Federated Farmers of New Zealand

Federated Farmers is pushing government to recognise the role of bees by boosting biosecurity response and research.

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DUNEDIN — The Otago Regional Stadium, for which contracts were signed last week, is being held up by Federated Farmers as a prime example of how farmers are being farmed by councils for their rates.

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The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) should either be scrapped or substantially amended, the Select Committee reviewing the ETS has been told today by Federated Farmers.

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Federated Farmers is toasting Fonterra’s decision to revise upwards, its forecast payout for the 2008/09 season from $5.10 per kilogram of milksolids (kgMS) announced in late January, to $5.20 per kgMS announced today.

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Federated Farmers has welcomed Telecom’s fibre to the premise proposal designed to meet the Government’s $1.5 billion broadband investment initiative.

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HAWKE'S BAY — “Federated Farmers is committed to helping all drought-stricken Hawke’s Bay farmers through it’s 0800 drought line (0800 376 844),” said Kevin Mitchell, Federated Farmers’ Hawke’s Bay president.

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OTAGO — Federated Farmers is defending the environmental record of Otago’s dairy farmers.

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GISBORNE — Federated Farmers successful 0800 DROUGHT (0800 376 844) line is back matching farmers with feed to sell, with those needing it.

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The population explosion of introduced Canada Geese is seriously impacting New Zealands farmers, waterways and waterfowl due to the irresponsible actions of Fish & Game New Zealand, which has failed its statutory obligation to manage this pest by spreading it to new parts of the country.

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FAIRLIE — Green Party co-leader Dr Russel Norman is to see first hand from Federated Farmers the economic and environmental benefits that water storage projects can offer New Zealand.

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GISBORNE — Federated Farmers has welcomed the Government’s rapid response today, to declare the Gisborne/Wairoa region to be in a small scale adverse event.

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With the world population predicted to rise on the back of increasing living standards in Asia, China and India, and no decrease in the birth rate in the developing world, increasing food production to meet human demand is essential.

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Todays net position report on Kyoto Liabilities, which shows a possible surplus, represents an important reality check for New Zealand.

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The release of provisional health standards for imported pork has got Federated Farmers deeply concerned about the biosecurity precedent this recommendation sets.

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WELLINGTON — Federated Farmers has welcomed the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report, Change in the high country: Environmental stewardship and tenure review.

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WELLINGTON — The destocking of St James Station, the lease of which was purchased by the Crown last year for $40 million, continues apace today at the Canterbury Park sales, where 1,000 ewes and their lambs are being sold.

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“Federated Farmers endorses the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) view that the recent strength of long-term wholesale interest rates is unwarranted and pressure on our productive sector is unwelcome,” says Philip York, Federated Farmers economic spokesperson.

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Federated Farmers is challenging the Government to prove it is committed to rural economic development, after yesterday’s announcement that ultra-fast broadband will be rolled out to 75 percent of New Zealand within the next ten years.

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"The accident involving 30 cows from a farm in the Waikato this morning has served as a timely warning for farmers to ensure their stock are secured at all times," says Federated Farmers Dairy vice-chairman John Bluett.

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WELLINGTON — The recommendation by the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance to create Australasia's largest local authority is a bold step into the future, but urban domination must not impact the viability of farm businesses.

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A new report argues that income redistribution policies should continue to be the responsibility of central government, not councils.

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AUCKLAND — Central government should reject any bigger social role for Auckland local government, said Charles Finny, Chair of the Local Government Forum.

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"The recent resurgence of rabbits threatens New Zealand’s productivity and environment and must be halted as a matter of urgency,” says Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers pest animal management spokesperson.

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“Meat & Wool New Zealand (MWNZ) needs to convince farmers that increasing its levy is both justified and warranted,” says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers meat and fibre spokesperson.

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“Denmark is showing the way for New Zealand to follow on emissions trading by ditching its proposed tax on farm animal emissions,” says Don Nicolson, President of Federated Farmers.

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WELLINGTON — The half-year result for Fonterra Co-operative Group has been welcomed by Federated Farmers as excellent, given the unprecedented negative international trading environment.

