read more »
Farmers welcome consultation on ETS amendments
Released 12 Apr 2012
Consultation on the next set of proposed amendments to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is good, accessibility of consultation venues isn't. Read more »
Southland’s Plan Change 13
Released 05 Apr 2012
The science around Environment Southland's Plan Change 13 has been spun faster than a washing machine on fast spin. Read more »
The milk wars enter a whole new phase
Released 04 Apr 2012
Far from being a promotional ‘stunt’ claimed by its rivals, supermarket Nosh has signed a bottling agreement to sell two litres of milk for $2.49. Read more »
Dairy Bill passes first reading
Released 03 Apr 2012
Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (DIRA) has passed its first reading. Read more »
Fonterra on track to break the $20 billion barrier
Released 29 Mar 2012
Fonterra Cooperative Group’s half year results mean it could be on track to break corporate New Zealand’s equivalent of the four minute mile. the $20 billion revenue barrier. Read more »
Dairy Bill vital to all Kiwis
Released 28 Mar 2012
The Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (DIRA) is of significant importance to New Zealand’s economic future. Read more »
Make $3.8 billion more through your pasture
Released 26 Mar 2012
Pasture renewal epitomises doing the basics better and with new seed types, could easily generate $3.8 billion dollars more for farrmers within 12 years. Read more »
Sir Paul Callaghan a ‘great’
Released 24 Mar 2012
Federated Farmers is saddened by news of Sir Paul Callaghan’s untimely death at the age of 64. Read more »
North Island farmers weather more storms
Released 21 Mar 2012
Most North Island farmers have got off fairly lightly after a second severe storm event in a single month. Read more »
Reforms good, but funding is the key
Released 20 Mar 2012
Federated Farmers welcomes the initial thrust of Local Government Minister Nick Smith’s planned local government reform, but urges him to also tackle funding reform to help councils focus on reducing spending, rates and debt. Read more »
Federation backs report to improve water science understanding
Released 20 Mar 2012
Federated Farmers welcomes the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s (PCE) report, Water quality in New Zealand: Understanding the science, which puts the responsibility for cleaning up our rivers and lakes on all New Zealanders, not just dairy farmers. Read more »
Federated Farmers Farm Day the best yet
Released 19 Mar 2012
Last weekend’s sunny weather saw people turn up in droves to Federated Farmers fourth annual Farm Day. Around 5000 people came along to the six host farms in Palmerston North, Christchurch, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Wellington; about 500 more people than last year. Read more »
Stunner day forecasted for Federated Farmers Farm Day
Released 15 Mar 2012
The weather is forecasted to be an absolute stunner all over New Zealand this Sunday March 18, so grab your gumboots and head to one of Federated Farmers six Farm Days. Read more »
Transpower's landgrab bigger issue than foreign ownership
Released 14 Mar 2012
The weather is forecasted to be an absolute stunner all over New Zealand this Sunday March 18, so grab your gumboots and head to one of Federated Farmers six Farm Days. Read more »
Fonterra payout revision ‘a fact of life’
Released 12 Mar 2012
Fonterra Cooperative Group’s 2.3 percent revision downward of its milkprice forecast for the 2011/12 season, demonstrates the trade exposed nature of our primary industries. Read more »
Delight at Federation members being named Landcare Ambassadors
Released 08 Mar 2012
Federated Farmers is delighted the environmental work of two members, Sue Brown and Andrew Hayes has been recognised in the inaugural NZ Landcare Trust Awards. Read more »
Attack on Federation’s advice misguided
Released 07 Mar 2012
Waikato District Council (WDC) attack on Federated Farmers for offering advice to Franklin farmers who will be affected by its incoming Stock Movement Bylaw is misguided. Read more »
Farmers applaud water clean up plan
Released 07 Mar 2012
Federated Farmers has joined other groups in welcoming the Government’s $8 million commitment on behalf of taxpayers to help clean up fresh water bodies. Read more »
Waikato District Council’s new Livestock Bylaw cannot be implemented before July
Released 06 Mar 2012
Franklin farmers in the Waikato District should understand the new Stock Movement Bylaw, but there is no rush for affected farmers to try gain permits until at least 1 July, despite being urged to apply now by the council Read more »
New Ministry for Primary Industries
Released 06 Mar 2012
