One Plan disappointment - Farmers had been hopeful, but had been disappointed with Horizons Regional Council's unwillingness to comprise on the Land Chapter of One Plan, Ruapehu president, Lyn Neeson told the hearing panel in Palmerston North today. She said it is entirely in landowners best interest to manage their land sustainably. Read more » 

Taupo decision not to be appealed - Federated Farmers is not appealing the Environment Court decision on Environment Waikato's "Lake Taupo Variation". Federated Farmers senior policy advisors reviewed the decision alongside senior legal counsel. The legal advice is that an appeal to the High Court, while possible, would be unlikely to succeed. Even if it was successful, it would be unlikely to result in any significant change to the Variation. The Federation reluctantly accepted that advice. President Don Nicolson says the Lake Taupo decision shows the sustainability ethic in the Resource Management Act has become inherently imbalanced. The case also highlights the Federation's concern that farmers are being adversely impacted by planning provisions without compensation. Ruapehu and Rotorua/Taupo presidents, Lyn Neeson and Gifford McFadden, expressed deep concern for affected farmers. A meeting with those members is being held on Tuesday, 16 December. Federated Farmers is now providing direct policy support in caucusing with Environment Waikato to limit individual effects of Variation 5. Read more » 

Thank you Dr Bollard. Now the banks - Federated Farmers thanked Dr Bollard for listening to New Zealand's farmers in cutting the Official Cash Rate by 150 basis points to five percent Thursday. Philip York was extensively quoted asking when financial institutions will pass on the 3.25 percent the Reserve Bank has cut from the OCR since July, to businesses and farmers.  Read more » 

Farm leaders make the news - This week saw the last leadership course for 2008 finish with attendees making their own news.  Dairy vice-president, John Bluett, suggested to communications staff the difference between the OCR cut and overdraft interest rates would be a good release. John backed this up by being interviewed on Radio New Zealand Friday for the main news bulletin as well as sending many a media call to economics spokesperson, Philip York. The GM Strategic Communications, David Broome used talkback radio to provide practical media training. Bay of Plenty vice-chairman, Steve Bailey, performed flawlessly talking with ZB's Danny Watson about the OCR cut and what that meant for farmers. These courses provide practical leadership skills such as running effective meetings, dealing with group conflict and speaking persuasively. Speak to your provincial president about getting on one for next year. 

Waiting for water - Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairman, Bruce Wills, was interviewed live on TVNZ 7 this Thursday from a parched Hawke's Bay. With rainfall at its lowest level for this time of the year since 1914, there is concern drought might be reappearing. Bruce made a strong case for water storage. 

Concerns over One Plan living heritage rules - Federated Farmers told the One Plan hearing panel in Palmerston North on Monday that contents of its proposed plan and a number of rules will restrict normal farming activities. Wanganui president, Brian Doughty, told the hearing that Federated Farmers is concerned farming practices will be restricted due to rules which could be applied to biological diversity, including: indigenous vegetation, swamps, tussock lands and natural springs. Federated Farmers asked that individual assessments should be made in consultation with affected landowners, rather than blanket restrictions being imposed. Read more »

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

Bridging the divide - If you have ever thought about hosting a public open day on your farm to help bridge the rural - urban divide look no further than Farm Day 2009. 24 provincial field days will be held on Sunday March 1, 2009 from 10am to 3pm. The open farm day encourages non-farming people to experience the country. Farm Day is about re-connecting city folk to farm life. It will be fun, friendly and packed full of interesting activities.  Federated Farmers anticipates media releases will be issued next week from a provincial and national angle. Enthusiastic local quotes have been provided by John Sanford, Gordon McKellar, Chris Sundstrum, Kevin Mitchell, Denis Anderson, Anders Crofoot, Phil York and David Rose. If you want to be part of this day by hosting a farm visit or helping out on another farm, contact your provincial president or Ali Undorf-Lay, provincial support coordinator 0800 327 646, email: aundorflay@fedfarm.org.nz. 

In the poo - The Waitomo District Council closed submissions Thursday on its "Draft Public Places Bylaw". Federated Farmers submitted on the bylaw as it included provisions for stock movement on roads. Federated Farmers pointed out to council that requiring people to remove horse manure from all roads is not only hazardous for traffic but it is hazardous for the rider and rather inconvenient. Federated Farmers also asked that animal effluent falling onto roads be removed ‘as far as practicable' rather than ‘in its entirety'. 

Kaikoura District to be abolished? - People love the whales, but is Kaikoura District Council to be harpooned? That was the question North Canterbury president, Chris Sundstrum, and senior policy advisor, Sonia Voldseth, faced up to when presenting to a Local Government Commission hearing in Kaikoura on Tuesday. The Commission heard evidence put forward by several ratepayers calling for the council to be abolished and merged with the Hurunui District. Federated Farmers told the Commission that more information about rural representation and the financial implications for ratepayers in both districts was needed, before any decision was made.  Federated Farmers says the starting point for debate on this proposal should be its potential to contribute to good local government outcomes in both districts. The Federation asked the Commission to conduct an in-depth costs and benefits analysis as well as seeking further submissions based on that information. 

