Relief on the way - Federated Farmers president, Don Nicolson welcomes the announcement today that Enhanced Taskforce Green funding will help farmers with the clean-up and recovery from recent storms in the Horowhenua and North Canterbury regions. The announcement will be a great relief to farmers who have had floods on top of drought. Enhanced Taskforce Green will cover the wages of workers and supervisors to help with the clean-up operation in areas where there is too much damage for local councils and farmers to manage alone. Read more >>>

Request in - Manawatu-Rangitikei president, Gordon McKellar has requested the Manawatu District Council ask for Enhanced Taskforce Green funding for the Pohangina Valley, which suffered major damage and heavy tree loss in the storms. One Pohangina Valley farmer had to cut through 30 trees that came down on a 16 kilometre section of road.

Working bees - Volunteers have also responded to Federated Farmers' call for help in North Canterbury and the Pohangina Valley in the Manawatu with working-bees in both areas this weekend. President for North Canterbury Chris Sundstrum says the response has been overwhelming with about 100 volunteers offering up to five days of their time. President of Federated Farmer Amberley Branch, Rod Abbott has been employed by the Hurunui District Council to co-ordinate volunteers and can be reached on 027 2885363. For people wanting to assist farmers in either Manawatu or Horowhenua contact Tony Gray 06 328 4575 or Gordon McKellar 06 323 4792.

Reason needed - Federated Farmers is calling for reason in the 1080 debate that has intensified in the West Coast and Coromandel over the past few weeks. Current research highlights that 1080 is the most effective available option for the control of possums and without it the New Zealand beef export trade could be put at risk. The Environmental Risk Management Authority carried out extensive public consultation last year and came to the decision to allow the continued use of 1080 for pest control purposes. This finding was based on science and sound reasoning. Read more >>

Common ground - Rotorua/Taupo president Gifford McFadden called for the community to work together to solve the Rotorua lakes problem in a speech given at the Lakes Water Quality Society Symposium in Rotorua this week. Mr McFadden gave a speech that detailed actions farmers in the area are taking to combat nutrient loss from farms, and talked about what else needs to be done in order to ensure lake water quality improvement without destroying the local economy. Read full speech here.

Stock rescue - Federated Farmers president for Marlborough, Geoff Evans gave the Royal New Zealand Air Force the go-ahead this week to rescue stock trapped in snow at the head of the Awatere Valley. Drifts of snow up to four feet had trapped animals and farmers had been feeding stranded stock by helicopter drops. The Number 3 Squadron was training at Dip Flat which is handy to the Awatere Valley and saw the excercise as both a good turn and a further training opportunity. Mr Evans said high country farmers would usually shift stock from snow prone areas but conditions had been worse this year.

On the list - Federated Farmers, this week, submitted on the Department of Labour's review of the skills shortage lists. The Federation requested that ‘Dairy Farm Employee' be added to the Immediate Skills Shortage List in order to facilitate the employment of immigrant workers that dairy farmers in this country sorely need. Putting the position on the list would mean farmers won't have to prove there are no New Zealanders available each time they want to employ someone from overseas. The position ‘Assistant Herd Manager' is currently on the list but the requirements for this position are confusing. Federated Farmers has requested that Assistant Herd Manager be replaced by Dairy Farm Employee on the list.

Milk trade - Dairy farmers and consumers of unpasteurised milk will be pleased to hear that they will still be able to trade up to five litres of raw milk from the farm gate. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority is proposing a framework that would allow a wider variety of raw milk products to be sold and produced in New Zealand. 

Talks with Transpower - In an ongoing effort to improve relationships Federated Farmers staff met with Transpower staff this week in Wellington. Senior policy advisors Richard Gardner, Jacob Haronga and Sonia Voldseth met with the general manager for corporate affairs, Cynthia Brophy and environment and property group manager, Allan Bradshaw for Transpower. Federated Farmers asked for timelines of any new projects and made it clear that compensation matters require ongoing discussion. The South Canterbury Pylon Group will also be meeting with Transpower's Board in Timaru next week. 

Waste not - The government is considering imposing regulations for the maintenance and inspection of on-site wastewater systems, including septic tanks. Federated Farmers is concerned that councils would be authorised to require property owners to hold a current warrant of fitness confirming that their wastewater system is functioning properly and being maintained to an acceptable standard. A proposed standard has been drafted and is open for submissions. The Ministry for the Environment is currently running a series of workshops to explain the proposed standard. If you are concerned about the standard, you are encouraged to attend a workshop, read the discussion document and get in touch with policy advisor Lionel Hume, 0800 327 646 or lhume@fedfarm.org.nz. Register for a workshop by emailing standards@mfe.govt.nz.

Warm up - National board member, Phil York had a warm reception at the Takapuna Rotary Club this week when he spoke about bridging the divide between city and country. Mr York said there was much sympathy in the room for farmers concerns about the emissions trading scheme and annuity payment for pylons over farm land. Mr York is taking his urban country presentation further with bookings at Pakuranga and Alfriston Rotary Clubs over the next month.

In the news - See Federated Farmers in the news this week.

Economics count - Farmer leaders from Wanganui, Manawatu-Rangitikei, Ruapehu and Tararua met with Fonterra, the Pork Industry Board and Horticulture NZ to discuss what should be included in an economic analysis of the Horizons regional council's One Plan this week. The meeting follows an instruction by the One Plan hearing's commissioners for an in-depth financial analysis. Horizons' proposal sets environmental goals for the next 20 years with the assumption that the cost of achieving enhanced environmental standards is acceptable. Federated Farmers and other submitters on the One Plan questioned whether the impacts of this approach had been fully considered both at a farm level and across the region. Provincial president Andrew Day says it is reassuring to see that the hearings system allows for independent review of council actions. He says environmental standards are important, particularly with intensifying land use, however the costs associated with meeting them must also be considered.