The new Ministry for Primary Industries is more a Ministry for Exports. Read more »
Farmers conditionally back DIRA changes
Released 02 Mar 2012
Federated Farmers has conditionally backed changes to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA) and Raw Milk Regulations. Its submission stresses that any change to the DIRA for Fonterra’s Trading Among Farmers (TAF) hinges on supplier-shareholder endorsement. Read more »
Police and Federated Farmers combat rustlers
Released 29 Feb 2012
To combat rural crime and stock rustling, a recent meeting in Gisborne was an important step forward. Read more »
Wellingtonians invited to ‘their farm’ on March 18
Released 29 Feb 2012
Federated Farmers Wairarapa invites families in the Wellington region to experience a working sheep and beef farm that is the Battle Hill regional park. Read more »
World Shearing Championships
Released 29 Feb 2012
With 500 shearers and woolhandlers participating in the 52nd Golden Shears, the 2012 World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships are underway. Read more »
Federated Farmers reopens Feedline for Southland and South Otago farmers tomorrow
Released 26 Feb 2012
Federated Farmers reopens its Feed Information Line from Monday 27 February, for farmers in southern New Zealand. Read more »
It’s not what we’re eating, it’s how much we’re eating
Released 25 Feb 2012
Research by the University of Otago, calling into question the consumption of honey, ignores its benefits and the choices people make. Read more »
Cantabrians invited to ‘get on farm’ on Sunday, March 18
Released 23 Feb 2012
Federated Farmers North Canterbury invites families in Christchurch to experience a working Landcorp sheep and beef farm. Federated Farmers Farm Day takes place on Sunday, March 18 giving individuals and families the perfect chance to see how farms work. Read more »
New disease under MAF vigilance
Released 22 Feb 2012
Since Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was confirmed in England on January 23, Federated Farmers has been in contact with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for assurance of its biosecurity preparedness. Read more »
Auckland dairy farm invites the public to visit on March 18
Released 22 Feb 2012
Federated Farmers Auckland invites families to come to Karaka on Sunday, March 18 to see one of Auckland’s dairy farms in action. Federated Farmers Farm Day gives individuals and families the perfect chance to see how farms work. Read more »
Federated Farmers on leaked letter to Fonterra’s Board
Released 22 Feb 2012
Following the leak of a confidential letter to Sir Henry van der Heyden, Fonterra Board members, Fonterra Shareholders’ Council Board and Federated Farmers’ own Board, Federated Farmers has sent the letter to all members of Federated Farmers Dairy. Read more »
2012 Federated Farmers Farm Day
Released 21 Feb 2012
To find out more about Federated Farmers Farm Day on March 18 2012 visit www.farmday.co.nz. Read more »
Council and Transpower overstep mark with buffer zone proposal
Released 20 Feb 2012
Federated Farmers is opposing the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s moves to create buffer zones of up to 32 metres either side of electricity transmission lines. Read more »
Fonterra board and Federated Farmers to meet
Released 20 Feb 2012
Following Federated Farmers Dairy Council last week, the Federation’s Dairy executive and Fonterra Cooperative Group’s Board are to meet. Read more »
Manawatu dairy farm invites the public to visit on March 18
Released 17 Feb 2012
Federated Farmers Manawatu/Rangitikei invites families to experience a working dairy farm on Sunday, March 18. Federated Farmers Farm Day gives individuals and families the perfect chance to see how farms work. Read more »
Papamoa dairy farm invites the public to visit on March 18
Released 16 Feb 2012
Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty invites families to come to Papamoa on Sunday, March 18, to see one of the Bay’s dairy farms in action. Federated Farmers Farm Day gives individuals and families the perfect chance to see how farms work. Read more »
Counting down to Rotorua's Farm Day
Released 15 Feb 2012
New Zealand’s smartest bulls will be on show at Federated Farmers Rotorua/Taupo Farm Day, taking place on Sunday, March 18 in Rotorua. Federated Farmers Farm Day gives individuals and families the perfect chance to see working farms in action. Read more »
High Court farms decision could deliver certainty
Released 15 Feb 2012
When the CraFarm receivership finally comes to an end, Federated Farmers believes a thorough review of the receivership is needed Read more »
Five weeks until Federated Farmers Farm Day
Released 10 Feb 2012
