I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year break! And I welcome back our long awaited newsletter, THE BUTCHERS' BLURB. After reading past newsletters and seeing the work and the input that our past secretary, Sue Dobbs, dedicated herself to, I feel I have a tough road ahead. Never-the-less this new mission will be attempted, with the help of the new 2007/2008 executive committee and Federated Farmers' policy advisor, David Burt. Plans are in progress for the 2008 Rural Butchers' AGM and I look forward to seeing members (and partners and families) in September 2008.

Mrs Sommai Hudson, Secretary 

New Name, New Look - Our new name is Federated Farmers Rural Butchers. The executive gave feedback with regards to consistent branding of Federated Farmers' industry groups. All industry groups have been renamed to include Federated Farmers in to the title. The new names will enhance both the individual industry groups and the organisation as a whole. The aim of the new name is to lessen confusion around how industry groups and the Federation are connected.

Code Concern - Concerns about the Commercial Slaughter Code were bought to the attention of chair of National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), Dr O'Hara at Federated Farmers Rural Butchers' 2007 AGM. The code, in its draft form, was discussed in his presentation at the meeting. It is likely that the Rural Butchers' core concern - the requirement to stun all animals before slaughter - will be retained in the published code. The Federation believes such an eventuality will raise both costs and health and safety issues for commercial homekill operators and will continue to strongly put the case for a more realistic and cost effective regime. The Commercial Slaughter Code of Welfare is still going through an independent review process. While it was initially expected to be in force last year, the publication date has been delayed, with it now expected out in the first half of 2008.

A Cut Above - The New Zealand Rural Butchers Association held its annual meeting and conference in Wellington in September 2007. The conference focus was "Coping With Growth". Speakers included butcher members describing how they had grown their operations. Andrew Gibbs and Tim Richards from Deloitte explained "Business Mapping" which aims to enhance business owners' wealth. Peter O'Hara, chair of the National Animal Welfare Committee, gave a timely presentation on the upcoming Animal Welfare Commercial Slaughter Code. The conference concluded with a trip to the industry supplier Metra New Zealand.

Fee Review - The New Zealand Food Safety Authority is to reduce its notified annual registration fee for listed homekill operators to the existing level. Homekill operators had been told that their annual listing fee was to be substantially increased but on questioning the authority about the fee increase a review was agreed. NZFSA will undertake a period of consultation with industry stakeholders to determine a fair charge for this service going forward. While the registration fee - which has not increased since 1999 - is unlikely to remain at the same level in the future, it is pleasing to be able to save our members money in the short term and also pleasing to know the authority is receptive to members' concerns.

At the AGM in September 2007, we saw a few changes to the executive committee. Craig Merritt and Ross Smith decided not to re-stand for the executive. We thank them both for their assistance over the past years. Staying on we have Gibby Campbell as chair (dual operator from Temuka) and Daryl Johnson (a slaughterman from Leeston, Central Canterbury) on the Executive Committee - along with new members joining, Mike Hanson (Netherby Meats in Ashburton), Peter Russell (Inta Steak Meat Processing in Inglewood, Taranaki) and Sommai Hudson (silent partner to Dr Hud's Killing and Processing in Kaipara Flats, Warkworth) as the secretary.

Fees Due - Federated Farmers Rural Butchers fees are due end January 2008. The Homekill/Recreational Catch Service Providers listing fees are due by May 31 2008.

For Sale - Any plant machinery that is for sale or wanted can be included in our newsletter. Please forward relevant details to the secretary, Sommai Hudson email: mailto:dr.huds.homekill@xtra.co.nz before the next publication.

New Members Wanted - It is a time to enjoy sharing your experience with those who are really interested. Your membership does make a difference. Tell other what the benefits of belonging to Federated Farmers Rural Butchers are:

• A Strong Voice - Members have a say, non-members don't.
• Advice - Members get free, quality advice.
• Publications - Keep informed with the Butchers Blurb, Update and Friday Flash.
• Special Discounts - Via Federated Farmers' partnership programme.
• Conference and Networking - The AGM is free, talk to other butchers, exchange ideas and form new contacts.

If you wish to sign up a new member phone 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646).

Policy Advisor: David Burt, dburt@fedfarm.org.nz, 0800 327 646.

Chairman: Gibby Campbell, 03 615 9583, Temuka.
Secretary: Sommai Hudson, 09 422 5862, email: dr.huds.homekill@xtra.co.nz, Warkworth.

Executives:
Daryl Johnson,03 324 3528, email: johnsonclan@xtra.co.nz, Leeston.
Peter Russell, 06 756 8614, email: intasteakmp@xtra.co.nz, Inglewood.
Mike Hanson, 03 308 7354, email: netherbymeats@xtra.co.nz, Ashburton.

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