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If live sheep shipments resume, Federated Farmers believes the welfare of animals during shipment and afterwards must be the prime consideration.

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“Today’s 150th anniversary of the introduction of bees to New Zealand represents a milestone for the industry in this country,” said John Hartnell, Federated Farmers bee industry group spokesperson.

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“The Government’s draft policy statement on electricity governance opens the door for landowners to be railroaded in the haste to fast-track major electricity projects,” says Federated Farmers President Don Nicolson.

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“The spectre of UK-style colour coded diesel has been avoided by National dumping the previous Government’s proposed Regional Fuel Tax (RFT),” says Don Aubrey, Federated Farmers transport spokesperson.

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“Federated Farmers congratulates the Reserve Bank for its 50 basis points cut to the OCR this morning,” says Don Nicolson, President of Federated Farmers.

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CHRISTCHURCH — “Federated Farmers applauds both Lincoln University and AgResearch.

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“The expansion of the Community Irrigation Fund (CIF) enabling local authorities to apply for rural water storage grants represents a significant boost for New Zealand’s farmers,” says Hugh Ritchie, Federated Farmers water spokesperson.

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Farm overdraft interest rates remain stubbornly high, despite major cuts to the New Zealand Official Cash Rate (OCR) and steep falls in 90 day interest rates.

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“The reported announcement by United States President Barrack Obama that talks on the Trans Pacific Partnership were to be postponed were a significant concern,” Federated Farmers President Don Nicolson said tonight.

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“Fonterra’s proposed new Effluent Improvement System (EIS) has good intentions, but the detail is flawed,” says Lachlan McKenzie, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.

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“The establishment of a National Infrastructure Unit (NIU) is good news for farmers if it can facilitate key infrastructure projects in rural New Zealand,” says Don Nicolson, President of Federated Farmers.

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“Today’s increase in the price of whole milk powder reinforces Federated Farmers prediction that commodity prices may be levelling out,” says Lachlan McKenzie, Federated Farmers dairy chairman.

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“The announcement that formal talks between New Zealand and the Republic of Korea over a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are to begin shortly represents a shot in the arm for New Zealand’s farmers,” says Don Nicolson, President of Federated Farmers.

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“With the conclusion of today’s inaugural Federated Farmers Farm Day, a big thank you goes out to everyone involved in making the event a success,” says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President.

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“Hundreds of families have donned their gumboots today to visit a Federated Farmers Farm Day being held at 25 farms across New Zealand,” says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President.

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Despite the recent heavy weather, all Federated Farmers open farms will be open today with just one postponement in the Bay of Plenty, says Don Nicolson, President of Federated Farmers.

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“The key focus about this jobs summit is to ensure we don’t fall into a trap of creating non-jobs.

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“Given the world needs to eat, the fundamentals are all there for a highly profitable dairy industry.

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“The proposed halving of Vehicle Testing New Zealand’s (VTNZ) Certificate of Fitness (CoF) offsite testing stations throughout New Zealand, will increase traffic congestion and negatively impact the rural economy,” says Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers transport spokesperson.

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“Given the current outlook for dairy commodities, the first meeting this year between Federated Farmers and members of Fonterra’s Board and senior management has taken on even greater importance," says Lachlan McKenzie, Federated Farmers Dairy chairman.

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Since being elected as chairman in June 2008, it has been a very busy and turbulent time.

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Banks need to be clear about which guarantee they are talking about and what it costs when they say it is a reason for higher interest rates than otherwise, Conor English, CEO of Federated Farmers said tonight.

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“With the news that Jeanette Fitzsimons is to resign as the Green Party’s Co-Leader, the Green Party now stands at a crossroads,” says Frank Brenmuhl, Federated Farmers climate change spokesperson.

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“The cherished notion that every New Zealander knows a farmer is now an urban myth and the genesis behind Federated Farmers Farm Day being held this Sunday, 1 March,” says Frank Brenmuhl, Federated Farmers education spokesperson.

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“Federated Farmers invites families to celebrate New Zealand’s International Children’s Day by visiting the country for Federated Farmers Farm Day on 1 March,” says Frank Brenmuhl, Federated Farmers vice president.