Federated Farmers Farm Day is back for 2012. The event is a great way to escape the city and see what goes on behind the farm gate, so put on your gumboots and visit one of our six farms on March 18 between 10am-3pm. Read more »
A national animal ID scheme inches closer
Released 09 Feb 2012
With the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Bill in Parliament’s Committee Stage, Federated Farmers is certain its robust analysis has achieved better outcomes for farmers. Read more »
The milk wars come to New Zealand
Released 08 Feb 2012
Reports a Pak ‘n’ Save has joined boutique supermarket Nosh in selling milk for an equivalent price of one dollar a litre, supports Federated Farmers view that attention needs to focus on supermarket margins. Read more »
Green Party misreads Treasury briefing
Released 05 Feb 2012
The Green Party has misinterpreted the Treasury’s Briefing to Incoming Minister (BIM) as applying to Biosecurity. Read more »
James Cameron's titanic opportunity in farming
Released 01 Feb 2012
Canadian film Director James Cameron moving to New Zealand and buying a hill country and dairy farm unlocks a titanic opportunity. Read more »
2011 Farm Toll four less than 2010
Released 31 Jan 2012
While the Farm Toll, or the number of agricultural deaths has fallen from 19 in 2010 to 15 in 2011, Federated Farmers wants to see it come down further. Read more »
Canada Geese moult cull finished
Released 27 Jan 2012
A moult cull of Canada Geese in Canterbury, replacing ones previously undertaken by Fish & Game, has finished. Read more »
CraFarm ‘victor’ still has hurdles to jump
Released 27 Jan 2012
Federated Farmers believes Overseas Investment Office (OIO) rules must be applied without fear or favour. Read more »
Changes to dairy regulation won’t make milk cheaper
Released 26 Jan 2012
None of the proposed changes to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act will reduce the retail price of milk. Read more »
Europe dampens farmer confidence, survey shows
Released 25 Jan 2012
Latest Federated Farmers Farmy Confence survey shows farmer confidence in the general economy turns negative for the first time since July 2009. Read more »
Hawke’s Bay faces a ‘dam’ good future
Released 25 Jan 2012
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council secures $1.67 million from the Irrigation Acceleration Fund, for the Ruataniwha Plains Water Storage Project Feasibility Study. Read more »
Turning off the taps of regulated raw milk
Released 24 Jan 2012
Calling time on the supply of regulated raw milk to independent processors already receiving it. Read more »
Federated Farmers welcomes latest internet cable proposal
Released 19 Jan 2012
Greater competition to the Southern Cross Cable should spark innovation while cutting internet costs. Read more »
A bigger world stage for sheep shearing goes viral
Released 19 Jan 2012
The media response to sheep shearing’s potential as a Commonwealth Games demonstration sport, if not the Olympics, has gone international. Read more »
Shear hard work makes shearing a sport
Released 16 Jan 2012
Federated Farmers believes it has potential to become a demonstration sport at the Commonwealth Games, if not the Olympics. Read more »
Quad bike sales positive economic news
Released 16 Jan 2012
A 10.8 percent increase in the sale of new quad bikes is strong indication that farmers are focussing on productive investment. Read more »
John Hartnell is a deserved finalist
Released 15 Jan 2012
John Hartnell, who has been named a finalist in the 2012 New Zealander of the Year Kiwibank Local Heroes Award. Read more »
Southern farmers at last 'singing in the rain'
Released 13 Jan 2012
With upwards of 35 millimetres of rain recorded on one farm immediate drought-like pressure may be easing. Read more »
Getting back upon the sheep’s back
Released 12 Jan 2012
Following a Statistics NZ publication, Off the sheep's back, Federated Farmers is bullish that the ‘sheep’s back’ has potential to again become a major export. Read more »
Federated Farmers promotes farming facts
Released 02 Jan 2012
Facts and information about farming is easily obtained from New Zealand’s rural media. Read more »
First drought now a hail alert for southern farmers
Released 11 Jan 2011
Forecast rain may help southern farmers in the short-term but they won’t be out of the woods until there is a patch of steady rain. Read more »
Farmers say ‘let it rain’ exports
Released 09 Jan 2011
With much of New Zealand enjoying good rainfall the current season could be among the best. Read more »
New Ministers congratulated
Federated Farmers looks forward to constructively working with the new Ministerial team covering portfolios formerly held by the Hon Nick Smith. Read more »