Commodity prices weaken in November - Commodity prices fell 7.2 percent in November according to the ANZ Commodity Price Index. This is the fourth successive monthly drop in commodity prices, and equates to a 21 percent cumulative fall since July. Double-digit declines (all between 12 and 13 percent) were recorded for beef, wool and dairy. Lamb recorded a lift in prices in November, rising 4.3 percent:

• Beef prices dropped to a 4½ year low.
• Wool dropped to a 6½ year low. 
• Dairy prices have tumbled for the third consecutive month. One year ago international dairy prices were at an all time high. Twelve months later and the dairy prices have fallen 43 percent.
• Lamb prices have been insulated from falling commodity prices, with wholesale lamb prices in the United Kingdom hitting a 30 month high in November. However, this peak may be short-lived, as the latest weekly prices have since declined.

The ANZ New Zealand Dollar Commodity Price Index recorded a 1.8 percent fall in the month of November. This means that although the currency depreciated this month, it failed to match the drop in value of commodities. Looking at the overall level of NZD prices over the past few months, it is clear that a weaker currency is acting as a buffer to falling commodity prices.

Employment advice

Harassment in the workplace - A recent case at the Employment Relations Authority highlights the importance of employers following up on accusations of harassment. The employee who alleged that she was bullied by the foreman raised the issue with the management but the manager did not take action to stop the bullying. Although the man denied bullying, the evidence given by a witness as the hearing stated differently. The employee who alleged that she was bullied resigned and lodged a personal grievance for constructive dismissal, in other words that her employer had failed to address her concerns and so she had to resign. The employee was awarded $7,500 for her disadvantage grievance, $12,000 for unjustified dismissal and $13,000 gross as a contribution to lost wages. For employment advice contact Federated Farmers 0800 327 646.

Training

Estate planning - Learn how do you grow and protect the farm asset in the present, and plan for the ultimate transfer of the farm business and associated assets to the next generation in the future. Federated Farmers of New Zealand and Guardian Trust are hosting informative, question-and-answer style estate planning seminars that will provide you with a valuable introduction to the topic from their experienced and knowledgeable estate planning experts. The cost to members is only $40. To find out when there is one in your area or to register for a seminar in February or March call 0800 327 646 or visit Federated Farmers' website.

Special Discounts

Telecom - Will launch its new mobile network in June 2009 and will offer a wide new range of world-leading handsets. These offer enhanced roaming coverage when travelling overseas. For more information, visit: www.telecom.co.nz/newnetwork .

The Country Channel - Sky has launched a new channel for the rural sector on channel 99. The Channel runs a six hour programme block daily and includes local and overseas material. The key local programme - Farmgate is scheduled to screen at the most appealing times for farmers, 7.30am, 1.30pm and 7.30pm. Farmgate includes daily segments on rural news and weather presented by Mark Leishman as well as a financial and market report and a rural newsmakers segment with Jon Stewart. Each week is a series of segments including: the Federated Farmers report, an extended weather outlook and The Bull Pen, where Phillipa Stevenson chews the cud with other rural journalists. The Country Channel website is updated daily and after being screened ‘Free to Air' in the month of October, it is now subject to a $14.50 per month subscription which is fully tax deductible for businesses. 

To find out more about other special discounts for members call 0800 327 646 or log in the members area of  Federated Farmers website.

Contracts and agreements

Contracts and agreements - Members can purchase Federated Farmers contracts and agreements online. Read more »

Books - order now », e-books - order now », branded clothing - order now » 

Federated Farmers Goats Conference - A reminder that registrations for the Federated Farmers/Mohair NZ Conference being held in Melbourne close on Monday 15 December. Yes just 10 days time. Return your forms to the Federation's Dunedin office. The conference will take place on 17-18 February with an optional four-day tour to the Australasian Goat Show in Horsham  on 19 to 22 February. Full details, including registration forms, can be found at on the goats section of Federated Farmers website. 

No Federation Christmas card this year -  Federated Farmers is making a donation to the Rural Communities Trust in lieu of cards. Formed in 1982, the Trust helps people in rural communities whose lives are impacted by rural isolation. If you wish to also make a donation call 0800 327 646.

Christmas hours - The Federated Farmers 0800 advice-line will be closed between Friday 24 December 2008 and Monday 5 January 2009.  An emergency contact number will however be listed on the 0800 line over this period.

Traceability meetings - National Animal Identification and Traceability public meetings give farmers an opportunity to see how the NAIT concept will work, hear where the project is at and discuss any concerns. Upcoming meetings:

8 December, 1pm-2.30pm, Wairakei Community Hall, 2 Kauri Drive, Wairakei, Taupo.

9 December, 1pm-2.30pm, Wintec Tiroa House, Taupiri Street, Te Kuiti.

12 December, 1pm-2.30pm, Kereone Rugby club, Campbell Park, Thames Street, Morrinsville. 

Meat & Wool directorships - Meat & Fibre chairman Bruce Wills prompts members wanting to contribute to industry good activities that they now have the opportunity with nominations being sought for Meat & Wool New Zealand. There are two director positions open for the Northern North Island and Northern South Island electorates. Nominations close at 5pm Monday 12 January 2009. Nominations must be received on the official form that can be obtained from Warwick Lampp, 0508 666 336. 

Statistics New Zealand energy use survey - This survey will take place in March 2009 and aims to collect information energy use from the primary industries, including agriculture, fishing, mining and forestry. Other industries will be surveyed in following years. It aims to fill current gaps in the information held about the energy use in New Zealand. This information is used by government, business and private citizens to inform planning and decision making related to energy consumption. Responses are kept strictly confidential.For further inquiries please contact Martin Brown-Santirso at info@stats.govt.nz

Quote of the week - "I'm not allowed to say how many planes joined the raid, but I counted them all out and I counted them all back."  Brian Hanrahan reporting off the Falkland's in 1982 and strangely applicable to NAIT.