Robust debate welcomed - Farmers generally support the goals of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, which was released by the Minister for the Environment this week. Federation spokesman for water Hugh Ritchie says robust community debate on water issues is welcome, but he warns that discussions should be based on solid scientific assessment. He says farmers want sensible measures that promote best practice and social, economic and cultural wellbeing. Read more >>

Quick off the mark - The federation's new chief executive, Conor English, wasted no time in his first week on the job. Mr English, accompanied by president Don Nicolson, attended meetings with staff, new provincial presidents, industry group chairpersons and key government agencies. "There is much to do," he says. "It is a bit of a David and Goliath situation. Statistics New Zealand tells us that central government has 40,000 people in administration and local government 17,000 people. The federation's staff of 50 has a huge job in keeping policy makers informed on the issues facing farmers."

Co-operation key - Federated Farmers' bee sector chairman John Hartnell says co-operation between individual beekeepers, industry representatives and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is keeping varroa contained in the South Island. His comments come after the results from the autumn varroa surveillance showed that varroa infestation had not spread outside the controlled area. He said beekeepers' commitment has enabled the controlled area to be tightened and might have slowed the southward march of varroa to key food production areas such as the arable small-seed sector in Canterbury. Read more >>

Keeping up - Federated Farmers welcomed the release earlier today of a report that recommends a range of reforms to the Telecommunications Service Obligation. The service obligation, once known as the Kiwi Share Obligation, is the primary funding mechanism for ensuring all New Zealanders can enjoy free local calling, as well as the expansion of internet access into rural areas. The Federation supports the report's recommendations to ensure the obligation is technology-neutral. It is important the obligation becomes technology-neutral as technology tends to evolve at a faster rate than regulations. The Federation is also working with other parties to support the roll-out of higher-speed broadband in rural areas. Read more >>

Compulsory insurance - A compulsory third-party vehicle insurance scheme is being considered by the Ministry of Transport. The scheme's aim is to prevent insured drivers having to pay for uninsured drivers. It is hoped to provide incentives to change driver behaviour and improve road safety. Federated Farmers is concerned that making insurance compulsory will add compliance costs for those who choose to self-insure, particularly the owners of farm vehicles which are used on the road infrequently. Have your say: Have your say >>

Roading report released - Flash readers will recall that last week the Government announced an independent and comprehensive review of roading costs. This week the Local Government Forum (a group of six business organisations including Federated Farmers) released a report on road funding issues, which it believes should be considered by the review. The report, by economic consultancy McKenzie Podmore, has found that there are significant shortcomings to the charging and funding of roads, both in terms of efficiency and equity. President of Federated Farmers and chairman of the Local Government Forum Don Nicolson says the business community needs to know that the cost of roading is allocated fairly and that spending on transport infrastructure is efficient. A copy of the McKenzie Podmore report is available on request from nclark@fedfarm.org.nz.

A good read - South Island high country farmer and federation member Christine Fernyhough was back in the news this week thanks to her book, Road to Castle Hill, winning the New Zealand Booksellers Choice Award. Mrs Fernyhough describes her journey from Auckland city life to running Castle Hill pastoral lease in the South Island high country. Previously she has spoken out in sympathy with other pastoral lessees about rent increases. Rents for pastoral lessees now include payment for the view. Mrs Fernyhough says an increase from $6000 to $84,000 in annual rent is unaffordable. "Merinos aren't carrying a 5kg fleece because they see the Torlesse Pass," she said. High country industry chairman Donald Aubrey welcomes Mrs Fernyhough's contribution and encourages her to keep writing.

Merry-go-round - The Banks Peninsula branch of Federated Farmers made its final submission in the matter of costs in the Banks Peninsula landscape case this week. The branch was awarded the opportunity to seek costs in the Environment Court's decision on landscapes against Environment Canterbury regional council and did so in June. The regional council then had an opportunity to reply and Federated Farmers has now responded in the final document going to the court. Federated Farmers disputes the regional council's assertions that an award of costs would be a rates "merry-go-round".  Although ultimately any costs awarded either to Federated Farmers or the Christchurch City Council - which is also seeking costs against the regional council - will come out of rates, they believe it is a matter of principle that Environment Canterbury should be held accountable for its actions in this case.