Significant savings - Compelling submissions from Federated Farmers members were heeded by Thames-Coromandel District Council and could result in significant savings for local farmers. Councillors agreed the 0.6 differential for farmers should be retained and capital value rating is a step closer following sign off of the draft policy. The proposal to change from the current land value rating system to capital value rating will now flow through into the council's draft 10-year plan for further public consultation next year. If implemented, it will apply to rates levied from the 2009-2010 financial year. Read more >>

Pest problems - Federated Farmers provincial representatives met with Horizons, to discuss the proposed Regional Pest Animal Management Strategy. Discussion at the meeting raised concerns about the fragmentation of ownership of the possum problem. The Animal Health Board is handing over control to the regional council. At the meeting a number of animals were noted as growing pest problems, these include: the feral cat, peafowl, Canada geese, paradise ducks and rainbow trout.

Green ground - Members of the executive committee of Taranaki Federated Farmers met on Thursday with Green Party MP, Jeanette Fitzsimons and party member Steve Pivac in an attempt to find common ground and to demonstrate the importance of agriculture to New Zealand. Ms Fitzsimons explained briefly the Green Party's policies and acknowledged agriculture as the core of New Zealand's economy. The Green's views on the emissions trading scheme were discussed and Jeanette stated that she expected government to have made a decision on the scheme before the end of next week.  Provincial president, Peter Adamski spoke on how most Taranaki farmers were making great improvements to farm more sustainably. Executive member, Graeme Hight supported this by quoting figures from Taranaki Regional Council on how there had been dramatic improvements in water quality of Taranaki rivers and how sustainable land use in Taranaki is also improving.

Community shares water vision - Communities managing their use of water collaboratively will be critical to the future success of water allocation in Otago. That was the key message to emerge, as the Otago Regional Council held the second of two water forums aimed at refining the region's existing water plan. The council released an draft of the potential changes to the water plan and is seeking feedback. Federated Farmers encourages water users in Otago to make every effort to obtain, read and understand the proposed changes. For a copy of the draft email: dale.meredith@orc.govt.nz

Look after the kids - Farms are great places to bring up children but they are also dangerous places.  Make sure that your child is safe as you go about your work. Farm owners, make sure your employees' children have a safe place to be when both parents are required on the farm. This is especially important for pre-school children when both parents are needed in the milking shed.

Drugged up - Many calls to the Federated Farmers 0800 number are about drug and alcohol related problems. Management of farm workers using drugs and alcohol is a problem for employers nationwide. For advice on other employment matter call 0800-327-646.

Competition

A night away on Accor - Federated Farmers and Accor Hotels are giving members a chance to win a night at the Yacht Club Hotel in Picton. More >>

Special discounts

Business reward - If you want to separate your business and personal credit card spending without missing out on rewards you can do it with Westpac's BusinessPLUS Gold MasterCard, the only business credit card that earns rewards on business spending. For every dollar spent on the card you will earn 1.25 hotpoints, which you can convert vouchers, travel, or to pay your annual Federated Farmers membership fee. And as a special deal, Federated Farmers members don't have to pay the BusinessPLUS annual account fee the first year.

To find out more about special discounts for members call 0800 327 646 or log in the members area for special discounts.

Contracts, agreements and books

Members can purchase Federated Farmers contracts and agreements at a discounted rate. To order click on the link below:

Employment products

Other products and agreements: including: lease; contractor; sales and purchase; agreement to grow; log books; access pads; and Over Dimension Certificates:

Books for sale: Ghosts in the Valley by Richard Steele  and Farming and Subsidies: Debunking the Myths by Brian Chamberlin.

Chainsaw gang - Volunteers with chainsaws are asked to come to the Pohangina Valley in Manawatu on Sunday to help farmers still struggling with the clean up after the recent storm. The meeting place for helpers and farmers is at Camp Rangi Woods in Totara Reserve, Churchill Road, at 10am until 4pm, Sunday 17 August. Those bringing chainsaws will also need to bring safety gear including safety chaps, hearing and eye protection as well as hard hat. Suitable foot wear, clothing and lunch will also be needed. From the meeting point helpers will be assigned to a farm. An unwinding and social function for affected farmers and their families is also being organised for August 31. Anyone wanting to assist farmers in the other severely affected areas or Horowhenua, on another day or would like to provide sponsorship for the social event, contact Sue Wall at Federated Farmers in Palmerston North on 06-357-4026 or after hours Tony Gray 06 328 4575 or Gordon McKellar 06-323-4792.

Volunteers for self-help - The University of Otago's Injury Prevention Research Unit in collaboration with the Australian National University, is carrying out a trial on using the internet to fight depression. A programme has been launched, and 700 people are needed to join a trial testing an online self-help programme. Find out more at www.otago.ac.nz/rid

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.

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: See agenda here.

Organic farmers - Nominations for the 2008 Organic Sector Awards have opened. The awards offer recognition for New Zealand's leading certified organic producers, exporters and enterprises, along with acknowledging the contribution made by individuals involved in the organic sector. Nomination forms are available from: www.oanz.org.nz as well as by phoning 04-890-3769 or emailing:  gavin.middleton@oanz.org.nz.

Quote of the week - Reported widely, notably in the New Zealand Herald's "What mattered this week", was this quote by Federated Farmers president Don Nicolson: "As always when New Zealand farmers are doing well, the New Zealand economy will do well."