World Wheat Stocks Remain Low - Wheat prices have surged since the beginning of year. This has been pushed higher by growing world demand, tight supplies and bad weather that has affected crops in Canada, Argentina and India. The US Department of Agriculture expects wheat ending stocks to be the lowest since 1947/48. Also global ending stocks for 2007/08 are projected to reach their lowest level in 30 years. This is creating a race for acres. It is difficult to predict which commodities will ease their shortages.

Biosecurity Blunders - Mistakes made by MAF Biosecurity are threatening New Zealand's primary sector and the environment. The decision to allow into the country a consignment of fibre used for potting mix from Sri Lanka without ensuring that it had been fumigated to render any weed seeds present unviable is appalling and farmers are starting to lose confidence in this aspect of MAF's operation. We are now faced with the introduction of at least 15 new species of unwanted weed seeds, of which might be a problem to New Zealand's arable industry. Federated Farmers is part of the working group dealing with this incursion.

Offers of Feed - The severe dry weather continues to affect farmers in several areas of the country. Federated Farmers has a 0800 number operating to take details of feed or grazing wanted and available (0800 376 844). The Federation is coordinating the identification of potential feed supplies where this is required. 

NEW NAME

The Federation has adjusted the names of its seven industry groups to create a clearer link to New Zealand's premier rural lobby group. The Grains Council of New Zealand has been renamed Federated Farmers Grain and Seed. The new name is a better representation of all the different sections of the arable industry we act on behalf of.

Grain and Seed AGM/Conference, Tuesday 24 June - This year the AGM/Conference is to be held in conjunction with the Federated Farmers One Event on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 June. The two days will involve the AGM's of United Wheat Growers, Herbage Seedgrowers Subsection and the Federated Farmers Grain and Seed Council. There will also be a joint session with the other industry groups and the National Council with guest speakers. The cocktail function will be held on Tuesday night, June 24.

Please note: The Maize Growers Committee will be holding a separate AGM in August in the North Island.

Federated Farmers Grain and Seed Executive Contact Details

If you have any questions or issues you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact the person in your area.

Chairman
Andrew Gillanders
03 318 8677
027 213 5128
g.gillanders@xtra.co.nz

United Wheat Growers Representative
Michael Morrow
03 303 7337
021798664
tannaghmore@farmside.co.nz

Herbage Seed growers Subsection Chair
Hugh Wigley
03 689 5865
027 620 6301
hwigley@xtra.co.nz

Maize Growers Committee Chair/Upper North Island
Colin Mackinnon
07 308 0616
027 484 5128
mackinnon@xtra.co.nz

Lower North Island Representative
Hew Dalrymple
06 322 1017
027 450 9462
hew@waitatapia.co.nz

Upper South Island Representative
Paul Stackhouse
03 314 5988
027 481 6932
jessicaandpaul@xtra.co.nz

Mid Canterbury Representative
Gary Wilson
03 303 7114
027 4582 114
gary.rae@farmside.co.nz

South Canterbury/North Otago Representative
Jeremy Talbot
03 615 9190
021 571 893
talbot.agri@xtra.co.nz

South Otago/Southland Representative
John Gardyne
03 207 2723
027 223 3736
jgardynefamily@xtra.co.nz

Grain and Seed Policy Advisor
Carly Sluys
03 357 9457
csluys@fedfarm.org.nz

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this bulletin is of a general nature only. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to matters dealt with in this publication.

For more information, contact Carly Sluys at csluys@fedfarm.org.nz or on 0800 FARMING.