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“Federated Farmers applauds the news that New Zealand is to commence negotiations with India for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

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“Talk about bad timing for Meridian.

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“It’s time to find out if local government is prepared to step up to the plate and show leadership by controlling its own costs,” says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President.

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“Today’s fast tracked list of public projects reflects the Government grabbing some low hanging fruit,” says Philip York, Federated Farmers economics and commerce spokesperson.

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A year of lobbying by the Agricultural Transport Forum (ATF) and Federated Farmers has led to the exemption of tractors and agricultural vehicles from the 2007 Land Transport Rule: Work Time and Logbooks.

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Urban dwellers have the chance to visit one of New Zealands largest working farms after the announcement that Landcorps Molesworth Station will host a Federated Farmers Farm Day, says Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers high country spokesperson.

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“Broadly speaking Federated Farmers welcomes the Government’s announcement and supports many of the changes to speed up the RMA process, but feels the discussion document to the much heralded Resource Management Act (Simplify & Streamline) Amendment Bill, is just an okay first stab,” says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President.

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“For urban dwellers looking to discover the country, a big step forward has come with the Federated Farmers Farm Day website going live at midday today,” says Don Nicolson, President of Federated Farmers.

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“The jet of hot steam unleashed last week by Federated Farmers in its bank overdraft survey has won its first result,” says Philip York, Federated Farmers economics and commerce spokesperson.

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The 150 basis point cut will be welcomed by farmers, but only if the banks play ball and pass this large cut onto their business customers, says Philip York, Federated Farmers economics spokesperson.

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The detail behind the latest revised forecast payout figure of $5.10 per kilogram of milksolids (kgMS), for the 2008/09 season, means it will be tough but manageable for well run farm businesses, says Lachlan McKenzie, Federated Farmers Dairy chairman.

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“Cutting the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by a further 100 basis points will bolster farm businesses – but only if the banks play ball,” says Philip York, Federated Farmers economics spokesperson.

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New Zealand’s farm businesses have received only around half of the 150 basis points cut from the Official Cash Rate (OCR) since 4 December.

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“The reintroduction of export subsidies for dairy products by the European Union (EU) is deeply unsettling,” says Philip York, economics and commerce spokesperson for Federated Farmers.

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With 88.6 percent of respondents backing the inland option for Transmission Gully, Federated Farmers has found a way that would all but fund the $1 billion project.

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WAIKATO — Waikato farmers are being reminded they are not allowed to graze stock in designated conservation areas on privately owned land.

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“With the Government’s economic ministers meeting in Wellington this Thursday, Federated Farmers has offered five words of advice, ‘back growth by backing agriculture’,” says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President.

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“Falling New Zealand grain prices may finally be reaching the bottom of the cycle given prices this month,” says Ian Morten, Federated Farmers Grain and Seed chairperson.

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“Federated Farmers wish Ingrid Baynes and her mother, Marg, the best of luck for their world record sheep shearing attempt tomorrow,” says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre spokesperson.

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“What could farmers on the North Island’s east coast do with a smidgen of the water Meridian Energy is currently spilling from its southern lakes?” asks Hugh Ritchie, Federated Farmers water spokesperson.

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“Agribusiness lender Rabobank revealed yesterday that skyrocketing fertiliser prices are finally on the decline,” says Philip York, Federated Farmers economics and commerce spokesperson.

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"The latest 9.3 percent fall in the price of Whole Milk Powder (WMP) on Fonterra’s new internet-based auction highlights the need for an independent review of the auction system,” says Lachlan McKenzie, Federated Farmers Dairy spokesperson.

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“If the proposed compulsory national ID system for livestock isn’t about food assurance and boosting farmer returns, then why on earth is the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry pouring millions of dollars into it?," asked Lachlan McKenzie, Federated Farmers board spokesperson.

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GISBORNE — “Rains in late December have helped relieve the immediate risk of drought in parts of East Coast of the North Island.

