Federated Farmers of New Zealand

Widespread rain may have inundated houses, ruined camping trips and caused some business loss, but for many North Island farmers, it’s been a liquid tonic of confidence.

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Federated Farmers believes the largest quarterly increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 22 years challenges the economic track New Zealand is currently on.

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Despite a dry spring leading into December, the Christmas-New Year Holiday period saw some good rainfall around the country, providing some relief to farmers.

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Federated Farmers welcomes the added investment in wool industry research through a new wool research consortium.

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Despite extraordinarily difficult farming conditions, the agricultural sector’s contribution to the export economy has surged in the latest Statistics New Zealand Overseas Merchandise Trade statistics.

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Federated Farmers will defend a fundamental principle of land ownership – the right to exclude access – even if some anglers may have to choose to pay for convenient access.

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Federated Farmers wonders if Natural Dairy (NZ) Holdings bid to secure the 16 former Crafar Farms is at a dead-end, with Ministers, the Hon Maurice Williamson and Hon Kate Wilkinson, backing an Overseas Investment Office (OIO) recommendation to decline the application.

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Federated Farmers welcomes the Government’s announcement today that it will be looking at opening Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) to private sector competition and that levies for 2011 will not increase.

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Federated Farmers and the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association are joining forces to remind hunters and farmers of hunting etiquette.

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Federated Farmers welcomes the weekend’s rain but in the drought declared areas farms will take time to recover even if more rain follows.

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Federated Farmers welcomes the Government’s announcement today that it has begun a long term review of our 111 service and will be pushing to ensure rural response times are given a priority.

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While there has been a 15 percent increase in the number of farms sold in the three months to November 2010, over October 2010, the trade exposed nature of farming is writ large in the latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) figures.

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Federated Farmers have been holding a series of meetings around the country to discuss Fonterra’s new payment system, and the change it will make to sharemilking.

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The first reading of the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Bill is a step towards establishing a costly new bureaucracy impacting lifestylers and farmers alike.

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WAIKATO — Federated Farmers has welcomed the Government’s declaration of a medium scale adverse event across the Waikato region and Ruapehu District.

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After 20 years of wrangling with the Kyoto Protocol, the outlook for a comprehensive world wide carbon emissions solution remains an enigma, as proven by the past weekend’s UN Climate Change Summit in Cancun.

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Federated Farmers is happy to see that the Government is giving Biosecurity a much needed shake up in the Biosecurity Law Reform Bill, but there are some huge holes that still need work.

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Federated Farmers is supporting the Dung Beetle Release Strategy Group’s application to ERMA, to release 11 species of dung beetle in New Zealand.

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Fonterra Cooperative Group lifting its milk price forecast to $6.90 per kilogram of milksolids (kg/MS), is welcome news to dairy farmers.  That said, production from key dairy farming areas is likely to be sharply down due to the spring drought.

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With the Reserve Bank holding interest rates at three percent, Federated Farmers attention has turned to the review of the New Zealand Code of Banking Practice.  The Federation will be advancing two substantial changes to improve the New Zealand Banking Code.

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The new directive letter to the Overseas Investment Office (OIO), issued today by the Finance Minister, the Hon Bill English, is broadly in line with Federated Farmers emerging policy on foreign investment.

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NORTHLAND — Federated Farmers has welcomed the Government’s declaration of a medium scale adverse event in North Auckland and Northland.  This means Northland is now in the clutch of a double drought, with two consecutive dry springs, both in the 2009/10 and the 2010/11 seasons.

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The Fonterra/DairyNZ report Dairy’s role in sustaining New Zealand - the sector’s contribution to the economy, should be placed on the desks of every employee at Treasury and the Ministry of Economic Development (MED).

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With the Government today shortlisting Torotoro Waea, FX Networks/OpenGate and Telecom/Vodafone for the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI), Federated Farmers is laying down its bottom line for what the Initiative should deliver (see attached).

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Federated Farmers is applauding the Government’s decision, to confirm its $30 million annual support for the management of bovine tuberculosis (Tb) until 2015.

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  Federated Farmers is concerned about the dry conditions that are starting to develop around the country.

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Those looking for the ‘next big thing’ to export are advised to look at agriculture, with the sector helping New Zealand towards an actual trade deficit for October, $138 million less than forecast.

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CANTERBURY — Environment Canterbury is showing refreshing leadership for the entire government sector, with its Commissioners aiming to cap next year’s rates take at this year’s amount.

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WEST COAST — Federated Farmers welcomes the announcement that Westland Milk Products has recorded a peak milk flow of 2.77 million litres for the 2010/2011 season, up three percent on last season.

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Federated Farmers is commending the Government for last night’s final reading of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill (No 2) and the Holidays Amendment Bill.