Ongoing support - Ruth Rainey, former provincial president of Manawatu/Rangitikei, reminds farmers in Ruapehu, Rangitikei, Wanganui and Manawatu that the drought line (0508-376-844) is still operating. She says members should call if they need farm consultancy, Work and Income assistance, a friendly ear or advice.

OCR cut - The Reserve Bank reduced the official cash rate from 8.25 percent to 8 percent this week. This is despite high international oil and food prices which are expected to push annual inflation out to around 5 percent in September. The governor of the Reserve Bank, Alan Bollard, also signalled more cuts to come. He said provided that the outlook for inflation continues to improve and there is no excessive exchange rate depreciation, he would expect to lower the official cash rate further. The exchange rate fell 1 cent to around 0.7450 US after the announcement. 

Wandering stock - Stock owners are liable if an animal is hit by a vehicle. If your stock are found wandering, you must show that all reasonable steps were taken to ensure stock were secure. The state of the law is such that you would almost have to prove someone opened the gate deliberately to avoid liability, Federated Farmers advises.

Supplement check - With the start of the calving season, it is timely to ensure that you have organised your supply of magnesium oxide and other supplements.

Preventing damage - Travelling/pivot irrigator damage is one of the more significant types of claims seen by FMG. This damage is costly and time-consuming, not to mention a hassle to fix. Often losses could be minimised or prevented. Make sure you walk along the track beforehand. Check weather forecasts regularly and move your machinery out of the wind, or park irrigators pointing into the prevailing wind.

Estate planning - The underlying aim of estate planning is to minimise emotional and financial hardship for the people you care about. An up-to-date will remains the cornerstone of a good estate plan and a trust may also be necessary to achieve the planning and protection you require. Enduring powers of attorney are essential as this provides for your personal care and welfare, as well as the ongoing management of your properties and financial affairs if you should become incapacitated. To find out more visit www.guardiantrust.co.nz, or contact your local Guardian Trust office on 0800-878-782.

For advice on any another subject call 0800-327-646 or visit: www.fedfarm.org.nz

Member discounts - Members, check out how to obtain significant savings on new Ford vehicles as well as some of the benefits when taking up a Westpac standard or Gold MasterCard for your personal spending. Also available from Westpac is hotpoints®, which you can redeem to pay your annual Federated Farmers membership fee.  For more information call 0800-327-646 or read more online >>

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

Maize growers AGM - The Maize Growers committee is to hold its annual general meeting on Thursday 7 August at the Hamilton Airport Motor Inn from 10am to 3pm. This meeting is open to all maize growers. Speakers include representatives from MAF Biosecurity New Zealand and Ravensdown. This will be a good opportunity for maize growers to discuss important issues such as prices, supplementary feeds and biosecurity. For more information and to register, contact Carly Sluys at csluys@fedfarm.org.nz or 0800-327-646 by Friday 1 August.

Rural Butchers meet - This will be held in Dunedin on Saturday 13 September at the Accor Mercure Hotel. Highlights of the conference will include a trip to the Inox Stirling Meat Equipment Centre and Saturday night dinner with fellow rural butchers. To book your accommodation, contact Eva Johnston; email ejohnston@fedfarm.org.nz or phone 0800-327-646. See the agenda here.

Enrolment drive - With the general election soon, the Electoral Enrolment Centre is trying to correctly enrol as many people as possible. For the rural community this could mean someone who: has just turned 18; a new migrant; a newly permanent resident or citizen; or anyone who has shifted farm or house. More >>

World at your feet - Agriventure offers young farmers a great opportunity to explore a new country, experience a new culture and expand their career. Agriventure guarantees paid employment, an all-inclusive package and approved host families. The programme is in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and Japan. Visas for ages 18-30. For a free brochure phone 0508-328-000 or email: nz@agriventure.com or visit www.agriventure.com

Spread the safety message - ACC is looking for farmers who have been injured in an accident and are keen to share their story. ACC wants to use the stories in its agriculture safety campaign, titled "When you're injured, you take the farm with you". If you are interested, email: leeanne.duncan@acc.co.nz or call Lee-Anne on 021-751-763.