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CANTERBURY — “The man who survived for more than 30 hours adrift on a jet ski during Saturday’s hail storm was incredibly lucky, but that storm hit many North Canterbury cropping farmers hard,” says Paul Stackhouse, North Canterbury Federated Farmers Grain and Seed chairman.

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“New Zealand's superb on farm verification standards means we are streets ahead of Australia in terms of sheep meat and other exports into the European Union," said Lachlan McKenzie, Federated Farmers board spokesperson.

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"Fonterra’s warning of a likely revision downwards in the current milksolids forecast payout is not unexpected," says Lachlan McKenzie, Federated Farmers Dairy chairman.

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“Christmas is a great time for relaxation with family and friends but it’s also a very busy period for farmers the length and breadth of New Zealand,” said Federated president, Don Nicolson.

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“Christmas is a great time for relaxation with family and friends but it’s also a very busy for farmers the length and breadth of New Zealand,” said Federated president, Don Nicolson.

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WAIKATO — “The recent rain in the Canterbury region has probably brought a month’s relief from drought here, but the picture is very different in the North Island,” said Frank Brenmuhl, Federated Farmers adverse events spokesperson.

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“Auctions on a falling market could hasten a fall in dairy commodities, but whether it is the catalyst is open for debate.

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“State-led economic tinkering has almost led New Zealand into an economic abyss.

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Federated Farmers will hold the inaugural New Zealand open FARM DAY on more than 25 farms throughout the country at the same time, on the same day, March 1, 2009.

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“Getting the WTO Ministerial Meeting back on track is the single biggest diplomatic priority for New Zealand right now.

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“If there is one magic bullet guaranteed to transform the New Zealand economy it is water storage,” says Federated Farmers water spokesperson, Hugh Ritchie.

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BANKS PENINSULA — The award of $35,000 costs to Federated Farmers from Environment Canterbury (Canterbury Regional Council), signals the end of an 11 year fight for the right to farm in Banks Peninsula.

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Federated Farmers is backing the proposed 90-day probation period for new employees announced in yesterday’s speech from the Throne.

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Federated Farmers is encouraged by a new government that values the real builders of the economy and seeks to serve those builders, vice-president, Frank Brenmuhl said today after the new government gave its Speech from the Throne.

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“New Zealand must ensure its world leadership in low emission farming is reflected in the next phase of Kyoto and the policies that follow,” said Don Nicolson, Federated Farmer’s president and trade spokesperson.

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Federated Farmers told the One Plan hearing panel in Palmerston North today that farmers had been hopeful, but were disappointed with Horizons’ unwillingness to comprise on the Land Chapter of the plan.

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Federated Farmers has thanked Dr Bollard for listening to New Zealand’s farmers in cutting the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 150 basis points to five percent this morning.

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TAUPO — Federated Farmers has confirmed it will not be lodging an appeal in the High Court challenging the recent Environment Court decision on Environment Waikato’s “Lake Taupo Variation”, Variation 5 to the Waikato Regional Plan.

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PALMERSTON NORTH — Federated Farmers told the One Plan hearing panel in Palmerston North on Monday December 1 that contents of the proposed plan and a number of rules will restrict normal farming activities.

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Federated Farmers is calling on the Reserve Bank to cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR) this Thursday by 150 basis points or 1.5 percent.

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WELLINGTON — Charles Finny has been elected Chairman of the Local Government Forum, a grouping of business organisations with a key interest promoting efficiency in local government.

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CANTERBURY — Federated Farmers has welcomed release of The compliance status of dairy shed effluent discharges to land in the Canterbury region for the 2007/08 season, by Environment Canterbury (ECan).

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Oil seed rape or canola growers are being encouraged by Federated Farmers Grains chairman Ian Morten to adhere to the principles of a ‘Seed Crop Isolation Distance Mapping Scheme’.

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“New Zealand will be bound for the top half of the OECD if the Doha trade round can be completed successfully,” said the president of Federated Farmers, Don Nicolson, in response to the positive noises emanating from the APEC summit in Peru.

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Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre Chair, Bruce Wills, has expressed deep concern at the collapse in lamb numbers to 27.3 million; 4.7 million or 15% less than last spring.

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