Immigration talks - Representatives from Federated Farmers met with the Department of Labour this week to discuss immigration of farm workers. Immigration is a big issue, particularly for the dairy sector, with a tight labour market and large numbers of dairy conversions leading to a growing demand for immigrant dairy farm employees. The Federation is looking to build a better relationship with the department in order to discuss issues more freely and come to some solutions. One issue that was discussed was the use by Immigration New Zealand of the Federation's remuneration survey in deciding a minimum level that immigrant dairy farm workers must be paid. The Federation presented statistics showing the range of salaries paid for the position and the appropriate levels. The department is reconsidering their policy in light of the Federation's visit.

Line hearings - Transpower has concluded presenting its case to the Board of Inquiry for its proposed Whakamaru to Auckland high voltage electricity transmission line. The board heard submissions and evidence from some 47 Transpower witnesses over three months. This week the few supporting submitters, mainly power generator companies, were heard in just one day. The board has now commenced hearings from the first of more than 1000 submitters in opposition. It is expected Federated Farmers' submission will be heard in mid-September.

Spreading it around - Fertiliser quality and supply was the hot topic at the New Zealand Groundspread Fertiliser's Association Conference held in New Plymouth this week. Groundspreaders said the wide variations in fertiliser quality make accurate fertiliser placement difficult and could compromise Spreadmark quality standards. Green or immature superphosphate particularly when mixed with urea clogged spinners causing serious inaccuracies in fertiliser placement. During the past season fertiliser companies ran out of product on a number of occasions, causing chaos for fertiliser spreader companies. Farmer orders were unable to be met, and groundspread trucks were not able to work. The fertiliser manufacturers spoke of the cost increases of all fertilisers, the difficulties with shipping and the high global demand for fertilisers being the cause of the quality and supply issues in New Zealand.

One open plan - Presidents from Wanganui, Ruapehu, Tararua and Rangitikei/Manawatu are encouraging all farmers that reside in the Horzion region to attend One Plan submission hearings. Wanganui president Brian Doughty said all farmers can attend the hearings that start next week. "Farmers don't have to have a written a submission, or even speak, it is the turning up that is important. He says a show of numbers will illustrate farmer concerns about One Plan and encourage councillors to take a harder look at a document that will affect the long term viability of farming in the region. The first hearing is in Ohakune on July 15 and the next in Palmerston North on July 17. For more information contact your provincial president.

Back track - Federated Farmers Wairoa has written to the Assistant Auditor General seeking his view on Wairoa District Council's 2007 and 2008 annual plans. For years farmers sought a differential on the Wairoa roading rate to reduce the massive land value based burden on grassland rural properties. In response the council in 2006 adopted a policy implementing differentials, and were duly congratulated by Federated Farmers. The differentials have since, however, been removed - apparently without the required consultation needed to amend a Long Term Plan policy. Hopefully the powers of councils in this regard will be clarified, and farmers get their differential back.

Drift decks okay - After submissions made by Federated Farmers, Environment Bay of Plenty will allow drift decks, a less expensive alternative to a bridge, as a permitted activity. This means that people wanting to install and maintain drift decks will not have to apply for consent as long as they meet conditions listed in the Regional Water and Land Plan. This brings the rules for drift decks in line with rules for other structures such as bridges and culverts.

Viability threat - Federated Farmers submitted on the latest rating review of Thames Coromandel District Council. The review has proposed a move from land value to capital value rating, however the 200 or so farms on the peninsula may still find their rates increasing due to proposed changes in the treatment of interest from council investments. Federated Farmers has worked hard with the council to improve the rating of farms and achieved considerable improvement in recent years. This new proposal, however, may wind that back, threatening the viability of farming in the district. Federation representatives are working hard to convince the council to improve the rate review proposal, by restoring favourable differentials for farmland.

New recruit - Federated Farmers welcomes Paddy-Ann Pemberton as the newest membership recruitment contractor. Paddy-Ann takes care of the lower part of the South Island encompassing Southland, Fiordland, Queenstown Lakes District and Milton. Paddy-Ann is married to Rod, chairman of Southland Dairy Section. Paddy-Ann says she is looking forward to meeting and speaking with more rural people to help grow the membership of the Federation. If you know someone down south that needs to be signed up call Paddy-Ann on 03 203 8080.

Job for you - If you are a member but 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. If you are interested call, Di Wylie on 0800 327 646.

Beef up - Demand for New Zealand lamb from overseas markets remains firm and New Zealand beef imports to the US have reached astonishing highs. Beef prices are now around 40 percent higher than at the start of the year. New Zealand was experiencing strong demand from Korea, up until the Korean market was re-opened to US beef two weeks ago. Very strong international demand for meat, combined with a weakening currency, paints a positive picture for New Zealand sheep and beef exports for the coming season. Dairy commodity prices remained relatively steady last week.

Monthly review - View the latest Agribusiness Review from Rabobank prepared by their Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory division. Read more >>

Brain explosion - Employers must consider the new phrase ‘brain explosion' before dismissing employees for serious misconduct. Several recent cases have seen the phrase used as a defence and what's more it has worked with employees being reinstated. Employers confronted with anything that might be referred to as a ‘brain explosion' should call Federated Farmers for advice on procedural process before taking action. The number is 0800 327 646.

Health and safety, good business - Injuries on the farm can cost time and money. Being safety-conscious can help avoid costly damage to plant and machinery. It can also help avoid injury-related costs. To get an idea of what these costs can be, check out the ACC cost calculator - you may be surprised by how much injuries can affect profit. You may also qualify for a discount on ACC levies. For more information on good health and safety practices, visit www.acc.co.nz or find out more by calling 0800 878 782.

Remember to make sure that you show your Federated Farmers membership card when accessing member discounts. Check out the special deals from Telecom on mobile phones or call 0800 327 646.

Order Federated Farmers contracts and agreements online, or call 0800 327 646.

Butchers meet - The Rural Butchers Conference will be held in the Mercure Hotel Dunedin on the weekend of Saturday September 13. If you are interested in attending contact David Burt on 0800 327 646 or email: dburt@fedfarm.org.nz.

Diary date for Meat & Fibre - The Meat & Fibre Council will be meeting in Wellington on November 12 and 13, 2008.

Drought line closes - The calls have dried up for farmers in need of feed, perhaps due to recent rain. Federated Farmers has therefore taken to close the 0800 drought line. Thanks to all that listed their supplies and names to help out.

Moovers and milk shakers - Members paying their subscription via their Fonterra or Tatua milk supply account, who have moved need to ring 0800 327 646 to update their farm and party numbers. If Federated Farmers does not have the correct farm and party numbers, the sub payment will be rejected by Fonterra or Tatua when details for payment are lodged.

Employment seminars - Sign up for a Federated Farmers Employment Seminars in October and November. Cost is $65 for members and $165 for non-members. Call 0800 327 646 to register. See when a seminar is in your area.