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Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairperson, Bruce Wills, is encouraging farmers to seriously look into Wool Partners Cooperative’s (WPC) proposal, before the offer closes next Tuesday, 30 November.  Mr Wills has himself decided to ‘share-up’ with WPC.

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Federated Farmers Vice-President, Donald Aubrey, will not be attending the Environmental Defence Society (EDS) and Forest & Bird organised ‘symposium’ on the Mackenzie Basin’s future, after being advertised as a keynote speaker well before being asked or even invited.

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Due to biosecurity concerns and to check the potential spread of Psa, Federated Farmers is calling for Kiwifruit ‘artificial pollination’ to be suspended.

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I went to a restaurant and had lunch last week.

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25-years after the world stood on the brink of nuclear war, Federated Farmers is hailing moves to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

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With the close of bids for the $300 million Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI), Federated Farmers is stressing that rural broadband is critical to all New Zealanders.

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Federated Farmers has welcomed NIWA’s Lake water quality in New Zealand 2010: Status and trends report as vindication, albeit grudging, of the work farmers have put in over the past decade.

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Federated Farmers has told the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee considering the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Bill and the Land Transport (Road Safety & Other Matters) Amendment Bill that driver education should be based on structured training and not an arbitrary age.

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With the United States becoming the latest country to abandon emissions trading, Federated Farmers is asking the Government to focus on the efforts of other countries, in the terms of reference for the 2011 review of climate change policies.

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Federated Farmers has brushed off the small number of protestors opposing the International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit 2010, in Auckland today.

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This evening’s confirmation that Fonterra Cooperative Group is standing by its $6.60 per kilogram of milksolids (kg/MS) forecast for the 2010-11 season, comes as major relief for dairy farmers in the wake of the Greenback closing at two year lows against the Kiwi.

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Federated Farmers is backing the Department of Labour’s (DoL) launch of a campaign to raise awareness of quad bike/ATV safety.  The event was launched at the Mystery Creek Events Centre today by the Minister of Labour, the Hon Kate Wilkinson MP.

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TAUPO — Federated Farmers is commending Jason Uden, a Federation member, who is competing in the Taupo Ironman to raise awareness of autism.

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Federated Farmers has told the Savings Working Group that solving New Zealand’s savings and investment problem will not come from slavishly following Australia.  Instead, it needs a root and branch examination of Government spending and tax policy, as well as welfare, savings and capital markets reform.

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Federated Farmers hopes the Reserve Bank will keep the Official Cash Rate on hold with little tradable pressure evident.

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WELLINGTON CITY — Two Scholars will benefit from the 2011 Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust, announced at a function held in Wellington on Tuesday night.  This function was attended by representatives of the organisations that fund the New Zealand Nuffield Scholars and other industry leaders.

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Federated Farmers close to calling for an independent biosecurity conducts authority to be appointed, in order to independently investigate biosecurity incursions and complaints against the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Biosecurity New Zealand.

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WAIRARAPA — The positive face of farming immigration is being celebrated this Labour Weekend, with Federated Farmers Wairarapa provincial president and former New Yorkers, Anders Crofoot and his wife Emily, launching a book about their iconic hill country Castlepoint Station.

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Federated Farmers is looking forward to receiving the detail behind Labour’s newly announced foreign investment policy, as it similarly awaits detail from the Government.

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Federated Farmers is pleased that the Government has decided to look into the Raw Milk Regulations earlier than at first signalled.

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SOUTHLAND — Federated Farmers has not only rejected the serious, but anonymous animal welfare allegations being levelled against it, but is raising serious concerns about the conduct of an internal investigation into the behaviour of Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry (MAF) personnel, from earlier in the year.

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Federated Farmers believes the future of wool will come from turning consumers away from oil-based products by developing breathtaking innovative new uses for wool.

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150 farmers attended the first joint Federated Farmers/Rural Support Trust Southland meeting in Wyndham to help farmers move from the response to the recovery phase.

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The publication of council ‘exit polls’ in Auckland and Christchurch before the 2010 local elections close, may distort results and has Federated Farmers calling for reform.

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The first full week of joint Federated Farmers/Rural Support Trust Southland initiatives has seen a picture of need built, while the second week will see a series of meetings to outline the options farmers have.

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SOUTHLAND — Federated Farmers, along with the Rural Support Trusts, Alliance Group, FMG, PGG Wrightson and CRT delivered about 800 food baskets today to Southlanders affected by the spring snow.

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The headline detail of new rules to guide overseas investment is being welcomed by Federated Farmers.

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Federated Farmers Rural Butchers, following its annual conference in Auckland, is asking for enforcement action be taken against blackmarket backyard butchers.

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SOUTHLAND — Representatives from Federated Farmers, the Rural Support Trusts, Alliance Group, FMG, PGG Wrightson and CRT are heading out to the hardest hit areas in order to see farmers individually.

