ETS bad news - Federated Farmers president, Don Nicolson has been telling all that will listen this week the emissions trading scheme bill is too rushed and divorced from the real world. The reality is that the ETS will have a significant impact on the New Zealand economy, and likely, little impact on the global environment. Federated Farmers asked all party leaders, including the Minister of Agriculture, to vote against this bill. The record shows that Labour, the Progressive, Green and New Zealand First parties didn't do that. Federated Farmers will remain steadfast in its determination to get some common sense and practical solutions to the mess that this legislation now creates. See more on Fed's ETS campaign and have your say on the ETS »

Debate on NAIT - Federated Farmers has raised a number of issues regarding the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) proposal as outlined in a recently released discussion document from the group overseeing the project. The proposal will have a significant impact on farmers in terms of time, costs and compliance. At this time it is not clear what the cost and benefits of a new system will be compared with the status quo. Read more »

Find out more about the NAIT project and have your say ».

Immigration agreement - Federated Farmers has secured an agreement from officials to help farmers short of staff after a change in the way immigration rules are interpreted. Federated Farmers vice-president, Frank Brenmuhl met with immigration officials last week to discuss problems farmers are having negotiating the immigration system. Members who find themselves in this position should contact Federated Farmers on 0800 327 646.

Nothing like a bit of BIF - Federated Farmers encourages communities and businesses to make the most of a fund that will improve broadband connections in rural areas. The government-initiated $340 million Broadband Investment Fund is now open for applications. Federation spokesman for telecommunications, Donald Aubrey says the Federation has always been a strong supporter of improved communications and information technology infrastructure for the rural community. Applications for the fund close on 30 September. More details and application packages can be found at: www.digitalstrategy.govt.nz

Transport progress - Lobbying by Federated Farmers has resulted in the New Zealand Transport Agency consulting on changes which would see agricultural vehicles exempted from the work time and logbook requirements. The agricultural industry has been struggling to work within impractical rules. Federated Farmers transport spokesman, Donald Aubrey met with the Transport Safety Minister to acknowledge the consulting action. Other issues also talked over at the meeting were the Agricultural Vehicles Guide, driver licensing, stock truck effluent spills and compulsory third party vehicle insurance.

Vote taken - The vote on resolutions proposed by the Meat Industry Action Group in regard to advancing a merger between Alliance Group and Silver Fern Farms Ltd was taken at a special meeting of Alliance Group shareholders today. The poll vote result supported the company position and the resolutions were defeated.

Overseas action - Creating a positive link between city kids and farming was the focus of Federated Farmers staff member and Nuffield scholarship recipient, Ali Undorf-Lay this week. Ali, who is in England currently, met up with Janet Hickinbottom from Farming and Countryside Education (FACE). Ali is looking at how innovative ideas from around the world might be used in New Zealand campaigns. One of the FACE projects is an internet map of farms around England and Wales for children to use for school projects. Janet wants to extend her map to include overseas farm profiles. Show case the New Zealand story by sending photos and a few words about your farm to: janet@face-online.org.uk. Check out farm profiles already mapped. You can also email, aundorflay@fedfarm.org.nz for more information.

Award winner - Federated Farmers congratulates Mitchell Johnston on winning the Federated Farmers of New Zealand prize for 2008. The prize supports a student who has demonstrated academic excellence at Lincoln University in one of either the Bachelor of Commerce, the Bachelor of Agricultural Science or the Bachelor of Agriculture degrees. The $250 book prize is awarded to the student who gains the highest aggregate marks in Principles of Farm Management and Farm Management Analysis and Planning.

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

Dearlove struggle - Federated Farmers leaders Stuart King and Ivan Knyvett from Te Aroha and Matamata, presented to a hearing on the Matamata Piako District Council's proposed plan change that could see a local family lose a fifth of their farm in re-zoning. The controversial land zone change would exclude farming without any compensation to the Dearlove family. With the family, Federated Farmers urged the council to consider an alternative option that was fairer and an equitable resolution for all.

Waikato welcome - Waikato president Stew Wadey welcomed local policy team leader, Paul Le Miere to the Waikato office last week. Stew said he and vice-president Walter Scott took the earliest opportunity to discuss the many issues facing the province.

Commodity prices decline - The ANZ Commodity Price Index declined 3.3 percent in August - the largest monthly decline in the index in seven years. Falling dairy prices were the main cause of the decline with a 7.5 percent fall in international dairy prices being recorded in August. International dairy prices have dropped 18 percent from the peak recorded in November last year. But dairy prices weren't the only commodity to record a fall in prices. Beef and wool also recorded falls. Lamb prices bucked the trend, rising 1.6 percent.

Employment advice

Criminals at work - There is no general rule that an employee who is arrested on a criminal charge and later convicted can be justifiably dismissed. Nor is there a general rule that dismissal will be unjustified if an employee is acquitted of the criminal charge. An employer dealing with an employee suspected of committing a criminal offence is not expected to guess the outcome of a subsequent hearing on the offence. All that the employer has to do is to follow a fair procedure, carry out a full and fair investigation and reach a fair and reasonable decision based on that investigation.

For more advice on the above issue call 0800 327 646.

Sponsor advice

Stop slip-ups - One in seven New Zealanders were injured in the home last year that's more than on the road or in the workplace. Home injuries hospitalise over 36,000 kiwis each year and many of these injuries could be easily avoided by making simple adjustments to the home environment or to your own behaviour. By clearing your garden path of moss or by installing a handrail on stairs, you could prevent a friend, family member or yourself from becoming another statistic. More home safety tips »

Spring bait - After such a wet winter slugs and snails will thrive this spring. Ravensdown reminds you with more rain forecast it's important to use bait that remains active after rainfall. More information »

Competition

Winner - Federated Farmers would like to congratulate Ross Dawson of Papakura, the winner of the "A night away on Accor". Federated Farmers hopes you have a great time in Picton. Read more »

Special discounts

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

Contracts, agreements and books

Members can purchase Federated Farmers contracts and agreements at a discounted rate. To order:

Employment agreements

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

Great reading: Ghosts in the Valley by Richard Steele and Farming and Subsidies: Debunking the Myths by Brian Chamberlin.

Feedback on Sharemilking agreement - Tell Federated Farmers what you think of its sharemilking agreement. Fill out the short online member survey.

Irrigation information - The Irrigation NZ Conference planned for October 2008 will address community interests targeting the benefits of the environmental, community and recreational interests in relation to sustainable economic growth based around efficient and effective water use. The mix of both global and national keynote speakers, panel sessions and workshops will create an environment for knowledge sharing and opportunities for networking and debate. Register online »

Employment seminars - The Federation has secured funding from both MAF's Sustainable Farming Fund and Department of Labour's ERE fund to hold employment seminars around the country. The cost is now only $30 for members. To register for a seminar in October or November call 0800 327 646.

Diary date - The Federated Farmers National Council Meeting will be held in Wellington on the 18 and 19 November 2008, at Te Papa. Further information will be sent to delegates soon.

Membership drive - Send a copy of the Federated Farmers Friday Flash to a non-member. If they join up as a full member, you will both receive $50.

Get paid for signing up members - Federated Farmers is looking for contractors to help grow its membership. Contractor roles are locally based and ideal for someone who has great farming knowledge, knows local people and wants to earn extra money. For more information contact Di Wyllie on 0800 327 646 or email: dwyllie@fedfarm.org.nz.

Quote of the week - I inherited that calm from my father, who was a farmer. You sow, you wait for good or bad weather, you harvest, but working is something you always need to do. Miguel Indurain