Certainty High Priority - Federated High Country chairman Donald Aubrey called for the government to provide certainty to pastoral leaseholders at the Federated Farmers High Country conference in Wanaka today. He said secure land tenure is the most important issue for high country farmers and pastoral leaseholders require a rental that is affordable, practical, recognises economic constraints and reflects the market.

Diary Giveaway - Catch up with Federated Farmers at Mystery Creek National Fieldays next week. Staff and farm-leaders are giving away free diaries, talking politics and policy and canvassing members' views. National board members Charlie Pedersen, Don Nicolson, Frank Brenmuhl and Keith Kelly will be manning the stand in the grand pavilion, site P2, Wednesday through to Saturday.

Tale For Sale - Grass grubs, a hard case truck driver and a river rescue have inspired a book written by former Ruapehu president Richard Steele. Richard has had a tall tale and three short stories published and ready for sale at Mystery Creek, National Fieldays. The book is being promoted at a function hosted by the Rural Communities Trust between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday 12 June 2008 at the National Bank Pavilion. Members are welcome and signed books are available for purchase at the event. Richard and wife, Rachel are also taking orders, contact them by email: steelefarming@wnation.co.nz or on 07 896 6277. A percentage of the sale of the book will go to the Rural Communities Trust.

Leadership Report - The importance of strong leadership was emphasized to participants of the Federated Farmers Advanced Leadership Course last week. Representing the Hawke's Bay, Tania Kerr said the course gave her new insight into the responsibility Federated Farmers has in representing farmers and made her realise the role farmers needed to take in law and rule making. She said it also provided a great insight into how Federated Farmers operates and how members can make best use of Federation resources. To register you interest in a Federated Farmers leadership course, contact your provincial president or phone 0800 327 646.

One Event - Agenda's for Federated Farmers National Conference to be held in Christchurch from June 24 - 26 have been finalised. The agendas for the national council meeting, Meat & Fibre, Dairy and Grain & Seeds are available online. Up to 200 delegates and observers are expected to attend One Event over the three days.

Political Forum - Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers has extended an invitation to local MPs and party representatives to discuss current issues with farmers. The first meeting has been scheduled with David Carter, National Party spokesman for agriculture on June 9. On the agenda is: meat industry restructuring; Kyoto Protocol; and the Emissions Trading Scheme. To find out more contact Alan Law, president, Bay of Plenty on 07 304 9536, 0274171818 or email: wyndlea@xtra.co.nz.

OCR Stays Put - Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard has decided to leave the official cash rate steady at 8.25 percent. He did however acknowledge that cuts may be possible later in the year. The statement described the current economic environment as ‘challenging' because of the rising food and fuel prices and slowing growth.

Commodity Prices Rise - The price level of New Zealand's key export commodities lifted in May, resulting in a small rise in the ANZ Commodity Price Index. Beef prices recorded a large increase, up 7.9 percent. Supply of imported boneless beef remains very tight in the North American market-place, with the latest price gains the result of the yanks firing up the barbecues for summer. The price of venison also increased 4 percent, lamb prices lifted a percent and wool prices firmed 2.4 percent in the month. Offsetting these gains was a small drop in international dairy prices over the month.

Emergency Services Mapping - If you are attending the National Fieldays next week visit the police stand and check your rapid number. Make sure their mapping system brings up your correct address and the quickest way to get to you.

Holidays And Holiday Pay - An employer has a legal responsibility to accurately record the employee's holiday and leave. Holiday and leave records can be a computer record as part of payroll software. If an employee asks for a copy of this record, employers are under a legal obligation to provide it. Employers are legally required to keep the record for a period of six years.

Last Chance - Contact Energy is offering members a price freeze on their electricity bill with a fixed plan. This offer is available to both new and current customers of Contact Energy. Contact Energy will also give $75 off the first bill for all members who switch their business energy supply to Contact (offer not available in the King Country.) However, this offer is only available until Friday 13 June. If you want this security of supply call 0800 327 646 this week.

Recruit New Members - One of the strengths of the Federation is the number of members it has. Numbers count and each new member adds strength to the voice of Federated Farmers. Become a member today or if you are already a member and want to help grow the membership-base look at becoming a contractor and help recruit new members. Membership recruiters earn commission. They can choose what hours they work, when they work and how they work. Training is provided. For more information call, 0800 327 646.

Employment Seminars - Due to demand further employment seminars will run in October and November. The seminars are held over two-hours and follow a question-and-answer style format. The major topic is performance management. Price is $65 for members and $165 for non-members. to find the one nearest to you click here Find out when a seminar is near you or call 0800 327 646 to register.

Membership Payment - Members who received invoices in March and have not yet paid, from the first of June you will not be able to access the Federation's member-only benefits; to avoid this scenario, send in your payment to PO Box 447, Waikato Mail Centre or call 0800 327 646 to pay by credit card.

Agriculture Safety - ACC's new campaign features stories about real farmers who are still feeling the pain of their injuries. If you have a story to share, email leeanne.duncan@acc.co.nz or call Lee-Anne on 021 751 763.

Dairy Vote - Dairy farmers are reminded to vote on the Livestock Improvement Committee's proposed modifications to its share structure. LIC is holding its special meeting at the LIC site at the National Fieldays, Mystery Creek, on Wednesday 11 June, at 4.30pm. Farmers can vote in person or they can send in their proxy vote by mail. Any change to the constitution requires the endorsement of 75 percent of voting shareholders plus Ministerial consent.