Welcome to another issue of Butchers Blurb. After the hectic time dealing with farmers destocking, it is great to be able to look ahead to the upcoming Rural Butchers AGM which will be held on Saturday 13 September in Dunedin.

Rural Butchers currently face a number of challenges ranging from increasing compliance costs, large increases in the price of fuels and high interest rates. A number of the challenges rural butchers face are beyond our control, though how we run our operation is something that we can control. In today's fast moving economy, being able to innovate and develop new products in response to customer needs is vital. As an executive group this is recognised and time has been allocated for a presentation about product development.

As well as learning about new products and developments in the smallgoods area, there is an opportunity to visit a meat equipment centre, have a look around the Butchery Museum in Milton and most importantly, catch up with your fellow rural butchers.

I hope you can join us for a very enjoyable weekend.

Gibby Campbell
Chairman

Rural Butchers AGM - The 2008 Rural Butchers' AGM will be held at the Accor Mercure Hotel, 310 Princes Street, Dunedin on Saturday 13 September. See full agenda here. If you would like to attend the AGM please contact Eva Johnston at the Federated Farmers Wellington Office before Wednesday 13 August to book your accommodation.  Eva can be contacted on 0800 327 646 or email ejohnston@fedfarm.org.nz. Please note that the Federation will only cover the cost of accommodation. The booking of travel to and from the conference is your responsibility.

Executive nominations - The executive group comprises a chairperson, a secretary and three other members. This group represents rural butchers and their businesses within Federated Farmers along with other relevant stakeholders,such as the New Zealand Food Safety Authority. Any current financial Rural Butchers member is eligible to be part of the executive group. If you wish stand for a position on the executive and assist in guiding and developing the Rural Butchers industry group, please contact policy advisor, David Burt by Friday 15 August 2008. David can be contacted by phone 0800 327 646, fax 04 473 1081 or email dburt@fedfarm.org.nz

Slaughter code update - The Slaughter Code of Welfare has been independently reviewed by MAF and is currently with the Minister awaiting a decision as to its publication. The latest information suggests it should be published in the next few months. Until the code is published, farmers are still unsure whether or not the requirement to stun all animals before slaughter, has been adequately addressed and what the impact will be on members.

Fees raised - Chairman, Gibby Campbell and Federated Farmers policy advisor, David Burt will be meeting with New Zealand Food Safety Authority to discuss the recent increase in the Annual Listing fee for Homekill Service Providers fee this week.  The Federation believe that an agreed consultation process with key stakeholders around this issue has not taken place and therefore fees should not be increased at present.  Members will be advised of the outcome at the conference.

Inox Sterling - The National Meat Equipment centre show and workshop will be held in Dunedin in September. Contact Inox Sterling for details on 03 479 2299 or email: sharpenup@inoxsterling.co.nz

Foodtech/Packtech - The Food Technology and Packaging trade event will be held at the Auckland ASB showgrounds from October 21 to October 23, 2008. Contact Foodtech/Packtech for details on 09 976 8300 or email: irenesmith@dmgworldmedia.com, or register on the website: www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz.

Member discounts - Remember to make sure that you show your Federated Farmers membership card when accessing member discounts.

Contracts and agreements - Federated Farmers offers a range of contracts and agreements discounted to members. These include: employment, lease, contractor, sales and purchase, agreements to grow, log books, access pads, and over dimension certificates. Order contacts and agreements online, or call 0800 327 646.

Books for sale - Books, non-fiction and fiction, written by members and available for sale. Ghosts in the valley by Richard Steele and Farming and subsidies - debunking the myths by Brian Chamberlin. Order books online.

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

Chairman: Gibby Campbell, 03 615 9583, email: camp4@hotmail.com.
Secretary: Sommai Hudson, 09 422 5862, email: dr.huds.homekill@xtra.co.nz.

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.