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SOUTHLAND — As the scale of the event becomes evident, Federated Farmers, together with the Rural Support Trust Southland, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and supportive agribusinesses, are in detailed planning over the weekend.

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SOUTHLAND — Federated Farmers Southland is paying tribute to Jamie Mackintosh and the Southland Stags for their successful Ranfurly Shield defence against Auckland last evening.

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SOUTHLAND — Alliance Group Ltd has initiated the establishment of a relief fund for farmers affected by the severe weather events which have occurred over the past week, especially in the south.

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Federated Farmers has today appeared before the Transport and Industrial Relation Select Committee, submitting in favour of more flexible and more balanced employment laws.

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Federated Farmers Dairy is delighted at the confidence boosting manner in which Fonterra Cooperative Group has strengthened its balance sheet to its strongest ever position.

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SOUTHLAND — The spring storm of 2010 in Southland looks set to surpass the economic loss caused to agriculture by the Canterbury earthquake.

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Federated Farmers believes the Land and Water Forum report is just that, a report and its recommendations to Government, do not set in stone any future policy or actions.

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SOUTHLAND — The narrow but intense weather system that has brought record snow to Southland and heavy rainfall in the Manawatu, has many farmers hoping for a break in the weather.

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Federated Farmers has released its first ever Local Elections Manifesto for aspiring council candidates and local council voters.

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SOUTHLAND — Federated Farmers is joining the overwhelming local support for Solid Energy/Ravensdown’s, proposed lignite to fertiliser plant in Southland.

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CANTERBURY — With 69 silos having failed due to the Canterbury earthquake, Federated Farmers Grain & Seeds is warning of injury or death if damaged silos are not expertly inspected.

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CANTERBURY — The Darfield meeting gives farmers time to take stock while attention moves to practical matters following Saturday’s earthquake.

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CANTERBURY — We need to know who needs help because fatigue is rapidly setting in.

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CANTERBURY — Updates and recent developments.

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CANTERBURY — Updates coming in as to the scale of damage to farm infrastructure.

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CANTERBURY — Update for farmers in North Canterbury.

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CHRISTCHURCH — Can you provide assistance or need assistance? 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING) operative from 0930 am: The Federation’s 0800 FARMING line (0800 327 646) is manned from 0930 am this morning.

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CANTERBURY — Following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake this morning to the West of Christchurch, Federated Farmers is thankful there are only minimal reports of injury.

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MANAWATU-WHANGANUI — Federated Farmers is saddened by the Manawatu River Leaders’ Forum resolving to exclude it from future meetings.

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Federated Farmers appreciates the Government’s innovative approach to the receivership of South Canterbury Finance (SCF) and is seeking clarity from the receivers in respect of revolving credit facilities.

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MANAWATU-WHANGANUI — Following consultation with members of Federated Farmers, the Federation has drafted the ‘Manawatu River People’s Accord’, intended to complement the recently signed ‘Leaders’ Accord’.

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Federated Farmers believes the potential of rural broadband is being underplayed by today’s ‘final proposals’ for the Government’s $300 million rural broadband project.

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CANTERBURY — Federated Farmers High Country remains prepared to help inform Forest & Bird about the realities of farming and conservation in the Mackenzie.

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Federated Farmers Dairy is unsurprised Fonterra Cooperative Group has held its 2010/11 forecast payout “While this is good news it wasn’t unexpected by Federated Farmers,” says Lachlan McKenzie, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.

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Federated Farmers has welcomed today’s $321 million commitment to the dairy and red meat sectors through the Primary Growth Partnership (PGP).

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By Conor English, Chief Executive, Federated Farmers of New Zealand.

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Federated Farmers has welcomed release of the Meat Sector Strategy’s terms of reference by the Meat Industry Association (MIA) and Beef+Lamb NZ.

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INVERCARGILL — Federated Farmers is praising Invercargill City Council for listening to farmers in order to crack a rates impasse that had soured relations between farmers and the City Council.

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Federated Farmers is totally confident in the quality of New Zealand milk.

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MANAWATU-WHANGANUI — Federated Farmers not signing an Accord today, which intends to improve the Manawatu River, is not a hold-out but simply reflects the Accord is yet to be ratified by either of the Federation’s two affected provinces or the National Board.

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Fonterra confirmed today that a strong New Zealand dollar and further drop in international dairy prices meant that the Board would be reviewing the current 2010/11 payout forecast.

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Federated Farmers views Jetstar’s desire to do away with trans-Tasman border controls as short sighted commercial self-interest.

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Federated Farmers welcomes the Communications and Information Technology Minister, the Hon Steven Joyce’s decision to regulate mobile termination access services (MTAS).

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Federated Farmers is disappointed that the Government is extending the pro-competitive triggers built into the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA).

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Federated Farmers is welcoming the Land Information Minister, the Hon Maurice Williamson’s, announcement approving a new system for setting rents for South Island high country pastoral leases.

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